Saina sails into pre-quarters, Diju-Vidhyadhar advances in doubles

Doha, Dec 6 (UNI) India's best bet Saina Nehwal swamped Sri Lankan Nadeesh Dura in straight games to move into the pre-quarterfinals of the women's badminton singles event in the 15th Asian Games here today.

Saina needed just 14 minutes to complete a facile 21-10, 21-6 win, which pits her against fifth seed Hirose of Japan later at the Aspire Hall today.

Levelled at 6-6, Saina bagged seven points in a row and dropped two more points before wrapping up the first game.

The second game was more lop-sided with the Indian dictation terms to her Lankan rival and it was another nine points on the trot that saw Saina seal the game in six minutes and win the match.

''I didn't play to the best of my potentials but nevertheless, it was a good beginning and I'm ready for my next round of battle,'' said the Indian.

In men's doubles round of 32 match, the Indian duo of V Diju and JBS Vidhyadhar thrashed the Wai Ho Hui-Wai Hong Wong pair from Hong Kong in straight games to move into the pre-quarterfinals.

The Indian pair took eight minutes in each game to trounce their rivals 21-13, 21-10.

The Indian pair raced to 11-1 lead in the first game before relaxing their grip a bit to allow their rivals regain some of the lost ground. Things, however, always remained under control and they won the match, playing percentage badminton.

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