Top contenders pose a challenge to the defending champion

The world’s best players in the men´s singles category are set to challenge the reigning world champion, Viktor Axelsen as he looks to contest a third World Championship gold medal to his mantle piece. Axelsen is currently the world No. 1 men´s single player in the world and the reigning Olympic Champion. One of Axelsen’s opponents is the strong comeback story of Shi Yu Qi. The Chinese player won Denmark Open in 2022 after 10 months away from competition and as a former All England champion he is one to watch. At last year’s World Championships, Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand was the one to challenge Axelsen in the final. Since then, Vitidsarn has risen in the rankings by winning the India Open and Thailand Open in 2023. He has been the runner-up to Axelsen four times since 2020 but got revenge at the India Open final. From Indonesia, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting is one of the strongest contenders looking to gatecrash Axelsen’s party. His standout achievements thus far in 2023 include collecting the crown at the Badminton Asian Championships and the Indonesia Open. The Olympic bronze medallist is known for his speed and agility and could well rock Axelsen’s boat.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)

22 years old / 177 cm / Right-handed

Thailand Open 2023 Winner

India Open 2023 Winner

World Championships 2022 Silver Medal

Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia)

26 years old / 171 cm / Right-handed Results

Asian Championships Gold Medal

Indonesia Open 2023 Runner-up

Singapore Open 2023 Winner

An Se Young (Korea)

21 years old / 170 cm / Right-handed Results

All England 2023 Winner

Singapore Open 2023 Winner

India Open 2023 Winner

Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)

26 years old / 156 cm / Right-handed Results

World Championships 2022 & 2021 Gold Medal

Malaysia Open 2023 Winner

World Tour Finals 2022 Winner