Cruise for Chong Wei and Lin Dan but Chen Long flounders

Shocking: China’s Chen Long returning a shot to Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen in a first round match yesterday. The Thai player won 23-21, 21-5.

IT was an easy start for Lee Chong Wei but rival Chen Long of China suffered his worst campaign in eight years at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open.

Chong Wei, seeking his 12th crown, cruised into the second round with an emphatic 21-13, 21-10 victory over Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in just 33 minutes yesterday.

But it was all over for reigning Olympic gold medallist Chen Long following a shocking 21-23, 5-21 defeat to Thai youngster Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

It was the 2015 Malaysian Open champion Chen Long’s first opening round exit since 2010.

The 35-year-old Chong Wei will take on Lee Hyun-il of South Korea in a battle between veterans in the second round. The 38-year-old Hyun-il defeated Suppanyu Avihin­g­s­­anon of Thailand 21-18, 21-13 in another first round match.

Chong Wei was happy he adapted well but was not surprised with Chen Long’s early exit.

“The first match is always difficult, especially the first 11 points because you are trying to adapt to the draught. So, I’m really happy to win in straight games,” said Chong Wei.

“Top players have to be extra cautious in the first round. The young players are playing with no fear.

“Whether Chen Long is out or not, it doesn’t change anything. I need to concentrate on my preparation. I know who I’m meeting next and I’ll be focused.”

It went according to the formbook for two other players from China – Lin Dan and Shi Yuqi – and also reigning champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark when they cleared their first round hurdles in contrasting styles.

Defending champion Lin Dan was in his element when he crushed Vincent Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong 21-17, 21-8 while All-England champion Yuqi was given a run for his money by England’s Rajiv Ouseph before winning 24-22, 21-17.

Axelsen huffed and puffed into the second round with a hard-fought 21-17, 18-21, 21-13 win over Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab in 57 minutes.

Chen Long took his defeat in his stride but was full of praise of Kantaphon.

“The Thai was simply amazing, he gave me absolutely no chance. I lost to a better player today,” said Chen Long.

“Losing in the first round is nothing new to me. I’m not concerned at all. You win and you lose. I’ll bounce back at the Indonesia Open next week.”

The 19-year-old Kantaphon, who will face Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia next, said: “I’m so happy to beat one of the best players in the world today. I couldn’t believe I have done it. I’ll try to go as far as I can.”

Meanwhile, world No. 8 Lin Dan, who showed no sign of being affected by a muscle strain on his chest that forced him out of US Open two weeks ago, wants to exact revenge over world No. 3 Yuqi who beat him in the All-England final in March.

“Shi Yuqi has improved so much in the last six months. It’ll be an intense battle,” said Lin Dan, whose mission in Malaysia is to collect as many ranking points as possible.