Olympic Games - Olympics Badminton
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Devesh Jaganath | in Predictions
The Olympics Badminton Men's Singles Final is now upon us and competing for the gold will be Kunlavut Vitidsarn taking on Viktor Axelsen. Thailand’s Vitidsarn is ranked eighth in the world standings, while Denmark’s Axelsen is ranked second. Check out our gold medal match prediction below.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn secured a medal by beating world number seven Zii Jia in straight sets in the semi-final. The match was balanced during the early exchanges but the Thai shuttler began to control the match late in the first game with a series of string smashes.
Vitidsarn maintained his momentum in the second game and claimed the match (21-14, 21-15). He had beaten world number one Shi Yu Qi and 10th-ranked Nishimoto Kenta in the quarter-final and round of 16 respectively.
The world number eight now has a record of eight wins and two losses in his last 10 matches in all competitions and won the last encounter with his upcoming opponent at the India Open in 2023.
Meanwhile, Viktor Axelsen kept his hopes of winning back-to-back gold medals alive by overcoming the up-and-coming Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen in an incredible semi-final matchup.
Axelsen was trailing in both sets against the Indian starlet but the Norwegian veteran pulled off stunning comebacks to win the match in straight sets in just under an hour (22-20 and 21-14).
The world number two beat 12th-ranked Loh Kean Yew in straight games in the semi-final and is carrying a record of nine wins and just one loss in his last 10 matches into the grand final.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Kunlavut Vitidsarn - Viktor Axelsen Key Points
- Viktor Axelsen has yet to drop a game in this tournament.
- Viktor Axelsen is ranked six places above this opponent.
- Viktor Axelsen has beaten Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets in six of their last seven encounters.
- Viktor Axelsen has not lost a game in any of his last five matches in all competitions.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Kunlavut Vitidsarn vs Viktor Axelsen Prediction
As most would expect, Viktor Axelsen enters this grand final as the overwhelming favourite to defend his gold medal against Kunlavut Vitidsarn and it would take a brave soul to confidently back against the Norwegian.
Thus, there is very little value to be had on the outright market but decent odds are available about the game winners. Axelsen has not dropped a game in any of his last five matches and we feel he will at least win the first set in this one. Therefore, our Olympics Badminton Men's Singles Final prediction: First Game Winner - Viktor Axelsen!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
