Paris 2024: Loh exits after brave battle with Axelsen

By Patrick Johnston

Loh Kean Yew’s dream run at the Olympic badminton tournament came to an end on Friday after the Singaporean shuttler lost his men’s singles quarter-final to defending champion Viktor Axelsen.

Kean Yew gave everything, even blood, following a cut to his hand in the first game, but it was his close friend and tall Dane who clinched the match 21-9, 21-17 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

“I did my best and gave my all but he was restricting me a lot with his good play, so kudos to him," Kean Yew told reporters.

Loh Kean Yew stretches to hit a backhand against Viktor Axelsen in their men's singles quarter-final at the Olympic badminton tournament in Paris.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Kong Chong Yew

Axelsen, the world number two, held an 8-2 head-to-head record over Kean Yew but the Singaporean entered the contest confident of an upset after showing some brilliant form in easing through the group stages and taking out Asian Games champion Li Shifeng in the last round.

However, Axelsen proved an immovable obstacle. Starting in brilliant fashion, the Dane dominated the centre of the court, smashed ferociously, and hardly made an error as he raced through the first game. 

Undeterred, Kean Yew battled hard to force his way into the game. So much so that one defensive slide, at 7-3, resulted in him scrapping his right hand that needed to be dressed in a medical timeout.

“The injury itself doesn't affect (me) but the tape is, because it's restricting my grip but I don't want to use that as an excuse."

Loh Kean Yew moves to his right to hit the shuttlecock against Viktor Axelsen during their men's singles quarter-final at the Olympic badminton tournament in Paris.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

The 2021 world champion began to find some success at the start of the second as he went toe-to-toe with Axelsen, engaging in some brilliant rallies as the pair were locked at 8-8 before another medical timeout was required to redress the cut on Kean Yew’s hand.

The pair were still tied at 14-14, only for Axelsen to prevail, with his court coverage on another level.

Kean Yew, though, will be proud of his display. Seventeen points is the most Axelsen has given up in a game at this Olympics with the Dane heavy favourite to win gold again. 

Loh Kean Yew embraces close friend Viktor Axelsen after their men's singles quarter-final at the Olympic badminton tournament in Paris.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

The 27-year-old joins Jiang Yanmei and Li Yujia, in the women's doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games, and Ronald Susilo, in the men’s singles at Athens 2004, as the only Singaporeans to reach an Olympic quarter-final in the sport.

"I'm happy that I made quarters but also sad that I didn't go past quarters, so mixed emotions and rollercoaster emotions, but it's all part and parcel of our journey and we keep going," Kean Yew, the world number 12, added.

His exit on Friday, capped the end of Singaporean interest in what has been a strong showing by our shuttlers at the Olympic badminton tournament.

Singapore's Yeo Jia Min screams in delight and pumps her fist after winning a point in her last 16 women's singles match against Japan's Aya Ohori at the Paris Olympics.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

After wiping away the tears of a painful last 16 defeat, Yeo Jia Min will reflect positively on her performance in the singles as she equalled Gu Juan’s (2012) best finish by a Singaporean women at the Olympics. 

Jia Min had looked so composed throughout her time in Paris, easily walking through the group stages with comprehensive wins to banish the heartache of the Tokyo Games three years ago where she failed to make it out the pool stage. She will take great confidence that should stand her in good stead for the years to come.

And mixed doubles pair Terry Hee and Jessica Tan cherished every minute of their debut Olympic campaign. The husband-and-wife duo lost their first two group matches but said they gained valuable experience before signing off with victory over United States' Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.