PARIS, Oct 22 (PTI): Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap today stunned world No 4 Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-11, 21-18 in the first round of men�s singles, while Saina Nehwal registered an easy victory to enter the second round of women�s singles in the French Open Super Series here.
However, it was curtains for HS Prannoy and Sourabh Varma, both of whom failed to cross the opening-round hurdle in men�s singles event, after going down to Japan�s Kento Momota and England�s Rajiv Ouseph, respectively, at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin here. World No 28 Kashyap was at his dominating best today as he comprehensively defeated his higher ranked opponent in straight games in a contest that lasted 34 minutes.
Fifth seeded Saina, meanwhile, took just 37 minutes to outplay local shuttler Sashina Vignes Wara 21-16, 21-9.
It was a cake-walk for the London Olympic bronze medallist who faced little threat from her French opponent.
Although the French girl took an early lead of 5-2 in the opening game, Saina quickly came into her elements. And once Saina managed to break away from a 7-7 tie, it was an easy ride for her. The second game also started in a similar fashion with the two shuttlers tied at 6-6, but the Indian surged ahead and and never looked back.
