Chinese star Lin Dan is through to the next round, hammering past an unseeded American at the BWF World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Lin Dan says its his impending competition from Asia which has him more concerned.
"The men's singles players from Japan and India have made significant improvements recently. So I have to give my one hundred percent in order to beat those young players."
Next up for Lin Dan is world number 75 Daniel Paiola from Brazil.
In other action, Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei has eased through to the second round after dumping a Lithuanian competitor in straight sets.
The former world number one has returned to competition following an eight-month ban for doping.
Lee Chong Wei has not won a World Championship or Olympic title.
On the women's side, China's Li Xuerui made it to the second round after a 21-10, 21-11 win over Petya Nedelcheva from Bulgaria.
Defending champion Carolin Marin is also through, but needed three sets to down a Malaysian qualifier.
The top seed will next play Pai Yu-Po from Taiwan.
In mixed doubles, China's Liu Cheng and Bao Yixin managed to get through a duo from Japan.
Another Chinese duo of Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei are also through, overwhelming a pair from Canada.
