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

2 women gang-raped near World Heritage Site in India, man drowns after being pushed into river

Nearly 90% of tourists have reportedly vacated the area following the attack.

11 Mar 2025, 7:03 pm

SUV collides head-on with lorry after failed overtaking attempt in M’sia, 3 dead & 5 injured

The SUV crashed head-on into a lorry after failing an overtaking attempt.

11 Mar 2025, 6:44 pm

People’s Alliance for Reform will contest 2 GRCs & 8 SMCs in GE2025: Lim Tean

Lim Tean, the alliance's secretary general, also slammed the redrawn boundaries.

11 Mar 2025, 6:35 pm

Ex-PA staff manipulates 16-year-old boy into performing sexual act on him, sentenced to 10 years in jail

The accused denied all allegations and is appealing against the conviction.

11 Mar 2025, 6:28 pm

Hawkers in S’pore required to run their stalls personally to prevent subletting & protect hawker culture: Koh Poh Koon

If tenants cannot operate their stalls, they must return them to NEA, giving other hawkers…

11 Mar 2025, 6:19 pm

Pedestrian chasing bus in Hougang crosses road without looking, narrowly misses oncoming car

Netizens questioned if risking his life was worth it.

11 Mar 2025, 5:23 pm