BIRMINGHAM: Given his imperious form over the last 12 months, Denmark's Viktor Axelsen is expected to cruise past Malaysia's Ng Tze Yong in tomorrow's All England second round in Birmingham.
Last season, the 29-year-old Dane won 47 out of 49 matches and lifted six World Tour titles, including the season-ending World Tour Finals, excluding the 2022 European and World Championships crowns.
As for Tze Yong, the 23-year-old only broke into the world top 30 last year and is making his first appearance at the All England.
The world No 28 has defeated only one top-10 player in his career when he triumphed over then-reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore en route to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games final.
While it is expected to be a one-sided affair, there is no doubt that Tze Yong will gain valuable experience from the match against Axelsen, who won the Malaysia Open in January.
It could be priceless for the Johor-born shuttler as he gears up for the one-year Olympic qualifiers that start in May.
With nothing much to lose, national coach Hendrawan does not want to put his charge under undue pressure.
The Indonesian former world champion said: "There really isn't much to comment. From the start, we have been very clear about what we want to achieve with Tze Yong.
"As long as he gives his best, we will be happy."
For the record, both players have never faced each other.
In the first round on Tuesday, Tze Yong thumped Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito 21-9, 21-12, while world No 1 Axelsen was made to work hard by Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu before chalking up a 19-21, 21-15, 21-11 win.