Badminton World Championships: Wang Zhiyi, top seeds fly in Paris
China’s World No 2 breezed past Hungary’s Agnes Korosi in just 22 minutes to seal first-round victory
China’s Wang Zhiyi wasted little time in beating Hungary’s Agnes Korosi in the first round of the Badminton World Championships in Paris on Tuesday.
The women’s world No 2 won 21-5, 21-4 after 22 minutes, while Chinese third seed Han Yue sailed to a 21-10, 21-16 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-Chian.
Anders Antonsen, the men’s second seed, had few problems getting past Brazilian Jonathan Matias. The Dane was mostly in control throughout the 41-minute match and prevailed 21-15, 21-16.
Third seed and reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand eased into the last 32 with a 21-11, 21-17 win over El Salvador’s Uriel Canjura.
“I arrived in Paris only a few days ago, but the jet-lag hasn’t been a problem,” Wang said. “I even managed a nap before the match, so I felt wide awake out there.”
Meanwhile, former world champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu said she has a medal in her sights as the Indian returned to the French capital one year on from the Olympic Games.
