KUALA LUMPUR – Anders Antonsen is in the mood for food after clinching the Malaysia Open and continuing Denmark’s dominance in the men’s singles today.
He avenged Viktor Axelsen’s defeat in the semi-finals to Shi Yuqi by ending the Chinese player’s challenge in straight sets 21-14, 21-13 in 55 minutes at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The Dane said he was at a loss for words after winning his first Super 1000 title.
“I feel amazing, I’m emotionless right now… I’m kind of in shock.
“In a few hours, I’ll start to realise what just happened. This is the biggest moment in my life,” said the 26-year-old.
He had called his triumph against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi yesterday one of his best performances, but the Dane today said his performance in the final had surpassed it.
“I think yes, especially in the first game yesterday was super good and it was the same today.
“The second game was full of nerves, I got shaky to be honest, but the first game was on a high level.
“You can’t expect a straight-sets win against a player like Yuqi. But he has played a tough tournament, especially against Viktor yesterday.
“I think he played very well, but it was an uphill battle for him against the drift in the second set so it was crucial for me to win the first game,” said the world number nine.
To celebrate his first Super 1000 title, Antonsen is going to have a feast.
“I’m going to have a big dinner, I don’t know if I would go for a pizza-burger or go down the fine dining route with lobster-caviar. I’ll figure it out.
“I love all types of Malaysian cuisine too… I love nasi lemak and nasi goreng.
“I also love Japanese and Chinese cuisine too. I love food,” he added. – January 14, 2024