Carolina Marin and Axelsen clinch Thailand Open singles titles

Carolina Marin poses with her winner’s medal at Bangkok

Reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin bolstered her chances of defending in Tokyo later this year after claiming the Thailand Open badminton in Bangkok on Sunday over top seed Tai Tzuying.

Viktor Axelsen holding his winner's medal. Pics/AFP

Despite having a cold, fourth seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark was electric in the men's final against Hong Kong's Angus Long, ranked eighth, claiming the title in straight sets.

Spaniard Marin, 27, a former World No. 1, was an imposing force with razor-sharp smashes, clever net work and an unmatched level of aggression and agility. She screamed in delight after steam-rolling her opponent from Taiwan 21-9, 21-16 in 42 minutes. Axelsen, meanwhile, took just 44 minutes to triumph 21-14, 21-14 over Long.