PETALING JAYA: Viktor Axelsen (pic) will make his first appearance as the reigning Olympic champion by spearheading Denmark’s challenge at the Sudirman Cup in Vaanta, Finland, from Sept 26-Oct 3.

The Danes named a squad with strength in depth comprising 10 men and seven women to try reclaim the podium since winning bronze in the 2013 edition in Kuala Lumpur.The team boast not only in-form men’s singles stars Axelsen and world No. 3 Anders Antonsen, they can also count on the experienced Anders Skaarup Rasmussen-Kim Astrup and Mia Blichfeldt to deliver points in the men’s doubles and women’s singles ties.