BADMINTON: The Aussie athletes at the YOG have begun to pick up pace in the group stage of the Badminton.

Following a slow start early on in the competition, where both dropped their opening matches, Daniel Guda notched his first singles win in a tight three-set match against Austrian Wolfgang Gnedt.

The New South Welshman comfortably won the opening set 21-14 before the Austrian pushed Guda all the way in the second, forcing a third and final set which Guda won 21-17.

After a frustrating result in his first match, it was a relief for the 18-year-old to notch up win

“I really wanted to win that match. When I lost the second set I felt a lot of pressure, then when it was deep into that third set my heart started pounding. I put a lot of focus into one point and then every point from then on,” Guda said.

“After I lost that [first] match, my goal was to get second in the group, so I’m pretty happy with my performance today and hopefully I can keep it up tomorrow.”

Joy Lai also took to the court in her second group match, where she clashed with Indian, Ruthvika Shivano Gadde. After a hard fought match, she unfortunately went down in straight sets 18-21 11-21.

Lai also turned 16 today, but unfortunately for the birthday girl, luck was not on her side.

Lai will still be hoping to put together some good matches for the final stages of the group matches.

Joining Lai in the stands were numerous members of her family including both sets of Grandparents, Uncle, Auntie and Parents. Having them by her side makes all the difference.

“It’s nice to have extra people to support me and cheer for me during the match and that all the other athletes are busy training and competing in their sports. It’s nice to have them in the stands cheering for me!”said Lai.

“Joy’s Mum is like my Mum, every time I’m in Melbourne she takes care of me and it’s good to have someone cheering for me,” said Guda.

This evening will also see the second match of the International mixed doubles where our young Aussie team will be hoping to continue their form after both recorded wins in their respective matches.

Results to come...

Update:

Daniel Guda and teammate Ruselli Hartawan (INA) downed Luis Enrique Penalver Pereira (ESO) and Chlorie Cadeau (SEY) 21-12 21-19.

Joy Lai and Yugi Shi (CHI) defeated Alex Vlaar (NED) and Janine Lais (AUT) 21-16 21-16.

Sam Rawlings
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam