Pi Hongyan, the Chinese-born French player, enjoyed a smooth day in Beijing for her first round. By defeating Claudia Riveiro, she has beaten her record in the Olympic Games as she had been ousted in the first round in 2004.

Badzine Staff, Live from Beijing. Photos : Badmintonphoto

Pi Hongyan spent more time answering questions in French, English and Chinese than she actually spent on court for her first match of these Olympics as she beat easily Peruvian Riviero in 24 minutes in an impressive 21-6, 21-19 win.

“I feel good here, almost like home. I know I’ll have the public support until I meet a Chinese player, but that’s ok,” said the smiling French player, while local reporters were amused by her capacity to change languages in a second.  The French, however, has a tough task ahead, as she is to play Eriko Hirose of Japan, who has not beaten her yet, but who has always challenged the French in their four encounters.

Jun Jae Youn and Zhang Ning will be opposed in the next round for another clash and a spot in the quarter-final at stake.

The morning session also saw Park Sung Hwan beat Andrew Dabeka of Canada, and Tine Rasmussen of Denmark easily beating Stapusaityte.

See all results HERE


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