Featuring in their maiden Olympics as a pair, Tang Chun Man/ Tse Ying Suet overcame Mark Lamsfuss/ Isabel Herttrich to secure a quarterfinal spot in the mixed doubles category. 

During the first two days of the group stage, both the pairs had lost to the second seeds Wang Yilyu/ Huang Dongping, while beating the reigning silver medallists Chan Peng Soon/ Goh Liu Ying. Therefore, this clash would decide the other pair progressing to the knockouts and the nerves showed. 

- Today was quite stressful. Whoever won this would go through. We had to make sure that we could play to our highest level, Tang confirmed. 

The Hong Kongers pair led throughout the opening game, but had to save a game point to pocket it 22-20. Down 16-12 in the second, a spell of six straight points shifted the momentum towards the Germans. Soon enough, the match was poised at one game apiece. 

- We had a great comeback to win the second game but unfortunately not in the third, Herttrich was disappointed. 

The final game was hotly contested as well. However, Tang/ Tse edged past their opponents after 63 minutes: 22-20, 20-22, 21-16. 

- It was a good match. We both were on the same level. I think we are happy with our performance, but disappointed that we are out. It was a big opportunity to win it and get to the quarterfinals, Lamsfuss said. 

A quarterfinal spot 

- We are very happy. This is my first Olympics and to get into the top eight is very exciting, Tang chirped. 

- It is not fair. I tried many times to get into the top eight and he does it on his first attempt. This is my third Olympics, Tse laughed.