JAKARTA — Defending champion Anders Antonsen on Saturday breezed through to the Indonesia Masters final after a crushing defeat of Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk-yiu.
The Dane knocked out Lee with a 21-9, 21-14 victory, clearing the way for a Sunday face-off with hometown favorite Anthony Sinisuka Ginting at Istora Senayan stadium in the capital Jakarta.
Ginting earned a berth in the final after a 22-20, 21-11 semifinal win over Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.
Antonsen described his Indonesian final rival as a "super fast" player.
"I am expecting a really top challenge," the Dane told reporters.
"Ginting is on home court and he is playing really good so I have to bring my absolute best."
Last year, Antonsen won his first ever title after knocking out world No. 1 Kento Momota, who skipped this year's tournament after being injured in a car accident that killed his driver.
In women's singles, former world champion Carolina Marin of Spain defeated China's He Bingjiao 21-11, 21-19 to reach the finals against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon, who beat China's Wang Zhiyi Saturday in a 21-12, 23-21 match.
Marin's title hopes were dashed last year after she pulled out of the final due to injury.
"I feel really emotional right now and of course I am looking forward to play tomorrow and to give my best for the final," Marin said. — AFP