The Danish singles finalist Viktor Axelsen and the German doubles finalist Mark Lamsfuss tested positive for Covid-19 before the final day of the Badminton Euro on Sunday in Kiev. As a result, they had to forfeit their final.Defending champion Axelsen was due to face compatriot Anders Antonsen in the men’s singles final. Announcing his positive test, on Twitter, Axelsen congratulated Antonsen on his gold medal and thanked him for the support. Lamsfuss was to play him in the men’s doubles final with Marvin Seidel against the Russians Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov. In a statement, the European Badminton Federation explained that the men’s singles and men’s doubles finals were canceled, as were the podium ceremonies for these two tournaments. “It is a difficult situation for all concerned,” said Brian Agerbak, General Secretary of Badminton Europe. “The finals are a great day for the athletes and officials, but of course the safety of the athletes and everyone involved remains the top priority. We looked at different scenarios this morning, but after some thought we decided not to deprive athletes of the experience of playing a European Championship final, “added the secretary general. The other finals were therefore contested, with the victory of the Spanish Carolina Marin in the women’s singles, the Bulgarian pair Gabriela Stoeva / Stefani Stoeva in the women’s doubles and the Russian pair Rodion Alimov / Alina Davletova in the mixed doubles. (Belga)
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