Saina Nehwal made a confident start by a resounding first round win over Ella Karachkova of Russia in the first round of the women’s badminton at Beijing olympics. She clinched the victory 21-9, 21-8 in just over 28 minutes.

Saina now faces Gryga Larysa who beat Agnes Allegrini 21-15, 21-11 to reach the round of 32.

“I found the Olympic atmosphere electrifying and enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a comfortable time and did not have to exert myself or use too much of smashes. I relied on the drop shots and they worked well enough,” said Saina Nehwal. She may run into China’s fourth seed Wang Chen in the round of 16 if she wins her next match.