Experience played in Cordon’s favour as the clash between him and Munoz saw the Guatemalan securing a safe win.
There are some Centre of Excellence players that will get to fight their way out of the group stage in this third day of badminton at the Olympics. One of them was Mexico’s Lino Munoz, who had to face a loss in his opening match but still felt optimistic against today’s opponent, the Guatemalan Kevin Cordon.
Another upset in his second match
Munoz’s first match was against Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus. The world number nine and eight seed swept through the match that saw the Mexican player losing 21-9, 21-10. Munoz was a bit more hopeful about his next clash, but Cordon was not going to make it easy for him.
These are Munoz’s second Olympics after making his debut in Rio 2016, but Cordon knows the event even better, having represented his country fourth times — 2008, 2012, 2016, and this year’s edition.
The 30-year-old Mexican player stepped on court with much more confidence than in his previous match, as he felt that being more familiar with his fellow American player would be an advantage.
-Well, I'm a little bit upset. In my opening match against Ng Ka Long Angus, I didn't really have a lot of options coming into the match. Coming into this one, I've know Kevin for many years, my mindset was that I could have gotten the win, Munoz explained.
Yet, this did not seem to be a good day for Munoz either, as the more experienced Guatemalan player gave the Mexican almost no chances to recover and got away with a win in straight games, 21-14, 21-12.
-On a good day, that could have gone my way, but Cordon is a very experienced player. He knows the conditions better than me. For the score, he was on top the whole time. Credit to him for handling the conditions better, Munoz said.
A reason to feel proud nevertheless
Still, not all athletes can say that they have made it to the Olympics, and Munoz can say he has been to not one but two editions. The CoE player is part of Mexican badminton history and acknowledges that despite the post-match’s feelings of disappointment.
-I'm proud to make it to the Olympics, for a second time. I'm the second guy from Mexico to make it. I thought I had a good draw this time around and really thought I'd win. I came really motivated so I'll see what happens now.