TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese badminton ace Chou Tien-chen (周天成) advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s singles tournament at the Paris Olympics on Thursday (Aug.1), defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 21-12, 21-16.
Chou, ranked 11th in the world, has now reached the Olympic quarterfinals three times. He dominated the fifth-ranked Naraoka, and had won all three previous matches against him, per CNA.
Chou is the oldest male singles badminton player competing for Taiwan in this year’s Olympics. Despite facing Naraoka, who is 11 years younger, Chou secured a straight-sets victory, per CNA.
Chou led 11-9 at the first technical timeout in the opening game and quickly extended his advantage to win 21-12. He continued his strong play in the second game, leading 11-3 at the break and eventually winning 21-16.
Chou advanced to the quarterfinals at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. He will aim to break his personal record this year by reaching the semifinals in the next match, per UDN.
