Axelsen, Momota progress, Lin Dan crashes out at 2018 BWF World Championship

NANJING - The fourth matchday of the 2018 BWF World Championships in Nanjing saw few surprises, as the great majority of higher-ranked players defeated their opponents in the round of 16.

Two notable exceptions were 5th seed Kidambi Srikanth of India, who lost 21-18, 21-18 to Malaysia's unseeded Daren Liew, and No 4 seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, who suffered a 12-16, 12-19 defeat against India's world No 10 Saina Nehwal.

Japanese poster boy Kento Momota also came close to being eliminated at the hands of Denmark's Anders Antonsen, but eventually prevailed to seal his place in the quarterfinals.

Momota had a tough start, finding himself 8-1 down in the first game. Although he tried hard to close the gap and saved two game points, the Dane refused to let his big advantage disappear and grabbed the first game 21-13.

Momota rounded into form and bettered his opponent in the second game despite Antonsen's repeated attacks on the right side of the left-hander.

The No 6 seed could not sustain his momentum in the deciding game, shaking his head when 3-0 down. However, thanks to his crosscourt smashes, he was able to nail seven consecutive points and eventually saw out a 21-9 win to clinch the match.

Top seed Viktor Axelsen also went through a stern test today to edge out Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong, China, 21-19, 21-18.

"I was really happy to win it. I struggled a little bit and that's why I showed some emotions out there today," Axelsen replied when asked why he clenched his fist after converting the match point.

The match that attracted most attention today was the clash between two top Chinese players, world No 3 Shi Yuqi and No 9 Lin Dan, in which rising star Shi registered a convincing 21-15, 21-9 win in 45 minutes.

"I have played at my highest level today and that's my way of paying my respect to Lin Dan," the 22-year-old said afterwards.