India beat Wales: Sudirman Cup

All England champion Pulella Gopichand of India survived a first game scare to brush off Richard Vaughan of Wales, ranked 10 in the world, 17-16, 15-3 on the first day of the Sudirman Cup on Monday.

Gopichand's victory helped India to a 3-1 winning lead in the best-of-five Group 3 match in badminton's world mixed team tournament.

It was the Indian's first competitive match since he lifted the All England title in March -- a victory which triggered a huge boost in the country's sporting morale.

His sights are largely set on next week's individual championships but a clash with the ever-improving Vaughan served as a useful warm-up for the world number six.

Gopichand led 12-7 in the opening game but Vaughan, after saving a game point, battled back to 14-14. The Welshman then earned a game point of his own before being shaded 17-16.

The Indian raced into a 7-0 lead in the second game and, in the stifling heat of a venue without air conditioning, there was no way back for Vaughan.

"It is hot but, since we are from India, it's a little better for us," Gopichand said afterwards. "I think Richard was getting tired."

India lost the opening singles after Manjusha Kanwar went down to Kelly Morgan 3-11, 9-11.

On Tuesday, India play Austria while Wales meet Hong Kong.