London Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal said that unheralded Brazilian opponent Vicente Lohaynny "surprised her" as the first round at major events are always "tricky and difficult to play".


"First round is always tricky and difficult to play. Definitely I was taken for a surprise. The crowd was cheering her a lot also so she had the (home) advantage. It was a confidence boost for her. It was not the best or worst match but I am happy with the way I played. The draw is very tough, I just want to take one match at a time," Saina said after her 21-17 21-17 win in 39 minutes.

The world No 5 said that every match will be tough in an event of this magnitude but those who can move on quickly after commiting mistakes and clinch the close matches. "It was a tough match. Every match will be tough in Olympics. At the highest level, you commit mistakes. But you must clinch those matches to give yourself a chance ahead. It's good to see the sport picking up in Brazil. She played really well. She does well at the International level as well. She got all the support from the local audience."

The World and All-England Championship silver medallist said that her coach Vimal Kumar told her to move well and concentrate on rallies.