In his post-match remarks, Axelsen expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting, "I stepped up and managed to play at a pretty consistent high level. Nhat couldn't really find the answers in the last part of the game." Despite losing his top world ranking to China’s Shi Yuqi in June, Axelsen remains a formidable contender.

Shi Yuqi, who is now the top seed, also breezed into the quarter-finals, defeating Italy’s Giovanni Toti 21-9, 21-10. Shi, who has claimed four titles on the world tour this year, remains unfazed by the pressure of being the top-ranked player. "I haven't thought about it much," Shi said, revealing his focus is on securing his first Olympic medal.

The quarter-finals will also feature India’s Lakshya Sen, who edged out Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in a thrilling final group match. Sen secured his place with a score of 21-18, 21-12, and remarked, "The last few months the form has been really good. I’ve had ups and downs but overall I've been in good shape."

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn progressed after Finnish player Kalle Koljonen retired from their match. In the women’s singles, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi overcame Canada’s Michelle Li with a hard-fought 22-24, 21-17, 21-12 win. India’s PV Sindhu also advanced, defeating Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba 21-5, 21-10.

A falta de concretar los últimos resultados de la primera ronda, mañana comenzará la fase de cuartos de final en las categorías de dobles femenino, dobles masculino y dobles mixto. El viernes y el sábado llegará respectivamente el turno del individual masculino y el individual femenino en esta misma etapa clasificatoria. The competition is heating up, promising exciting clashes between the world's top badminton players.