The old rivalry between superstars Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan will once again be revive with both players raising the prospect of a semi-final showdown.
Former world number 1, Lee who recently returned to badminton in May after facing an eight-month ban for doping, looked dangerous as he swept aside Lithuania's Kestutis Navickas 21-9, 21-13 in his opening match.
Meanwhile Lin, a two-time Olympic champion, began his campaign for a sixth world crown in similar fashion, demolishing American Sattawat Pongnairat 21-8, 21-11.
The pair are long-running foes, with China's Lin denying Malaysia's Lee gold in two world championships and back to back Olympics in 2008 and 2012.
The pair are long-running foes, with China's Lin denying Malaysia's Lee gold in two world championships and back to back Olympics in 2008 and 2012.
"I am aware a great many people are waiting for us to duel on the court. Certainly I will give my best performance if this occurs," Lee, 32, said.
"This could be our last game, because maybe next year we will retire."
Lin said Lee's strong return to the badminton circuit -- the Malaysian has won back to back US and Canada Open titles this season -- would make the competition "increasingly fierce" and invited the opportunity for a rematch.
"Especially if you consider our age, we've had few opportunities to play," Lin, 31, told reporters.
"I would love if we could play again."
Lin is expected to cruise through his next match but Lee -- who is unseeded at the world championships for the first time in years -- must navigate his way past 12th seed German shuttler Marc Zwiebler.
"This could be our last game, because maybe next year we will retire."
Lin said Lee's strong return to the badminton circuit -- the Malaysian has won back to back US and Canada Open titles this season -- would make the competition "increasingly fierce" and invited the opportunity for a rematch.
"Especially if you consider our age, we've had few opportunities to play," Lin, 31, told reporters.
"I would love if we could play again."
Lin is expected to cruise through his next match but Lee -- who is unseeded at the world championships for the first time in years -- must navigate his way past 12th seed German shuttler Marc Zwiebler.
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