Ningbo, April 7 -- India's top mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, made a strong start to their campaign on Day 1 of the Badminton Asia Championships at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre in China.

Facing Thailand's Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard, the Indian duo claimed the opening game 21-14. The Thai pair responded with a dominant 21-11 win in the second to force a decider. Regaining their early momentum, Dhruv and Tanisha closed out the match 21-15 in the final game, as per a press release from the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

The Indians now face a challenging Round of 16 clash against Malaysia's Cheng Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, who currently hold a 2-0 head-to-head advantage.

In other mixed double...