European Games 2023: Viktor Axelsen and Carolina Marin breeze into round of 16
The two Olympic champions won their three group stage matches to progress. Second seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark suffered a shock exit.
Badminton
Defending European badminton champions Viktor Axelsen and Carolina Marin have advanced to the round of 16 at the 2023 European Games after winning their final group matches in straight games in Krakow, Poland on Wednesday (28 June).
World number one Axelsen defeated Dominik Kwinta of Poland 21-9, 21-9. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion has yet to lose a game in the competition. The 29-year-old Dane had previously beaten Giovanni Toti of Italy and Romania’s Teodor Cioroboiu in the group stage at the European Games.
Elsewhere in the men’s singles, last year's silver medallist Anders Antonsen crashed out of the tournament after losing to Finish shuttler Kalle Koljonen and Sweden's Felix Burestedt, both of whom are ranked outside the top 60.
Spain's badminton star Marin claimed her third consecutive victory as she defeated Israel’s Ksenia Polikarpova 21-15, 21-8. The three-time world champion faced some difficulties in her opening match against Jenjira Stadelmann of Switzerland. Although the 2016 Olympic champion gave away the second game, she regained her composure to win the match 21-10, 19-21, 21-13.
The draw for the round of 16 will take place later on Wednesday. The event count towards the BWF World Ranking and also contributes to qualification for Paris 2024.
The women’s and men’s singles finals be played on Sunday. The European Games also serve as the 2023 European Badminton Championships.