With defending champion Kento Momota and several top stars out of the picture, the Denmark Open, which begins on Tuesday, presents an opportunity for other men's singles shuttlers.
India’s second ranked K. Srikanth, who previously clinched the title in 2017, could have a genuine shot at this Super 750 event.
The world number 14 did not have a great start to the year, with only a last-16 apprearance at the Spain Masters to show as his best result.
The Indian takes on England’s Toby Penty in the opening round and should be on course to meet second seed Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals.
"This is the best chance for Srikanth to get back to winning ways. With the withdrawal of Momota and other Japanese players, only Chou is the top player in the event.
"The manner he practiced at the academy, I think Srikanth has a good chance to win the title. He should easily reach the semifinals,” an Indian coach told Times Of India.
Anders Antonsen should also fancy his chances on home soil, especially without the injured Viktor Axelsen in contention.
The world number three is slated to take on Srikanth’s team-mate Ajay Jayaram in the opening round, but Antonsen could potentially walk into the second round without lifting a racquet.
Jayaram was not allowed to board his flight to London en route to Denmark as he was not carrying a UK visa, and has sought help from the government to help him out.
The women’s singles is a more open affair with Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, Carolina Marin and Michelle Li all in contention, while homester Mia Blichfeldt is considered a potential dark horse as seventh seed.
In the men’s doubles, fourth seeds Kim Astrup-Anders Rasmussen will hope to capitalise on the absence of their Japanese and Indonesian rivals to claim their first title on home soil.
Japan’s top seed Yuki Fukuhisma-Sayaka Hirota could bag the women’s doubles title, while the likes of Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino (Japan) and Chris-Gabrielle Adcock (England) will be eyeing glory in the mixed doubles.
