India off to a good start in individual badminton event

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal got a first round bye but P Kashyap kept the spectators entertained as India got off to a brilliant start in the individual badminton event of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi today.

Fifth seed Kashyap, who had pulled off a stunner against Rajiv Ouseph during the semifinal against England in the mixed team event, beat Michael Stewart Browlee of Falk Island 21-8, 21-3 in just 11 minutes in the men's singles.

Among other Indians, Sanave Thomas and Aparna Balan handed out a 21-9, 21-13 thrashing to Australian duo of Warfe Glenn and Tang He Tian in a 17 minutes match in the mixed doubles event.

Rupesh Kumar and Ashwini Ponnappa also zoomed past Steve Hansley and Camille Alisen of Seychelles 21-8, 21-14 as India had a field day in the capital.

Kashyap opened up a 4-0 lead first up but lost two points The Indian, however, didn't allow it to derail his rhythm as he moved to 11-2 with seven straight points, before wrapping it up easily.

In the second game, Kashyap was more ruthless as he took three giant steps of six, seven and eight straight points to leave his rival clueless.

"It was an easy match. I was relaxed in the match and delayed the shots to generate the right momentum," said Kashyap after the match.

"I am not really focussing on the medal. The quarterfinal will be tough as I play Malaysia's Muhammad Hafiz Hashim. If I get past him them in semis I will face Rajiv Ouseph, whom I have beaten in the team event.

"I want to reach the final and face Lee Chong Wei to show him how much better I can play," he added.

Rupesh and Ashwini too hardly had any problems and the latter said she was looking forward to some tough matches in the tournament ahead.

"It was a comfortable match. But as I have not played too much matches I want to play more matches and against tough opponents," Ashwini said.

Among others in fray, Saina and Aditi Mutatkar got a bye in the women's singles.

Saina will be up against Sarah Thomas in the second round, while Aditi will meet the winner of Kenyan Anita Alube and Subodha Dahanayake of Sri Lanka.

Chetan, who also got a bye, will face off with the winner of Matthew John Wilkinson of Isle of Man and Nigerian Ola Fagbemi.