The Danish star will head to the event fresh from a strong showing at the China Open, where he finished as the men’s singles runner-up at the BWF Superseries competition.

Axelsen will begin his campaign at the Hong Kong Coliseum with a first-round clash against Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand.

China’s Chen Long, the reigning Olympic champion, will hope to build on his victory over Axelsen at his home event last weekend.

The newly crowned China Open winner will take on South Korea’s Lee Hyun Il in the first round.

The men’s singles field also contains two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei.

Hosts Hong Kong boast the defending champion for the men’s event, with Ng Ka Long Angus having triumphed in 2016.

The Open is the final BWF Superseries event before the season ending finals in Dubai, which will take place from December 13 to 17.

Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying will head the women’s singles field in Hong Kong, with the world number one set to take on Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in the first round.

Pusarla V Sindhu will also be among the favourites, with the Indian star scheduled to begin her pursuit of the title with a match against a qualifier.

South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun and Spain’s Carolina Marin, the reigning Olympic champion, will also be among the contenders.