The top men’s singles contenders at the DAIHATSU Japan Open 2023 will have to be on their toes from the opening day, with high-intensity action expected from the start of the competition.

Top seed Viktor Axelsen, for instance, is slated to face Thailand Masters champion Lin Chun-Yi, while Malaysia Masters winner HS Prannoy takes on All England champion Li Shi Feng.

Other men’s singles matches likely to feature competitive bouts are Chou Tien Chen versus Kidambi Srikanth, Lu Guang Zu against Korea Open champion Anders Antonsen, Loh Kean Yew against Ng Tze Yong and Kanta Tsuneyama against Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.

Canada Open champion Lakshya Sen faces a test from upcoming Indian compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat, while two-time winner Kento Momota will be up against teammate Koki Watanabe.

While women’s singles will see the favoured names in attendance, including defending champion Akane Yamaguchi, Korea Open winner An Se Young, Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei and Asian champion Tai Tzu Ying, the prominent name missing will be Carolina Marin’s.

Champions in Korea, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, who are looking for a three-title streak, will expect a stiff opening test from Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin.

Withdrawals

Men’s Singles

Rasmus Gemke, Nhat Nguyen, Christo Popov, Toma Junior Popov

Women’s Singles

Michelle Li, Natsuki Nidaira, Busanan Ongbamrungphan

Men’s Doubles

Choi Sol Gyu/Kim Won Ho; Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel

Women’s Doubles

Jeong Na Eun/Kim Hye Jeong; Linda Efler/Isabel Lohau; Gabriela Stoeva/Stefani Stoeva

Mixed Doubles

Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun; Mark Lamsfuss/Isabel Lohau