Leading the Indian attack, national champion Devinder Joshi defeated Obaid Khalifa 4-1, while Dharmender Lilly beat Salim Ali Salim 4-3 in a close encounter last night.

However, Indian No 2 Ashok Shandilya lost 2-4 in the first round to UAE's Mohammed Joker, who won both his games with a stunning performance.

In the second round, Joker whipped Lilly 4-0.

India's Yasin Merchant shrugged off the challenge of Rashed Mazroui 4-2 in his opening round.

Results: A Kumar bt E Sayed 4-2; D Joshi bt O Obaid 4-1; A Shandilya lost to M Joker 2-4; D Lilly bt SA Salim 4-3; Y Merchant bt R Mazroui 4-2; R Habib lost to M Shehab 0-4; D Joshi lost to E Sayed 3-4; R Habib bt SA Salim 4-1; D Lilly lost to M Joker 0-4; Y Merchant bt M Shehab 4-1; A Kumar bt R Mazroui 4-1; A Shandilya bt O Khalifa 4-2.