World champion Viktor Axelsen brought down the curtains on the Dubai World Superseries Finals title, outplaying Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei 19-21, 21-19, 21-15 to retain the men’s singles crown.

But it was disappointment for the thousands of Indian fans as Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi beat PV Sindhu 15-21, 21-12, 21-19 to claim the women’s singles title in an enthralling final.

And just as Nozomi Okuhara outlasted the Indian in the TOTAL BWF World Championships final earlier this year in a 110-minute marathon, Okuhara’s compatriot Yamaguchi displayed the same sterling qualities in defeating Sindhu in 94 minutes.

Yamaguchi’s triumph was the finest moment of her young career; the magnificence of her victory accentuated by the grandness of the stage on which she delivered it.

From the outset, it was apparent that this was a contest of warriors with contrasting qualities and approaches.

Sindhu was up and running before Yamaguchi got to grips with the attacking Indian, but the match took on a different character once the Japanese found her length.

At the very end, a couple of soft errors from Pusarla gave Yamaguchi the breathing space she needed. A final error from Pusarla drew curtains on her challenge.

Yamaguchi said: “This is the biggest moment. I’m happy I recovered from my defeat to her in the group match. That it was such a challenging match and to win is an incredible achievement.”

Akane Yamaguchi outlasted PV Sindhu.

In the men’s singles final, Axelsen comfortably defeated Lee 19-21, 21-19, 21-15 after losing the first game.

The Malaysian had his chances to take the match in the second, having erased a 14-19 deficit, but two mistakes at the critical point let him down.

The third game was all Axelsen’s, with both players unable to score quick smash winners.

Lee needed to convert the sudden openings, but the final touch deserted him.

Axelsen refused to let his foot off the pedal, and there was an air of inevitability about the result early in the third even though Lee got to within a few points.

The champion, having completed his second victory in Dubai, could only marvel at his run of form: “I feel pretty awesome, to be honest, especially after such an amazing game. It’s what you dream of when you start off playing badminton as a kid.

“After losing the first game I tried to put on the positive glasses, so to say. I knew I had to work hard and I did that. I’m proud that I kept my cool and could go all the way.”

“I seem to play pretty well here in Dubai. The tournament has been pretty good. Winning here kick-started it all for me, and to win two titles here was great.”

Viktor Axelsen won in a three-set battle with Lee Chong Wei.