Paris 2024: Loh reaches Singapore's first Olympic quarter-final in 20 years

By Patrick Johnston

Loh Kean Yew produced a dazzling display to upset Asian Games champion Li Shifeng and become the first Singaporean shuttler to reach an Olympic Games quarter-final in 20 years.

Kean Yew smothered his opponent with all-action defence and aggressive net play to claim a 23-21, 21-15 victory to reach the last eight of the men’s singles, emulating Ronald Susilo’s efforts at the 2004 Athens Games.

The 2021 world champion roared in delight after his victory and will look to go one better than Susilo when he faces defending Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark on Friday 2 Aug. 

Singapore's Loh Kean Yew roars in delight after beating Li Shifeng of China in the Olympic men's badminton singles last 16 clash at the Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

"I'm trying not to be overjoyed because the job's not done; the tournament is still ongoing," Kean Yew told reporters.

"I'll be playing against my good friend, but not on the court tomorrow. Looking forward to the match. He has a great advantage today, because he rested. I'm going to give my best."

Axelsen, the world number two, leads Kean Yew 8-2 in their head-to-head, but that won’t bother the Singaporean based on his display against Li on Thursday.

Singapore's Loh Kean Yew dives low to hit a forehand against Li Shifeng of China in their Olympic men's badminton singles last 16 clash at the Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

The Chinese world number six had won the last two meetings against Kean Yew but had no answer to the superior court coverage and deft disguise of shots displayed by the Singaporean world number 12.

Kean Yew looked in trouble during the first game, where he trailed 19-16 and also game point down at 20-19, but he maintained his composure, speed and accuracy to pull through 23-21.

Singapore's Loh Kean Yew (right) stretches to hit a backhand against Li Shifeng of China, who watches on, in their Olympic men's badminton singles last 16 clash at the Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

The Singaporean, winner of eight SEA Games medals, took great confidence as he opened up a 9-3 lead at the start of the second game, with Li looking flummoxed as the shuttlecock just kept coming back over to his side of the net. The Chinese player looked beaten long before Kean Yew closed out the win.

Elsewhere on the badminton courts, there was heartache for Yeo Jia Min, who played superbly but fell just short in her bid to reach the quarter-finals of the women’s singles. 

The world number 20 held a match point late in the third game but couldn’t convert as Japan’s 10th ranked Aya Ohori took a 11-21, 21-14, 24-22 win at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

Singapore's Yeo Jia Min hits a backhand shot over her head during her last 16 women's singles match against Japan's Aya Ohori at the Paris Olympics.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

Jia Min collapsed on the court after her smash landed just the wrong side of the sideline, the conclusion of 65 minutes of brilliant play that ended with the wrong result.

"Very disappointed. I really wanted to win for Singapore in front of my family," she said, with tears in her eyes.

The 25-year-old, winner of five SEA Games and two Commonwealth Games bronze medals, gave absolutely everything against an opponent who had beaten her in their three previous encounters.

Jia Min shot out of the blocks, forcing her opponent into numerous errors as she opened up a 12-3 advantage before easily closing out the opening game.

Singapore's Yeo Jia Min screams and pumps her fist after winning a point against Japan's Aya Ohori during their last 16 women's singles match against at the Paris Olympics.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

Ohori, though, recovered in the second, finding her range to speed into a 14-6 advantage. Jia Min resiliently fought back with a series of clever cross-court smashes, closing the deficit to 18-13, but Ohori held off to take the game.

The decider was a tension-filled affair with both women stepping up their play in the heat of battle. 

Jia Min looked set for victory as she went match point up at 20-19 only for the Japanese to hold out. Ohori then had two match points at 21-20 and 22-21 that Jian Min saved, but a third was a step too far.

"I just hope to come back stronger," Jia Min said.

Singapore's Yeo Jia Min lies on her back with her hands on her head after losing her last 16 women's singles match against Japan's Aya Ohori at the Paris Olympics.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.