China's Lin Dan. Photo / Photosport
Two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China didn't disappoint in his opening match at the New Zealand Badminton Open on the North Shore tonight.
Lin, Olympic singles champion in 2008 and 2012, beat Japan's Takuma Ueda 21-13 21-12.
There were two notable New Zealand wins on the second day too.
Abhinav Manota won his singles match against India's Sourabh Verma 21-19 14-21 21-19.
New Zealand doubles pair Oscar Guo and Dacmen Vong easily beat Australians Cham Chen and Toby Wong 21-9 21-12.
The match the fans had been waiting for, Lin's first in New Zealand, didn't disappoint.
In front of one of the biggest crowds seen at the event, Dan gave the largely pro-Chinese crowd plenty to cheer.
"I have been playing around the world for 18 years and have never been to New Zealand, I had to come here this year for this tournament, New Zealand is beautiful, I have always wanted to visit here," said Lin.
Lin is used to a great deal of attention, with 16 million followers on Weibo alone, and enjoyed the large and vocal support tonight. He's feeling confident about the rest of the tournament.
"I love the crowd like this with all the support. I feel like I am playing well."
Lin will play India's Lakshya Sen in his second match in tomorrow's night session action.
Women's singles second seed Lee Chia Hsin of Taipei was the first notable casualty.
Lee went down 21-11 21-11 to 2017 world junior championship runner up Hay Yue of China.
Defending men's champion Lee Chiuk Yiu of Hong Kong was safely through to the second round, beating Milan Ludik of the Czech Republic 21-10 21-18.
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