Zhou Mi made an impressive start to her Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Open campaign, defeating Adrianti Firdasari of Indonesia in straight games at Queen Elizabeth Stadium yesterday.
Playing in front of a large crowd, the world number one wrapped up her first-round match in the Super Series event in 36 minutes, winning 21-17, 21-19.
Zhou will meet Julian Wong Pei Xian of Malaysia today. She has beaten the Malaysian twice before, including in the final of last month's Macau Grand Prix Open.
Unseeded Wang Chen kept Hong Kong interest high when she trounced eighth seed Wang Lin of China, one of the hottest young stars on the circuit. Wang Chen also beat the 19-year-old in straight games, 21-19, 21-18.
'This is a good beginning, especially as we are playing at home,' said a delighted Wang, who missed last year's event because of a back injury. 'She is a strong opponent, a fast-improving star and I had to play my best to beat her.'
Wang said the win had little bearing on her chances in the US$250,000 tournament or the remainder of her sporting career.
'I am approaching my retirement and just enjoy every match on the court as much as I can,' said the 32-year-old. 'I am now playing with a more relaxed attitude, no matter whether I'm winning or losing.'
