2016 Rio Olympic Games
Germany’s Dimitrij OVTCHAROV concluded the first match in the Men’s Singles Event at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games victoriously. He overcame LI Ping of Qatar 4-3 to advance to Men’s Singles Round of 16 (8-11 11-4 11-9 7-11 11-5 9-11 11-9).
“The first match is always difficult and even more difficult when against a player who has already played a match. I have practised and prepared but coming into the hall with all the noise and the atmosphere created it takes time to adjust” said OVTCHAROV.
“Tactically and technically LI Ping was very good he returned service well and we know each other well before we came here we practised together in Germany. In the sixth game I led 7-3 and lost; that made it extra hard for the seventh.”
No. two seed ZHANG Jike of China succeeded against CHEN Chien-An (11-5 13-11 12-10 11-7).
“We have competed against thrice just this year alone and we both had wins and losses so we are familiar about each other’s playing style. Playing at the Olympic Games is still different as compared to other events. I think I played my usual form today. The desire for victory at the Olympic Games is definitely higher as compared to World Tour events. It’s the same case for CHEN. We are both playing on the Olympic stage giving our full focus for every point it really depends on how you keep yourself on top of your game. Coming into the match today I would say I’m in better form than before. Single events will probably be better for me given that it’s best of 7 games it’s faster to concentrate into the match as compared to best of 5 games in the team event” stated ZHANG.
The Round of 32 concluded with great upsets. Adrian CRISAN of Romania who beat Timo BOLL last time in London was in charge for the biggest upset in this Round in Rio. Seeded at position no. 50 Crisan overcame no. 12 seed LEE Sangsu of Korea in seven games (11-9 11-13 11-5 12-10 10-12 6-11 11-13). Paul DRINKHALL of England joined him by beating Andrej GACINA of Croatia. No. 38 seed beat no. 15 in six games (11-8 10-12 9-11 8-11 11-5 8-11). Seeded no. 14 is also out. Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal suffered by the hands of Bojan TOKIC of Slovenia.
