Lin Dan (CHN) 2 (21-19, 16-21, 21-19) 1 Viktor Axelsen (DEN)

Olympic champion 2 times Lin Dan (BWF world ranking No. 5) from China and Viktor Axelsen, the champion of Swiss Open 2014 (BWF world ranking No. 7) from Denmark met face to face in a thrilling match which attracted a lot of audience's attention at Tokyo Gymnasium today. Head to head was 1-1.

In the first game, at the start Lin made 2 points, but Viktor made a significance progress including 5 consecutive points and was leading with 10-11 at the interval. The 21 years old Viktor with his effective net skill and cross smashes once made Lin in trouble and left behind with 11-14 before he caught up the score and levelled at tied 15-15. Two consecutive points were made by Viktor, and both of the players then alternately led the game. The last point of the first game was earned by Lin with a great effort as the tenacious Viktor showed an amazing defense before Lin finished it with 21-19.

In the second game, Viktor was also leading its first half and made Lin left behind with 3-11 after earned 6 and 4 consecutive points. Lin tried to catch up, but when it was 10-13, dissatisfied by serve judge's decision, Lin made a joke by tumbling down to the floor. This made him received a yellow card, as the umpire accused him with misconduct that delayed the game. But Lin kept struggling to reverse the situation and he made 13-13, 15-15, and then his patience and persistence paid off, as he finished the second game with 21-19.

Regarding his defeat, Viktor explained that he has done his best, but his opponent played in a very clever way with only few unforced errors.

During interview at press conference Lin said that at the second game, from score 15-15 up to the end was his best play in this tournament today. Lin also expressed his joy to be here at press conference after 9 years without any significant result at Yonex Open Japan, and believes that his achievement today can make Yonex happy since he made a contract with this company, besides he will be able to get the qualification point needed to represent China for Olympic 2016. Olympic is not his last goal, as he will come to join Yonex Open Japan next year.

Information from YONEX OPEN JAPAN 2015

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Lin Dan (CHN) 2 (21-17, 21-17) 0 Tommy Sugiarto (INA)

From the beginning to end, Lin concentrated on his play. Every his shot was accurate and plunge the opponent. There was big difference in score. Both player earned points one after another, but most of rallies was leading by Lin. Tommy's patient defensive move helped fighting back opponent's placement shot. However, Lin earned points by his dynamic smash. Then Lin closed the first set by 21-17.

In the second set, the situation didn't change. Tommy fought back Lin, but any his shot can be decisive shot. Tommy looked like feeling a growing frustration. Lin had a lead through this set and won the match 21-17. At the mixed zone, Lin said he tried to stay calm through the match. Tommy said Lin prepared more than him, and it was reason why he was defeated by Lin. Also he reviewed that there is no difference between this match and last meeting in Indonesia Open 2015.

Women's Singles

Nozomi Okuhara (JPN) 2 (21-12, 14-21, 21-19) 1 Tai Tzu Ying (TPE)

In the first game, Okuhara played very stable and continued leading the game to 21-12.

While on the second game, there was no big difference in score as both players trying to earn point one after another. Okuhara did several unforced errors and Tai beautifully took the chance and asserted her own game. On the deciding game, although long rallies were continued, Okuhara was able to get back her pace again. Without losing her concentration, the Japanese player tried her cross-courts strategy and wonderfully turned the game to her pace. Tai attempted to attack and almost caught up with the score at 19-20, but Okuahara stayed persistent on her pace and won the game. For Okuhara, she had never won her game to Tai before so she gave out all she has on today's game. Tai on the other hand, could always positively feel Okuhara's desire to win on her every game.

Information from YONEX OPEN JAPAN 2015