India Open 2025: Olympic Champions Viktor Axelsen and An Se Young Secure Singles Titles

New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and An Se Young from South Korea, both champions of the Paris Olympics, achieved remarkable victories, securing the titles in the men's and women's singles at the India Open 2025 held at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall on Sunday.

Axelsen, competing in his sixth final of the India Open over the last decade, triumphed over Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu with a score of 21-16, 21-8, marking his third victory in the men's singles of the India Open. Meanwhile, An Se Young faced minimal resistance from Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong, winning decisively with scores of 21-12, 21-9 in the women's singles.

In the doubles events, the unseeded Japanese duo of Arisa Igarashi and Ayaka Sakuramoto concluded their impressive run by defeating South Korea's Kim Hye Jang and Kong Hee Young with a score of 21-15, 21-13 in the women's doubles final. This marked only their third tournament together, with Igarashi successfully transitioning from mixed doubles to women's doubles.

Conversely, the second-seeded Chinese pair of Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin halted the journey of the unseeded French team of Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue with a close win of 21-18, 21-17 in the mixed doubles final.

In the men's doubles, Malaysian pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin overcame South Korea's Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae with a scoreline of 21-15, 13-21, 21-16, in the only match that required a deciding game.

Despite An Se Young's dominance in the women's singles, the men's singles final was anticipated to be closely contested after Axelsen's previous loss to Lee in the opening round of the Malaysian Open last week. Axelsen encountered a rocky start, trailing 2-6, but found his rhythm and began executing powerful smashes. Lee attempted to exploit Axelsen's backhand but began to falter as Axelsen started returning his attacks effectively. After clinching the first game, Axelsen easily captured the second, earning a prize of 66,500 USD and 11,000 ranking points.

“After this week, I feel my motivation is returning. I had been battling injuries since the Olympics. This week was mentally and game-wise inconsistent for me, but I am glad I fought hard to win the title,” commented Axelsen, expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic support from fans throughout the tournament.

The women's singles final was also decidedly one-sided, with Olympic champion An Se Young extending her winning streak against Thailand's Chochuwong, achieving a score of 21-12, 21-9 in just 39 minutes.

Having entered the final with a 9-0 record against Chochuwong, An seized control early, racing to an 11-4 lead and holding 11 game points. Though the Thai player saved three of those, the gap proved insurmountable.

In the second game, An quickly led 7-1 and maintained her dominance to secure her second title of the year, adding the India Open title to her Malaysia Open victory from the previous week. The 22-year-old Korean has yet to lose a game in her 10 matches this year.

Results:

Men’s singles: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) bt Lee Cheuk Yiu (Hong Kong) 21-16, 21-8

Women’s singles: An Se Young (South Korea) bt 8-Pornpawee Chochuwong (Thailand) 21-12, 21-9

Men’s doubles: Goh Sze Fei/Nu Izzuddin (Malaysia) bt Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae (South Korea) 21-15, 13-21, 21-16

Women’s doubles: Arisa Igarashi/Ayako Sakuramoto (Japan) bt Kim Hye Jang/Kong Hee Young (South Korea) 21-15, 21-13

Mixed doubles: Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (China) bt Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue (France) 21-18, 21-17