Lin Dan eases through at world championships

London: China`s Lin Dan eased into the second round of the world championships with a 21-11, 21-10 success over Lithuanian Kestutis Navickas on Tuesday.

The Chinese suffered a surprise quarter-final exit in last year`s tournament in Paris after three world titles in a row but looked in good shape at the Wembley Arena against his world-ranked 40 opponent. Lin`s return of some heavy smashing coupled with sharp reflexes took him through in 34 minutes. The victory avoided fresh Chinese embarrassment after the shock defeat on Monday of fifth-seed Chen Long by Guatemalan outsider Kevin Cordon.Lin, seeded two behind Malaysia`s Lee Chong Wei, told reporters: "Conditions in the hall are good and the drift and light are favourable for me. I feel comfortable here.” "I concentrated well and played well." Wang Shixian, China`s top seed in the women`s singles started her campaign with a comfortable 21-11 21-14 victory over Bulgaria`s Linda Zechiri. There was more success for Ireland when Scott Evans beat Austria`s Michael Lahnsteiner 21-15, 21-16 in the men`s singles, following Chloe Magee`s opening day win in the women`s event. Bureau Report