Birmingham, Mar 8 (IANS): Saina Nehwal entered the second round of the women's singles event at the All England Badminton Championships here Wednesday defeating Thai Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
World No.4 Saina had to dig deep against a qualifier before completing a 21-11, 13-21, 21-13 win in 58 minutes. Another Indian P.V. Sindhu, who qualified for the main draw, faces Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in her opening battle.
Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta won their women's doubles opening round match beating Indonesian duo of Anneke Feinya Agustin and Nitya Krishinda Maheshwari 21-16, 21-16 in 34 minutes.
V. Diju and Gutta play their mixed doubles opening round match later in the day.
Ajay Jayaram takes on China's Lin Dan in the men's singles first round.