Fifth seed Chen Long of China tumbled out of the World badminton championships on day one, beaten by little-known Kevin Cordon of Guatemala, at Wembley Arena on Monday.

In a 74-minute thriller, world number 36 Cordon clinched victory on his fourth match point 21-19, 8-21, 27-25.

"It's the biggest win in my life by far," a delighted Cordon told reporters.

"Since March I have been training in Spain with the national team so that has been good."

Chen, 22, who also had three match points, said: "I never thought I would lose."

Top seed Lee Chong Wei [ Images ] started his bid for a maiden world title with a 21-15, 21-17 success over Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk.

The Malaysian world number one was made to work hard by the gritty Thai who took five points in a row in the second game to lead 11-8.

But Chong Wei, aided by some deceptive returns of serve, regained control to move safely into the second round.

"I didn't play very well and made a few mistakes," he said. "It sometimes happens in the first round."

Former world and Olympic [ Images ] champion Taufik Hidayat, the other big name on parade at the Wembley Arena on the first morning, was level 6-6 in the opening game with Peru's Rodrigo Pacheco Carrillo.

The Indonesian, though, pressed on to lead 15-7 before clinching a 21-10, 21-14 victory.

Holder Chen Jin breezed past Estonia's Raul Must 21-8, 21-10.

Olympic champion Lin Dan [ Images ], seeking a fourth world crown, faces Kestutis Navickas in his first match on Tuesday.