BIMANTARA CUP 2010: Ratchanok, Axelsen rule in Guadalajara
News 1:54 PM
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and Thailand’s Ratchanok Inthanon share some common traits – both are fighters, both have been crowned 2010 World Junior champions. Despite their wins, both will not qualify for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August.
At 15 and 16 years old respectively both Ratchanok, the winner of the women’s singles title, and Axelsen, don’t meet the age criteria to play in Singapore.
Despite the disappointment, both players were looking at the bigger picture. 
During the match, Axelsen demonstrated courage, passion and dedication while connecting with the audience who in turn responded to his charisma.
At match point, he motioned the audience to support him with their claps and cheers. When it was over, he threw his racquet to the audience as a symbol of his appreciation.
China and South Korea played the last final of the day in the mixed doubles category, where Liu Cheng-Bao Yixin dominated play to score a 21-15, 21-15 win over Kang Ji Wook-Choy Hye In.
“Kah Ming is a different type of player compared to Khong Heng but I am happy that the outcome is still the same.”
“This is my last World Junior Championships and it is a great way to end it with a gold medal,” said Ow.
In Malaysia last year, Ow partnered Chooi Kah Ming to win the men’s doubles title.
In the men’s doubles final, Ow Yao Han bagged his second World Junior gold medal in his young career when he partnered Yew Khong Heng to beat compatriots Teo Ee Yi-Nelson Heg 21-18, 21-15.
In other matches, China’s Bao Yinxin and Ou Dongni snatched the title from compatriots Xia Huan and Tang Jinhua who were the top seeds. Yinxin and Dogni beat their teammates 21-13, 21-18.
“I also want to improve my world rankings. I am currently at No 55 but I want to break into the top 10.”
“It is unfortunate and disappointing but there is the London 2012 Olympic Games to look forward to, and that is my goal,” said Ratchanok.
But Ratchanok too will not feature in Singapore.
In the women’s singles final, Ratchanok successfully defended the title she won last year when she beat Japan’s Matsutomo Misaki 21-13, 16-21, 21-10.
“It was more a dream than a reality to win the championships but I am delighted with my performance and hope to build on this success.”
“I really cannot believe that I’ve won the title. And to become the first European to do so is even more meaningful,” said Axelsen who trains in Odense under the guidance of Lennart Engler.
The Dane surprised everybody by defeating China’s top seed and grabbed the spotlight, deservingly, when he beat South Korea’s Kang Jik Wook Kang 21-19, 21-10 in emphatic fashion.
And as the first ever European player to win the World Junior Championships men’s singles title, Axelsen just wants to soak in the victory at this point in time.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 1:54 PM.
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