HK shuttlers lose mixed doubles bronze to Japan

Badminton aces Tse Ying-suet and Tang Chun-man will leave the Tokyo Olympics without a medal, but with countless new fans after a hard-fought loss to Japan’s Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe.

The fifth-ranked Japanese pair came out strong in the first game, racing to an early lead they would never relinquish in taking the first frame 21-17.

Tang and Tse found their rhythm in the second game though, taking the early advantage, with Tang supplying powerful and accurate strikes from the back court and Tse quickly pouncing on their opponents’ mistakes in front.

But the Japanese pair put on a display of their incredible skills, saving multiple points through seemingly impossible defensive plays – some while they were sat on the floor or diving around the court.

Gradually, the Japanese duo gained the advantage, and led 20-18 before Hong Kong saved two match points.

But the Japanese proved too much, and finished out a nail-biting second game 23-21.

Despite missing out on a bronze medal, Tse and Tang have accomplished the best result Hong Kong has had in badminton in an Olympics – not counting an unofficial bronze medal at the 1988 games in Seoul which Chan Chi Choi and Amy Chan won when the game was an exhibition sport.

Speaking after the match, both Tse and Tang said they thought they had performed well, but missed out in key moments.

An emotional Tse said she had been a bit nervous during the pivotal points and missed some opportunities to go on the attack.

She also praised her partner.

“Without him, we wouldn’t have achieved such good results,” Tse said.

Tang, meanwhile, thanked Hongkongers for supporting them, saying his first Olympics has been an unforgettable experience.

“Although we lost the match, I felt that we performed quite well. I would describe it as not perfect. We achieved our target, but still haven’t reached our ultimate goal,” he said.
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Last updated: 2021-07-30 HKT 12:19