Defending champion and current world No. 1, Chen Long of China has begun his defence of the All England Open Badminton Championship with a hard fought but convincing 21-18, 21-12 win over Japan's Kent Nishikoro, on Day 2.
His compatriot and five-time All England winner Lin Dan began his campaign with a scrappy 21-17, 21-17 win over South Korea's Lee Dong-Keun. For Dan this tournament is also the perfect opportunity to make his case to be included in the Chinese team for the Rio Olympics in about five months' time. Dan already has two Olympic gold medals in his illustrious trophy cabinet.
The two players could potentially face each other at the semi final stage.
After a three year gap, the three shining stars of the game for most parts of the last decade - Lin Dan, Chen Long and Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei - will appear in the All England men's draw together.
In the women's draw, world No.1 and defending champion, Spain's Carolina Marin, faced a tough fight from South Korea's Bae Yeon Ju, before eventually prevailing 25-23, 20-22, 21-15. Saina Nehwal is the primary contender for the title, as per her ranking, but has been battling through injuries. Nehwal had lost to Marin in last year's final.
The 2016 All England Open Badminton Championship marks the beginning of the tenth season of the BWF Super Series.
