KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — World No 1 Lee Chong Wei should not face much difficulty in the Denmark Open but the presence of Viktor Axelsen poses a threat to the Malaysian’s progress to the Superseries final in December. 

All competitions between now and December afford cumulative points for a player to qualify for the Superseries final.  

Dane Axelsen, ranked world No 2, stands to thwart Chong Wei’s path to clinch the singles title.

China’s Tian Houwei (ranked sixth) is also poised to check Chong Wei in a probable semifinal encounter, though it is the Dane who is the more formidable obstacle. 

Chong Wei intends to retire after the World C hampionships and SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the latter scheduled in August.

He hopes to draw his career to a close on a triumphant note at the two competitions.  

Other Malaysians in the race for titles are doubles pair Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong, who will face English pair, Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge, today. 

Women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo Kah Mun and Woon Khe Wei will meet Bulgarian sisters, Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva in the second round.

In the mixed doubles, the only pair left is upcoming duo Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing who will meet Li Junhui and Bao Yixin from China.