Chinese badminton star Chen Long powered into the Malaysia Masters final after easily beating defending champion Viktor Axelsen 21-13, 21-18 Saturday to set up a showdown against South Korea's Son Wan-ho.
Chen, seeded third in the tournament, was dominant from the outset, forcing his Danish opponent into deep pockets of the court as he dominated in the first game.
Axelsen tried to comeback in the second game, but was clearly troubled by a left knee injury that he suffered in his quarter-final win Friday, leaving Chen to cruise to victory.
"I can see that he was clearly struggling on court. After the win, I asked him if he was alright and he told me he needs to get his knee checked," Chen said.
"I'm happy to have made my first final of the year. Sunday's affair against Son will be a 50/50 encounter. I know his game well as we are both from the same generation."
Results (x denotes seeding)
Men's singles
Chen Long (CHNx3) bt Viktor Axelsen (DENx5) 21-13, 21-18 Son Wan-ho (KORx4) walkover Liew Daren (MAS) Women's singles Ratchanok Intanon (THAx6) bt Goh Jin Wei (MAS) 21-16, 21-16 Carolina Marin (ESPx4) bt Saina Nehwal (INDx7) 21-16, 21-13
Men's doubles
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (INAx1) bt Goh V. Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) 21-18, 24-22 Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi (MAS) bt Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (MAS) 21-6, 18-21, 21-19