Denmark's top seed Viktor Axelsen negotiated his first round clash at the Badminton World Federation China Open ©Getty Images

Denmark's top seed Viktor Axelsen negotiated his first round clash at the Badminton World Federation China Open as all of the big hitters survived on day one in Changzhou.

Axelsen, the 2017 world champion, knocked out Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab 21-12, 21-15 with half of the men's and half of the women's draw in action today.

China's home hope Chen Long, the sixth seed and reigning Olympic champion, also progressed but faced a tougher challenge at the Olympic Sports Center Xincheng Gymnasium.

Last year's winner needed to come from behind to oust compatriot Huang Yuxiang, 20-22, 21-19, 21-13.

Former world number one Son Wan-ho of South Korea also did things the hard way, with the fourth seed recovering to defeat Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-5, 21-13.

The prestigious tournament is one of only three Super 1000 rated events on the BWF World Tour.

Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi negotiated round one ©Getty Images
Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi negotiated round one ©Getty Images

In the women's event, Japan's second seed and reigning champion Akane Yamaguchi made it through in three.

She eventually got the better of Malaysia's Goh Jin Wei, 23-21, 12-21, 21-15.

India's third seed PV Sindhu was a more comfortable victor, with the multiple major silver medallist beating Saena Kawakami 21-15, 21-13.

China's fifth seed Chen Yufei eased home against Japan's Sayaka Sato 21-17, 21-9.

Action continues tomorrow with Japan's Kento Momota, the reigning world champion, and Spain's Olympic gold medallist and world champion Carolina Marin among those in action.