Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen won Olympic badminton gold on Monday, becoming the first non-Asian man to win the singles title since 1996. 

World No. 2 Axelsen beat China’s defending champion Chen Long 21-15, 21-12, taking control early and never loosening his grip in a relentless performance. Axelsen, who won bronze at the 2016 Rio Games, followed in the footsteps of compatriot Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen, the Atlanta Games champion and the last winner from outside Asia.