Viktor Axelsen lost the first set, fought his way back in the second, but could not really regain his top level in the third. Thus it ended with a Chinese victory of 21-19, 17-21, 21-17.
The Danish two-time Olympic champion is usually disappointed when he loses, but once he recovers, he will probably be able to look back on the week full of optimism.
At the moment, he is fighting his way back after a back operation and a long break, and in Odense, he has proven that he can still perform at the very top level.
During the tight match, the two players were often at each other's throats, especially at the end of the second set when Shi Yu Qi complained about Axelsen's serving technique.
"Of course, I am very sorry that I have lost. I think I should have won the first set. So I'm really pissed right now", said Axelsen after the match to TV2 Sport.
"I felt that Shi Yuqi was the better player in the important duels. It also showed here at the end of the third set. He has one more gear than I currently have. I lost to a better player today."
"He is better in the decisive phases of the match. But I feel like he faltered a bit at the end of the first set, and I had really good opportunities, so that's really what I'm mostly upset about right now."