China's Lu Guangzu had his title defence of the BWF Australian Open ended ©Getty Images

China's Lu Guangzu had his title defence of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Australian Open ended by Indonesia's Jonatan Christie.

Lu fell at the first hurdle, losing 21-18, 21-15 to the competition's third seed in his opening match. 

Christie's next clash at Sydney’s Quaycentre will be against Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk.

The Thai athlete had battled against Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia to progress with a 22-20, 28-26 victory.

Men's top seed Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei comfortably defeated Daniel Fan 21-11, 21-7 in his match. 

He will face Malaysia's Daren Liew next, who was given a bye after his opponent Shesar Hiren Rhustavito retired.

BWF Australian Open women's top seed Nozomi Okuhara won her opening match ©Getty Images
BWF Australian Open women's top seed Nozomi Okuhara won her opening match ©Getty Images

In the women's competition, top seed Japan's Nozomi Okuhara eased past Australia's Wendy Chen Hsuan-yu 21-19, 21-13.

Her next opponent will be China's Ji Shuting, who came from one set down to record a 18-21, 21-8, 21-11 victory against South Korea's Kim Hyo-min. 

Second seed Chen Yufei of China triumphed 21-13, 21-15 against Japan's Saena Kawakami, setting up a tie against her compatriot Zhang Yiman. 

Zhang had won 21-15, 24-22 against Indonesia's Fitriani Fitriani.

The competition continues tomorrow.