Chen Long was among players dumped out in the first round ©Getty Images

China's Lin Dan and Chen Long, South Korea's Son Wan-ho and home hope Lee Chong Wei were all dumped out of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Malaysia Masters at the first-round stage today in Bukit Jalil.

Remarkably, it meant that Danish world champion Viktor Axelsen was the only member of the world's top five to progress at the Axiata Arena.

Axelsen was relatively comfortable in winning from a set down 18-21, 21-14, 21-5 against Lee Hyun-il of South Korea.

But Olympic champion Chen lost 21-17, 21-15 to Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia while Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Lin was dumped out 21-16, 18-21, 21-17 to another Indonesian in Ihsan Maulana Mustofa.

Three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee disappointed the home crowd by losing 19-21, 21-18, 21-19 to Kenta Nishimoto of Japan.

Viktor Axelsen was the only top-seeded men's player to survive ©Getty Images
Viktor Axelsen was the only top-seeded men's player to survive ©Getty Images

World Championship bronze medallist Son lost 21-15, 21-13 to Daren Liew of Malaysia.

There were fewer surprises in the corresponding women's singles draw as both top seeds ousted home players to progress.

Top-ranked Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei defeated Soniia Cheah 18-21, 21-12, 21-12.

Second seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan prevailed 21-18, 17-21, 21-12 against Yin Fun Lim. 

Action will continue tomorrow.