Viktor Axelsen comes of age this season

Viktor Axelsen has proved he is a quick learner

 Denmark's Viktor Axelsen who finished runners-up at the Dubai superseries men's singles final, has come of age this season.
Axelsen, 21, the gentle Odense-born giant who stands 6ft 5in tall, is as athletic and talented as the other new generation of youngsters who are on the threshold of success today.
Beating Chen Long the two time world champion and the defending champion in Dubai, in the semis on Saturday night, was considered an 'impossibility' going by current form, but that is what exactly happened on an eventful night at the Hamdan Sports Complex.
The Japan, Australian and Indian opens of the BWF calendar this year saw Axelsen go down in three grueling sets in the finals, the base from which he was able to accumulate enough points to finish in the top five of the eight qualifiers in the race to the $1 million Dubai year-ender. Chen had beaten the Dane in the 2015 open Down Under.
The chances of Axelsen, the first ever European world junior champion (2010), 'ruling the world' like the previous superstars from his country are bright, considering his age. That he is a quick learner goes by the fact that he has taken serious steps already to learn Mandarin with a view to the future including maybe a coaching career in Asia after his playing days.
When speaking to Khaleej Times, Axelsen said: "Mandarin, well as of now it needs a lot more of effort to come to terms with the basics, but I am learning from the mistakes and the fun when people from China and reporters have had with me when I make an attempt at speaking 'properly' but I know that I am on my way."
On his way he certainly is, especially with his approach to the game this year. His court coverage and anticipation basically look like Chen at his best, but he has more poise and grace making seasoned opponents look like novices on the court.
The first set against Chen on Saturday went easily to Axelsen (21-12) not because Chen made unforced errors. Shrugging off an injury scare when going for a forehand stretch drop at the net when the tall young man's right ankle nearly twisted inwards, he somehow recovered quickly to go on to earn a point there too.
Such was his command against the 'emperor' that the longest and best rally at 9all in the crucial second set, saw Chen after losing the point, in total discomfort from the way he reacted facially immediately afterwards. A rare sight when the Chinese plays these days. After Axelsen zeroed in from 18-17 to 21-17 in the set, he just did not believe what had happened, and he ran around the court like a schoolboy after getting a surprise gift.
"This is the best thing to have happened to my badminton career, so far. A night to remember no doubt. No big titles but overall 2015 has been a good year. Closes misses but learning to live with reality and learning how to survive the scares and nightmares after coming close to the crowns on four occasions have taught me big lessons," said Axelsen.
"I did slip in the opening set but somehow was lucky to come out without injury tonight (Saturday). Beating Chen in a very big tournament like this is a dream for any aspiring player and this must be another phase in my life that will make my badminton path even more colourful," added Axelsen, "The narrow losses to Chen and the others in the four finals this year were painful but this one turned out to be different and sweet in the end. I know there is more to come in terms of chances and finals but Dubai will always be part of my highlights list."
moni@khaleejtimes.com