Almaty (Kazakhstan), Oct 17 (IANS): Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75 kg) started his World Championship campaign on a high, hammering Sweden's Hampus Henriksson in the preliminaries of the middleweight division.

The 27-year-old, playing his fourth World Championship, was in sublime touch as he devoured Heriksson in a one-sided affair here Thursday.

The first Indian to win a World Championship medal in 2009 Milan, Vijender completely exploited the inexperience of the Swede making a strong start and took the fight to his opponent right from the word go. His piercing straight jabs coupled with his nimble ring movement were something Henriksson did not have an answer to.

Vijender eased off the pedal in the last two rounds, yet managed to win the bout by a unanimous decision with a 30:25, 30:27 and 30:27 scoreline.

The Round of 32 Saturday will see Vijender take on Ireland's Jason Quigley, the reigning European Champion. The Irishman is seeded fifth and got a first round bye.