Home favourite Viktor Axelsen opened his bid to claim the BWF Denmark Open title for the first time by registering a straight-games win over Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in Odense today ©Getty Images

Home favourite Viktor Axelsen opened his bid to claim the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Denmark Open title for the first time by registering a straight-games win over Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in Odense today.

The 24-year-old world number three triumphed 21-12, 21-19 in the first round of the BWF HSBC Super 750 World Tour competition at the Odense Sports Park.

He is now due to face fellow Dane Anders Antonsen in round two after he beat The Netherlands' Mark Caljouw 21-18, 21-18.

Among those joining Axelsen in progressing through to the second round were fourth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei and sixth seed Son Wan Ho of South Korea.

Chou defeated South Korea’s Lee Dong Keun 18-21, 21-12, 21-15, while Son overcame Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Jen Hao 21-13, 21-15.

Eighth seed Kenta Nishimoto also advanced after coming from behind to down Denmark's Rasmus Gemke 19-21, 21-16, 21-17.

Women's top seed Tai Tzu-ying has booked her place in the second round ©Getty Images
Women's top seed Tai Tzu-ying has booked her place in the second round ©Getty Images

In the women’s singles event, top seed Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei begun her campaign with a 21-14, 21-15 victory over Japan’s Sayaka Takahashi.

Defending champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand also booked her place in the second round by beating Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour.

The former world champion, seeded fourth, triumphed 21-10, 21-17.

Other players through to round two include sixth seed Chen Yufei and seventh seed He Bingjiao, both of whom are from China.

Chen defeated Japan’s Sayaka Sato 21-17, 21-19 and He overcame Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 16-21, 21-17, 21-14.

Competition in Odense is due to continue tomorrow and conclude on Sunday (October 21).