China's Li Shifeng suffered a first-round defeat at the All England Open Badminton Championships as the defending champion of the men's singles lost to Frenchman Toma Junior Popov in straight sets on Tuesday.
Li, 24, was crowned in Birmingham for the first time last March and took victory at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, beating teammate Shi Yuqi in both finals.
But the third seed made too many mistakes on Tuesday, outplayed by Popov 21-17 and 21-13. Li hasn't beat the 25-year-old in all three encounters.
Earlier, Popov's younger brother Christo Popov edged Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong, China 22-20, 17-21 and 21-16 to reach the last 16.
The men's singles top seed Viktor Axelsen breezily got past the opening round as the Olympic champion from Denmark saw off Indian Kidambi Srikanth 21-9, 21-9.
In the mixed doubles, China's defending champions Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong were unchallenged as the pair won over American duo Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai 21-6, 21-11 in 25 minutes.
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Man United legend Andy Cole accuses Mikel Arteta of 'mugging off' out
James Corden FINALLY gets approval to demolish his Oxfordshire home after months of delays
Fernando Alonso commits his future to Aston Martin by signing new two
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Government needs to 'step up' and support rainbow community amid protest
Forget the World Cup, Euros or Super Bowl
ULTIMATE GRAND NATIONAL GUIDE: Mail Sport's expert gives his verdict on all 34 runners
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Ariana Grande showcases legs in floral mini dress as she holds hands with Wicked co