TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — One of Taiwan's most famous athletes, badminton player Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎), was victorious in her first match in the group stage of the womens singles competition at the 2024 Olympics in Paris on Sunday (July 28). 

Tai was able to best her opponent, Lianne Tan of Belgium, by winning two consecutive sets of 21:15 and 21:14, with a total match time of 38 minutes, reported CNA. Although Tai admitted that she was slow getting into the groove in the first set, she quickly picked up steam. 

Tai faced off against Tan on two previous occasions and won both times, giving her an expected advantage. Prior to Sunday’s match, Tai had not played any professional matches for three months, per CNA.

In both sets, Tan put up a good fight, keeping close to Tai’s score in the first half of each set. However, Tai was able to outpace Tan in the latter half of both sets to finish with a substantial lead. 

After the win, Tai said that she felt good about her upcoming matches, adding that she hopes her control in the next game will improve.

In her next match on July 31, Tai will face off against one of her rivals, Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, whom she has faced on 35 occasions in the past. Tai currently leads in the head-to-head matchup count with 20 wins to Ratchanok’s 15. 

Badminton fans are eagerly awaiting the match, as both Tai and Ratchanok are considered two of the most technically skilled shuttlers to ever play the sport.