Denmark's Axelsen bags men's singles gold, dethroning Chen Long

TOKYO: Denmark's Viktor Axelsen swept the men's singles Olympic gold medal on Monday, unseating Chen Long of China who claimed the title at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Axelsen and Chen, two of the world's most brutal smashers, ended their match 21-15 21-12 after nearly an hour of flash shots and mesmerising rallies. Afterwards, Chen embraced and spoke in Chinese with Axelsen, who was still sobbing when he left the court. "He told me that I deserved it, and my performance here has been great. And I said 'Thank you so much and that he has been a big inspiration to me," said Axelsen, who had just hung up from a call with Frederik, the crown prince of Denmark.