Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal has stormed in to the second round of the Yonex Sunrise Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) after defeating Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand in the first round on Wednesday.

Saina, the World no. 6, thrashed her Thai opponent in straight sets by 21-10 21-13 in just half an hour in the opening round at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi. Saina started the match with a bang as she took
11-0 lead in the first set.

Speaking to the media, Saina said that she was expecting a tough challenge from her opponent as the last match between them was very close but she played well to get past Porntip.

Saina will now face Malaysian Julia Pei Xian Wong in the second round. Julia had defeated Trupti Murgunde in the first round.

In mixed doubles, the top seeded India pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju has defeated Wai Hong Wong and Hoi Wah Chau of Hong Kong 21-13 21-12 in the first round.