KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei will take a cautious approach when he takes to the court against unheralded Spaniard Pablo Abian in the first round of the Denmark Open tomorrow.
On paper Chong Wei, who is seeded seventh, should have no difficulty progressing but he is wary after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Frenchman Brice Leverdez in the opening round of the Glasgow World Championships in August.
Chong Wei said first round matches are often the trickiest for any player.
"Every player will find the going tough in their first match so you have to be smart in dealing with the situation," said Chong Wei.
"I cannot afford to take anyone for granted, I have to stay focused.
"This (Denmark Open) is an important tournament for me but at the same time I do not want to place unnecessary pressure on myself. I just want to take each game as it comes and enjoy myself on court."
Chong Wei, who will be celebrating his 35th birthday on Saturday, is expected to face top seeded South Korean Son Wan Ho in the quarterfinals before a potential clash with China's Chen Long in the semi's.
In addition to Chong Wei, two other Malaysian women's doubles pairs will be opening their accounts in the competition tomorrow.
Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei will face China's Huang Dongping-Li Yinhui while Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean play Indian duo Ashwini Ponnappa-Reddy N. Sikki.