In Badminton, Saina Nehwal today began her China Open campaign on a winning note. She progressed to the women's singles pre-quarterfinals after beating American Zhang Beiwen in straight games, 21-12, 21-13. Saina, the newly-crowned national champion, is eying to win the tournament to enhance her chances of qualifying for the Dubai Super Series Finals next month. Saina is currently 11th in the Dubai rankings and will have to break into the top 10 to qualify.In Men's Doubles, Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost in the first round. World number two and Rio Olympics Silver medalist PV Sindhu will play her first round match later today against Sayaka Sato of Japan. Newly crowned national champion HS Prannoy, looking to make the cut for Dubai, will also begin his campaign today. World number two Kidambi Srikanth, who has clinched four titles and reached five finals this season, is not taking part in the tournament due to a muscle strain.