World Badminton Championship 2017: Saina Nehwal storms to pre-quarterfinals

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Glasgow, August 24: Saina Nehwal brushed aside the challenge of Sabrina Jaquet in straight games to enter the pre- quarterfinals of singles events at the World Championship, here on Wednesday (August 23).

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina hardly broke a sweat as she cruised past her Swiss rival 21-11 21-12 in just 33 minutes.

"It was a tricky match I felt. Sabrina is a formidable opponent but I am happy that I overpowered her nicely in the match," 12th seed Saina said after the match.

"It is never easy to play first round. I have had some horrible experiences in the first round. The next rounds are not going to be easier also because you are playing tough opponents. But first round is always tough because you are stepping on the court for the first time," she added.

"In the big stadiums, fitness plays a big role. It is important than you maintain your cool, because sometimes the shuttle goes mid court and the opponent has a very good chance to finish it off."

Saina will next take on second seed Sung Ji Hyun, who defeated India's Tanvi Lad 21-9 21-19. The 2010 Commonwealth Games champion has a 7-2 head-to-head record against the Korean and most recently she beat her at the Australian Open in June.

(Inputs from PTI)