Lee Chong Wei was unable to defend his Japan Open title after losing to world champion Viktor Axelsen in the final on Sunday.

The six-time Japan Open winner lost 14-21, 21-19, 14-21 in 75 minutes, which was only his second defeat to the Dane in 11 meetings — the first one came in last year's Dubai World Superseries Finals.

Although Lee managed to capture the second set in a close game, he was overwhelmed in the first and third sets.

Axelsen led from start to finish in the first set, while the third set saw him cruise to a 15-4 lead in no time.

When the score reached the match point, Lee tried to mount a late comeback with several consecutive points to make it 14-20, but Axelsen kept his cool to seal his first Japan Open title.