New Delhi, Sep 11 - Air India started their Durand Cup campaign with a thumping 3-0 win over 2005 champions Army XI in a group three quarterfinal league match at the Ambedkar Stadium on a rainy Friday.

Ravinder Singh struck twice (22nd, 34th) from penalties while Nigerian N.D. Opara (27th) added to the tally. The win fetched Air India three points and has brightened their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

On a slushy turf, both the teams struggled to get a sound footing. But the experienced Air India, the giant killers in the I-League, were certainly the better team with their organised approach.

Unlike their opponents, Army XI were rusty for most part of the game and squandered some easy opportunities that came their way.

Air India forwards Dada Habeel and Opara used their speed and power to tease the Army defence while experienced mid-fielders Vijith Shetty and Soccer Velho kept the pair busy with clean passes.

Army XI's star striker S. Raleng, top scorer in 2008 Santosh Trophy, couldn't get his bearings right and failed to get past the solid Air India defence manned by Praneel Mendon and Ravinder.