Tine Rasmussen [Yumq.com]

Tine Rasmussen from Denmark, the biggest threat to reigning Chinese women's singles shuttlers, apparently enjoyed her debutant performance on Olympic badminton court, beating Akvile Stapusaityte from Lithuania 21-6, 21-8 in the second round here on Sunday.

"I played very well today, and the court is perfect," the No.6 seed who got a bye in the first round said amid loud chants from the audience for defending champion Zhang Ning who was playing on another court against Salakjit Ponsana from Thailand.

When asked of how she thinks of the enthusiastic audience, the 28-year-old Dane said she is not worrying about the home advantage for Chinese players.

"Chinese spectators really like badminton, and they know much about badminton," Rasmussen said. "I quite enjoy playing badminton in China."

Rasmussen, who was ousted in the round of 32 at the Athens Olympics, geared up the engine in recent two years, clinching three titles at Super Series tournaments hosted by the World Badminton Federation in 2008.

In the third round, the world No.4 is expected to meet Maria Yulianti from Indonesia who survived a tough opener in the first round.

"It will be tough. She is a good player. I'm going to do some research tonight and work out a good plan."

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)