Axelsen struggles into semi-finals at Dubai World Superseries

DUBAI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark struggled to enter the semi-final of the Dubai Badminton World Supersieries, beating Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 21-16, 14-21, 21-15 on Friday here.

"I didn't start well but I managed to step up at the end of the first game. I am happy about that," the defending champion said.

"We were both up and down. Physically, I didn't feel really good so I am happy to be through," Axelsen added.

At one game each, white-dressed Axelsen surged to the front early in the decider to gain a five-point lead on 13-8 when an umpire called a dead shuttle before Axelsen touched the net.

The incident brought the match to a break when Chou argued about the decision, and the audiences of the Hamdan Sports Complex began to boo the referees.

After being awarded the point, Axelsen deliberately gifted the next point to his opponent as spectators applauded loudly.

Axelsen will play against China's Shi Yuqi, who topped the group with an unblemished 3-0 record after beating Kidambi Srikanth 21-17, 19-21, 21-14.

In Group A of the men's singles, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia lost 13-21, 22-20, 21-15 by South Korea's Son Wan Ho.