"I'm well-prepared and I'm eager to be on the court," Chen said afterwards. "Although eagerness doesn't necessarily bring a win, the dedication to preparing well is of the utmost importance."

The 2016 Olympic champion has been having a hard season, especially given his recent first-round eliminations in the Malaysia and Indonesia Open.

"I'm glad I took down the first match today, but I have to be better prepared for stronger rivals in the upcoming matches," Chen said.

Elsewhere in the men's singles draw, World No.3 Shi Yuqi bested Adam Mendrek of the Czech Republic 21-13, 21-11, earning himself a second round tie against England's Rajiv Ouseph.

With all the Chinese men's players in the top half of the draw, Shi will probably take on Lin Dan if they both defeat their second round opponents.