Odense (Denmark): Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu reached the second round of the women’s singles event of the Denmark Open Super Series Premier here Wednesday.

While 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist Saina was made to work hard for her 12-21, 21-10, 21-12 win over Germany’s Karin Schnaase, two-time World Championships bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu registered a 21-12, 22-20 victory over Hong Kong’s Pui Yin Yip at the Odense Sports Park.

Saina got off to a poor start in the first game, losing 12-21 before showing her class to win the second game 21-10 and continued to pressurise Karin with her regal smashes.

The World No.7 wrapped up the third game 21-12.

In the other match, Sindhu was in her element from the start as she didn’t allow Yin Yip to settle down.

The World No.10 Indian won the first game 21-12 before her opponent got some rhythm going in the second game.

Sindhu won the closely-fought second 22-20 to reach the next round.

Earlier in the day, the Indo-Russian mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Vladimir Ivanov were knocked out in the first round, losing 18-21, 18-21 in 30 minutes to Hong Kong pair Yun Lung Chan and Ying Suet Tse.

The Indo-Russian team fought hard during the match but failed to get the better of Chan-Tse, who took advantage of small mistakes made by Ponnappa and Ivanov.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2014