NANJING, China, July 30 -- World No.1 Viktor Axelsen started his title defence at the 2018 BWF World Championships in style here on Monday, beating Duarte Nuno Anjo of Portugal 21-8, 21-7 in his opening game of the men's singles competition.

"I don't want to think too much [about the title defence] it is important for me," Axelsen said after the victory.

"I need to be relaxed and see how far I can go."

The top seed needed only 26 minutes to cruise past the Portuguese rival, who is 129 places below him in the world rankings.

"I was a little nervous today, but I feel good about the arena, [its] very big, and easy for me to have a good control of the shuttle," the 24-year-old added.

Axelsen, who made history in Glasgow last year by becoming the first European in 20 years to become the men's singles world champion, suffered an ankle injury early this season, but returned in April to claim the European Championship. Waiting for Axelsen in the second round is the winner between China's Huang Yuxiang and Vietnamese Cao Cuong Pham.

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