Wimbledon champion Venus Williams today launched the defence of her crown in devastating fashion.

The American second seed, 21, was centre stage on Centre Court as she demolished Japanese opponent Shinobu Asagoe 6-2 6-3.

Williams is spurred on by the fact that she'll become the world's No1 if she can repeat last year's triumph.

She's in line to topple reigning queen Martina Hingis after the Swiss star crashed to a shock first-round defeat to Spain's Virginia Ruano Pascual.

Read more about Wimbledon here.