European Games 2023: Carolina Marin and Viktor Axelsen storm into quarter-finals
Once again, the two Olympic champions showcased their dominance with the Dane having yet to lose a single game in the competition.
Badminton
Olympic badminton champions Carolina Marin and Viktor Axelsen have moved one step closer to retaining their European titles as they both claimed commanding victories in the round of 16 at the European Games in Krakow, Poland on Thursday (29 June).
Rio 2016 gold medallist Marin faced world number 216 Kim Schmidt of Luxembourg. The three-time world champion displayed her superiority, defeating Schmidt with a score of 21-9, 21-12. Marin's next opponent in the quarter-final wil be Estonia's Kristin Kuuba, ranked 48th in the world.
In the men's singles, reigning Olympic champion Axelsen demonstrated a similar dominance in his round of 16 clash against world number 32 Nhat Nguyen of Ireland. The 29-year-old Dane secured another straight-game win, triumphing over the Irishman with a score of 21-8, 21-13. Axelsen has yet to drop a game in the competition.
Axelsen will next face Finland’s Kalle Koljonen, who is currently ranked 68th on the BWF World Ranking.
The European Games count towards the BWF World Ranking and contribute to the qualification for Paris 2024. The women’s and men’s singles finals will take place on Sunday.