Viktor Axelsen tests positive for Covid ahead of final to hand Antonsen the European title
Reigning champion Viktor Axelsen unable to contest final after second positive Covid-19 test in Kyiv, fellow Dane Anders Antonsen crowned champion
Badminton
Reigning European champion Viktor Axelsen from Denmark confirmed on Sunday (2nd May) that he had tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the final at the 2021 European Championships in Kyiv.
As a result, the Dane is unable to take to the court for the men's singles final, where he was due to meet Anders Antonsen, thus handing the title over to his compatriot by a walkover.
Axelsen, who shared that he hadn't experienced any symptoms of the coronavirus, expressed his disappointment about not being able to defend his crown, and will remain in quarantine in his hotel room in line with protocols in place.
"I'm obviously not in a good mood right now as I'd been looking forward to play the final... Congratulation to AA on the gold medal and thanks for all your support." - Viktor Axelsen on social media.
The Rio 2016 bronze medallist added that he is also further disappointed that he will now not be able to return home to see his fiancé and newborn baby for another two weeks, but acknowledges the circumstances of playing tournaments during the pandemic restrictions.
"These are the conditions we have to play under in these times, where isolation and quarantine is a risk that we know is present when we take part." - Viktor Axelsen to Badminton Europe
Three positive cases at European Championship finals.
German doubles player Mark Lamsfuss has also tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the final day in Ukraine.
Lamfuss was meant to contest the men’s doubles final with Marvin Seidel, but the pair had to concede the title to third seeds, Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov. It's the second European honours for the men from Russia who also won the title in 2014.
“I'm very disappointed and sad about it. We were in top form and we would have won the gold medal today” - Mark Lamsfuss to Badminton Europe.
Seidel, as well as Lamsfuss’ mixed doubles parter, Isabel Herrttrich, are both isolating for being close contacts.
Apart from the two other players, one umpire has also tested positive in Kyiv and is also currently following protocol by isolating in their hotel room.
The remaining finals taking place on Sunday included Co