Sixth seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn faces a tricky assignment against Japan's Kento Momota in his opening match at the All England Open in Birmingham on Wednesday.
Although Momota has been a shadow of his former self, while Kunlavut is now one of the brightest young shuttlers, Momota's track record and popularity will have fans lining up in anticipation of him rediscovering his form.
However, the 21-year-old Thai should be in confident mood after defeating top-ranked Viktor Axelsen in the India Open final in January.
It was Kunlavut's first win against the Dane in seven attempts.
Over the last couple of years, the former three-time world junior champion has rapidly come of age, finishing second in major events like the 2021 World Tour Finals and 2022 world championships.
Meanwhile, in-form Thai sisters Benyapa and Nuntakarn Aimsaard, winners of the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2023, withdrew and were replaced by Brazil's Jaqueline Lima and Samia Lima.
In Tuesday's action, third seed Anthony Ginting beat Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen 21-17, 21-19 in the men's singles first round (last 32).
India's Prannoy HS defeated Taiwan's Wang Tzu-wei 21-19, 22-20, while China's Zhao Junpeng beat Singapore's Loh Kean Yew 21-16, 16-21, 21-7.
In the women's singles first round, Olympic champion and fourth seed Chen Yufei of China beat Canada's Michelle Li 22-20, 21-14.
Top seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan and second seed An Se-Young from South Korea will begin their campaigns today.
All England title holder Yamaguchi beat An in the German Open final on Sunday.
