Latest News

Loh Kean Yew exits Olympics after losing straight sets to defending champion Viktor Axelsen

Loh Kean Yew exits Olympics after losing to Viktor Axelsen in quarter-finals

Loh Kean Yew exits the Olympics after losing to his good friend and defending Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Loh is in good company as only three other Singaporean shuttlers have made it as far as the round of 8.

A monumental challenge with an early injury on top

Facing Viktor Axelsen was always going to be a massive challenge for Loh, literally and figuratively — the Dane towers above the competition with his intimidating 1.94m frame.

Source: Team Singapore on Facebook

Ten rallies into the match, Loh grazed his racquet-holding hand while making a heroic dive for the shuttle.

A medic quickly patched up his right hand with bandages, but from then on, Loh’s hand movements seemingly became restricted:

I couldn’t really grip my racket because there’s something in the way and it becomes sticky. I was just trying to adjust to that stupid grip.

The first set ended in a one-sided 21-9 score.

Source: Team Singapore on Facebook

The second set started well for Loh, but he began struggling again after another medical time out.

Loh said he had gotten used to the grip, only for it to be re-taped, making him have to readjust again. Even so, Loh fought hard in the loss with the set ending 21-17.

A bittersweet climb, but already looking ahead

Despite the historic run, Loh was left with mixed feelings.

Speaking to The Straits Times (ST), the 27-year-old said, “I’m satisfied, but at the same time no. I’m happy I gave my all and with how far I reached, but it’s also heartbreaking that I couldn’t go further than this.”

 

But the heartbreaking loss wouldn’t keep Loh down long. He’s already hungry for a chance to go for one more run at the next Olympics.

“There could be juniors who overtake me, there could be other unknowns, but I would like to try for one more.”

Also read: Loh Kean Yew tops group, becomes first S’porean male badminton player to progress to Olympic knockouts in 20 years

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Team Singapore on Facebook

Buranond Kijwatanachai

I'm the kind of guy who says he loves reading, but the books I actually read have more pictures than words.

Recent Posts

Vendors in China sell soil from banks for S$160 a portion, say it will make buyers rich

Some vendors even record themselves digging up the dirt to prove its authenticity.

13 Mar 2025, 11:22 am

Police officer in Indonesia strangles 2-month-old baby to death while wife is out shopping

An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the father's actions.

13 Mar 2025, 11:10 am

Ex JC teacher calls 4 underaged girls ‘wives’ & ‘sex toys’, molests 1 at NEX food court

The 76-year-old was charged with 13 offences and pleaded guilty.

13 Mar 2025, 10:51 am

‘Popping’ floor tiles in Choa Chu Kang HDB lift lobby removed, repairs to take 2 weeks

Tiles usually pop due to changes in weather temperature or age, said MP Alex Yam.

13 Mar 2025, 1:45 am

‘Whole street smells of poop’: Sewage truck in Thailand ruptures tank & spills pungent water into home

The municipality later sent a vehicle to drain the sewage and assist with the clean-up.

12 Mar 2025, 7:06 pm

Teen in M’sia runs away from home after father restricts Internet access, family seeks whereabouts

She was last seen in a long-sleeved white shirt, a black hijab, and black trousers…

12 Mar 2025, 6:54 pm