Sudirman Cup: India off to winning start

India started their Sudirman Cup campaign in fine fashion beating Finland 4-1 in their first group rubber in Glasgow, on Monday.

India dominated the Division 3-Group B encounter with all players, except Anup Sridhar, winning their matches. The mixed doubles pair of V Diju and Aparna Balan got India off to the perfect start defeating Tuomas Nuorteva and Maria Vaisanen 21-15, 21-9 in only 18 minutes.

Teen sensation Saina Nehwal doubled India's advantage getting the better of Anu Nieminen 21-13, 21-13 in 27 minutes.

However, India suffered a slight setback when Sridhar went down to Ville Lang 11-21, 21-15, 16-21 in a tough match lasting 46 minutes.

The men's doubles pair of Thomas Sanave and Rupesh Kumar settled the nerves when they clinched the tie with an easy 21-7, 21-15 win over Mikko Vikman and Nuorteva.

Saina and Aparna underlined a good day's work by the Indian team when they defeated the Vaisanen sisters -- Elina and Maria -- 21-11, 21-17.

India take on New Zealand in their next group tie on Tuesday before facing hosts Scotland in their final encounter on Thursday.