Badminton: Rousing start for Chong Wei

GUANGZHOU - Lee Chong Wei advanced to the second round of the World Championships with a polished display against Scott Evans of Wales at Tianhe Indoor Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China on Monday. Chong Wei, the top seed, hardly broke a sweat as he defeated Evans 21-11, 21-15 in less than 30 minutes.

The local crowd also gave Chong Wei a rousing welcome as he is is immesely popular in Guanghzou after playing in the 2010 Asian Games.

Chong Wei said his main intention was to adapt to the court and also the slow shuttles which are being used in the tournament.

"It was a good warm-up for me as my main objective was to get used to the court. There is a strong draught at the court and the shuttle is also slow," said Chong Wei. "Although my opponent was not strong, I tried to get something out of this match and also test my skills."

Chong Wei will either Dionisius Hayom Rumbaka of Indonesia or Misha Zilberman of Israel in the second round on Wednesday.

Debutant Chong Wei Feng also cleared the first hurdle when he defeated Rajiv Ouseph of England 21-11, 21-15 to move into the second round.