Sport

Saina makes a confident start

BEIJING: Saina Nehwal launched the Indian badminton campaign on a confident note with a 21-9, 21-8 victory over Ella Karachkova of Russia in a women’s first round match here.

The victory was on expected lines as the 15th ranked Saina had expressed optimism on seeing the draw a few days ago, in India itself.

She will next play Larysa Gryga of Ukraine in the in the round of 32.

There was more cheer for the Indian camp as Bajrang Lal Thakkar qualified for the quarterfinals in the single sculls event in rowing with a timing of 7:39.91. He pulled hard from the fifth position at the half way stage.

Archer Mangal Singh Champia emphasised his strong nerves, albeit in the ranking round, as he finished second with a 678, one point behind Juan Rene Serrano of Mexico. It remains to be seen whether the Indian archer will prove his champion class and reproduce the good form in the knockout rounds during the individual event.

In the women’s section, Bombayala Laishram Devi (637), Dola Banerjee (633) and Pranitha Vardhineni (627) finished 22nd, 31st and 37th in the ranking round. The Indian team has been drawn to meet China in the first round of the team championship on Sunday.

In swimming, Sandeep Sejwal was inspired in the ‘Water Cube’ in clocking a career-best 1:02.19 to finish second in his heat, and 38th overall in the 100m breaststroke event.

In judo, K. Tombi Devi’s challenge lasted just two minutes and 30 seconds as she lost to Ana Hormigo of Portugal by one ipon, one yuko and one koka.

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