Home » Axelsen excited for ‘Asian’ vibe in Birmingham; Zii Jia set to play

Axelsen excited for ‘Asian’ vibe in Birmingham; Zii Jia set to play

Viktor Axelsen is excited for the “Asian” vibe in Birmingham in his search for his third All-England men’s singles title next month.

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AXELSEN EXCITED FOR ‘ASIAN’ VIBE AT ALL-ENGLAND TITLE HUNT

Axelsen is excited for the “Asian” vibe in Birmingham as he prepares to play for the All-England men’s singles title on March 11.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old Danish former world No.1 shuttler described the Asian fans in Birmingham as “amazing.”

Moreover, Axelsen noted the positive atmosphere could improve his chances to go on a deep run.

“It is one of the places in Europe where you actually feel like you could be in Asia,” the Dane told the All England’s official Instagram page.

“The crowd is amazing, there’s a lot of noise there. You can see a lot of energy from the fans,” he added.

The YONEX All England is still more than two weeks away. But badminton has come to Birmingham early this year! 🏸

We're delighted to be part of the inaugural Birmingham Light Festival this week – get yourself down to Centenary square, open tonight and Saturday evening! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XCdOuSD9Yo

— 🏆 Yonex All England Badminton Championships 🏆 (@YonexAllEngland) February 21, 2025

DANISH STAR SEEKS THIRD ALL-ENGLAND TITLE IN LATEST COMEBACK FROM INJURY

The Danish star seeks his third All-England title in his latest comeback from injuries.

Moreover, Axelsen won in Birmingham in 2020 and 2022 and was a runner-up in 2019 and 2021.

Furthermore, he feels comfortable knowing that he also has a huge following among Asians just like world No.1 Shi Yu Qi of China and compatriot and No.2 Anders Antonsen.

“It has been a long journey for me, winning there two times and being in several finals,” Axelsen said.

“I just love the atmoshphere there (Birmingham),” he added.

Axelsen earlier suggested for longer breaks in between major tournaments to pace the players’ health and conditioning.

ZIII JIA PRIMED TO MAKE RETURN AT BIRMINGHAM SINCE INJURY: EX-SHUTTLER

Interestingly, Lee Zii Jia- according to a retired player – is primed to make his return at Birmingham since suffering a right ankle injury.

Furthermore, Rashid Sidek believes the Malaysian world No.7’s extended break since December last year should put him in good stead.

Moreover, the former Malaysian national team shuttler sees high hopes for Zii Jia since he sustained the injury at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou on December 13.

“The packed schedule makes it difficult for players to get proper rehab and training, so this break is a blessing in disguise for him (Zii Jia),” Sidek said.

“”This is probably the longest training period he’s had before a tournament, so there are no excuses for him in Birmingham,” he added.

#NSTTV Former national shuttler Rashid Sidek believes Lee Zii Jia's extended break from competition has put him in prime physical condition to mount a serious challenge for the All England title — his favourite tournament — on March 11-16. pic.twitter.com/UHVBnSl8Oy

— New Straits Times (@NST_Online) February 22, 2025