May 3, 2021 COPENHAGEN (AFP) – Badminton world number two Viktor Axelsen was forced to withdraw from yesterday’s final of the European Championship in Kiev after testing positive for COVID-19. Axelsen was to face fellow Dane Anders Antonsen, who claimed his first European title with a walkover. “Top seed and defending champion Viktor Axelsen returned a second positive test for COVID-19, ruling him out of contesting the men’s singles final of the 2021 European Championships today,” Badminton Denmark announced yesterday. It said the 27-year-old Axelsen returned a first positive test after beating Finn Kalle Koljonen in the semi-finals on Saturday and must isolate in Kiev.