Saina off to a good start

National Champion Saina Nehwal got off to a good start at Yonex Sunrise Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament by advancing to the second round after registering a comfortable straight games victory.

Saina defeated Yu Hirayama of Japan 21-7, 21-14 in her first round match of the singles event.

Also advancing to the next round was Aditi Mutatkar, who pipped Soratja Chanrisukot of Thailand 21-19, 21-14 in her first round clash.

However, it was a bad day for N Siki Reddy, who bowed out of the event after losing to Japanese opponent Eriko Hirose 9-12, 12-21.

In men's section, P Kashyap and Anand Pawar advanced to the second round after winning their respective encounters.

Kashyap defeated Yong Zaho Ashton Chen of Singapore 21-18, 21-14, while Pawar beat Andres Corpancho of Peru 21-14, 21-10.

Curtains were drawn on the campaign of Jishnu Sanyal, who lost to Tien Minb Nguyen of Vietnam 8-21, 19-21.

Also tasting defeat was pair of Jwala Gutta and Diju V, who lost to Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thounghongkam of Thailand 21-17, 21-22 in the mixed doubles event.