Nhat Nguyen is a game away from a place in the last-16 of the men's singles at the Olympic badminton.
The 21-year old Dubliner was a straight set victor over Sri Lanka's Niluka Karunaratne.
Nguyen was in control for most of the game, winning 21-16, 21-14.
"I am happy to be able to walk off the court as a winner," he said afterwards, "I am very grateful for the support that I had today.
"It was overwhelming walking out to all the staff there with me; my physio, my coach and a couple of others in support as well.
"I wanted to give my all for every single point, especially for the support I was given. I was happy I was able to do that even though I didn’t play my best, I am happy that I took the win.
“I feel I shook off the nerves there than rather playing free and playing my style so it was just getting the job done and I was happy that I crossed that line. I have a day to rest with late practise tomorrow.
26 July 2021; Nhat Nyugen of Ireland celebrates following his victory over Niluka Karunaratne of Sri Lanka during the men's singles group play stage match at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile"Today gave me a chance to test out the hall so I have no excuses going into the next game unprepared. I am excited and buzzing for it.”
Nguyen will return to the court on Wednesday, facing Wang Tzu-Wei of Chinese Taipei knowing the winner will be guaranteed a last-16 place.
"I dedicate today’s win to my family and my parents at home," Nguyen said, "They have sacrificed a lot for me and my sister and I am happy to give back by giving them something to cheer about and something to be happy about.
"They have worked very hard for us and I am pretty sure that they are working today as they work all day every day!
"I am going to give them a call after this game and I am happy that I made them proud. That is why I play badminton.”
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