Hall maintains fine form

BADMINTON

Darren Hall, whose revenge win over Sompol Kukasemkij helped keep England in the top group of the Sudirman Cup team championships at the weekend, scored another notable success in the men's singles on the opening day of the individual events at the World Championships in Lausanne yesterday, writes James Leigh.

The former European champion from Essex won with encouraging ease against Lo Ah Heng, the Malaysian who reached the semi- finals of the All England championships. Hall's 15-3, 15-6 first-round victory increased belief that he can upset the seeded Jeroen van Dijk if he comes through to meet the Dutchman tomorrow.

Later, three England internationals reached the third round of the women's singles with two wins each: Sarah Hore, Tanya Groves and the national champion, Julia Mann.