Badminton men’s singles Olympic bronze medallist Viktor Axelsen took time out from his preparations for this week’s Dubai World Superseries Finals to get up close to Sanga the seal at the Sea Lion Point, Dolphin Bay, Atlantis The Palm Dubai.

Dane Axelsen, who was runner-up in the 2015 Dubai World Superseries Finals, said: “I’m really excited to be back in Dubai. Winning the bronze medal in Rio has given me a lot of confidence and I’m feeling very positive.

“I’ve never met a sea lion before either!”

Play in the season-ending badminton spectacular which has a US$1 million prize pool, and features the top eight players in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles, commences on Wednesday 14 December at the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Tickets are only 25dhs per day, with children under 18 free. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. For information about the event go to http://www.dubaisuperseriesfinals.ae