World number one and top-seeded Zhang Ning stayed on course for the women's singles title of the International Badminton Tournament after a second victory at the Beijing University of Technology (BUT) Gymnasium on Thursday.

The Athens Olympics gold medalist Zhang Ning gave full play to her experience and skills to cover the court efficiently in beating her compatriot Li Shengnan 21-9, 21-11 in 21 minutes.

Zhang won the match on the beautiful variation of shots -- dribbles, drop shots, volleys, and easily advanced into the quarterfinals.

The tournament, being held from October 10 to 14, is among a series of test events for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

According to an official statement on Wednesday, several well-known players, including Xu Huaiwen of Germany, Kien Keat Koo of Malaysia and Petya Nedelcheva/Diana Dianova of Bulgaria as well as host players Chen Yu, Gao Jun and Yu Yang, will not be playing in the tournament.

In order to guarantee the normal proceeding of each round of the competition, the organizing committee has fielded a few ace Chinese players at provincial or municipal levels to replace those who have withdrawn. 

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2007)