Viktor keeps his duel over Lee under wraps

CHENGDU: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen does not only want to spill coffee – but anything to do with Lee Zii Jia.

The coffee-lover chose to limit his comments on Zii Jia when asked about their expected duel when Malaysia take on Denmark in a mouth-watering battle in a final Group D tie of the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu tomorrow.

Axelsen admits the match will be tough but didn’t want to go further than that.

“I’ve not really thought about that (match-up against Zii Jia) but no matter what, it will be a tough match,” he said.

The world No. 1 has a better record against the Malaysian, having won five of their last eight meetings.

Yesterday, Axelsen survived a huge scare when he was pushed hard by world No. 15 Lee Cheuk Yiu before he prevailed 21-14, 18-21, 21-19 in a pulsating first singles match in Group D at the Hi-Tech Sports Center.

Denmark went on to beat Hong Kong 5-0.

It was far from the ideal preparation for Axelsen before a huge clash against Zii Jia but the Olympic champion was just relieved to come through the close call.

“Cheuk Yiu is a hard attacking and skilful player and every time you play him, it’s really tough, especially in windy conditions,” said Axelsen.

“It’s going to be exciting against Malaysia next. It’s always a pleasure to play against them, so I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

The Dane is used to the pressure of playing in the first singles and has vowed to do everything he can to help his team go as far as possible in the tournament.

“There’s always pressure but a little bit extra in the Thomas Cup,” he said.

“You want to win for the team and even if you lose, you want to give some energy to the team.

“I’m always showing that no matter what, I’m always there to do my best for my country and the team and this time’s no different.”

Axelsen, who was part of the team that captured the title in 2016 in Kunshan, China believes that the current team are capable of another successful outing.

“We have a great team with some of the guys that won the title in 2016 here,” said Axelsen.

“We have experienced and a few younger players, so all in all we have a good team dynamic.”