Vitidsarn has the measure of Axelsen, scripts a memorable triumph

Se-young raises her game to bounce back and stun Yamaguchi for the women’s crown

The challengers rose to the occasion and tamed the top seeds to emerge champions. 

The talented Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and An Se-young of Korea asserted their tenacity as they beat the reigning World champions to bag the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively in the $900,000 Yonex Sunrise India Open at the KD Jadhav Hall on Sunday.

For the excited fans who packed the stands, it was high-quality entertainment that compensated for the two walkovers in the women’s and mixed doubles finals, as the Chinese fell sick.

It was a dream come true for the three-time World junior champion, the 21-year-old Kunlavut to beat the World and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen 22-20, 10-21, 21-12.

The outrageously talented Kunlavut, who swung the racquet behind his back and between his legs to unleash some stunning shots, did not get carried away, and played purposefully in the decider.

In contrast, Axelsen looked resigned to his fate as he hurtled to defeat, hurrying many shots to the net from 10-12 in the third game.

The towering Axelsen graciously walked under the net to congratulate the champion who was celebrating on an emotional high. Axelsen had beaten the Thai in three finals, including the World Championship. The winner pocketed $59,500 and the runner-up $28,900.