Denmark Open: Axelsen doubtful for big clash against Zii Jia

“At this point, I don’t think there’s a big chance the match is going to happen. I have a big pain in my left leg, so something extraordinary needs to happen for me to be ready for tomorrow,” said Axelsen after his first-round victory.

The top seed only needed 39-minutes to oust fellow countryman Magnus Johannesen 21-7, 21-9, but the victory at the Jyske Bank Arena came with a price.

The last time the world number one faced Lee was at the Sudirman Cup quarter-finals in May, which ended on a sour note when he had to concede a walkover after pulling his hamstring.

Lee, who came into the Super 750 event in great spirits after bagging the Arctic Open men’s singles title last Sunday, ensured the big showdown on paper after coming from a game down to beat Julian Carraggi 19-21, 21-15, 21-10.

Other victories saw national mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei beat their Danish opponents in straight games 21-15, 23-21.

Chen-Toh next face Thais Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerratanachai, whom they outclassed last week in Finland.

Goh Jin Wei, meanwhile, exited after a straight game loss against He Bing Jao in the women’s singles, while women’s doubles pair Anna Cheong-Teoh Mei Xing were upstaged by their Chinese opponents.

Other shuttlers in action on Thursday include Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien.