London, Jul 31: On a day when India got its first medal at the London Olympics 2012, another medal hope Saina Nehwal cruised into the knockout round of 16 in women's badminton singles on Monday.

It was yet another dominating display of badminton by Saina. She defeated Lianne Tan of Belgium 21-4, 21-14 at the Wembley Arena to top Group E and move to the round of 16.

She won the first game in just nine minutes and added the second and the game in the next 14 minutes on Court 3.

On Sunday, the girl from Hyderabad, had eased past her Swiss opponent Sabrina Jaquet 21-9, 21-4. She maintained an unbeaten record in the preliminary stage.

The format of women's singles is first played on a league basis with 16 groups and the toppers move into knockouts.

After bowing out in the quarterfinals in the Beijing Olympics 2008, Saina is hoping to win a medal this time in London.

The 22-year-old's opponent in the round of 16 will be known after the completion of other matches on Tuesday.

OneIndia News