Twice defending champion Chen Long crushed at badminton worlds semifinals

LONDON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Olympic champion Chen Long, bidding for a third successive world men's singles titles, was beaten by Denmark's third seed Viktor Axelsen in the semifinals of the badminton worlds here on Saturday.

The Chinese star, who did not concede a single set in his previous four matches, crashed out after only 39 minutes, losing to the 23-year-old Dane 21-9, 21-10.

Axelsen will fight for the world title on Sunday against either five-time winner Lin Dan or top seed Son Wan Ho of South Korea.