Kristin Kuuba gets a step closer to making it through the group stage as she earns a win against Daniela Macias in Kuuba’s opening match.
It looked as if it was going to be a close call between Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba and Peruvian player Daniela Macias, with both players matching their level in a tight first game. However, Kuuba won 21-19 and used the motivation to step up her game and earn a safer win in the second part of the clash.
Kuuba, sitting 37 spots ahead of Macias in the world ranking, talks about the tight result of the first game.
- I didn’t play my best but I’m really happy that I took that win in two games, because tomorrow it’s a very strong opponent and I needed to save energy, Kuuba explained.
Training in Denmark
The 24-year-old player has been training hard in the lead up to the Olympics, feeling confident and in top form.
- I was training a lot in Denmark, in Peter Gade’s academy. It’s nice sparring and good coaches, and I think it has helped me improve my level.
- And I also training a lot in Estonia, so I’ve been mixing these two, but I think I’m feeling well at the moment, Kuuba said.
Thai opponent
Despite the Estonian player’s satisfaction with her result, she knows that she can’t lose focus and is ready to face tough opponents ahead, starting with her next one, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who ranks 13 in the world.
- I’m really trying to make the [knockout] from my group, so need to play my best tomorrow. Busanan [Ongbamrungphan] is a top player and I’m going to fight hard.
It will be a tough challenge for sure, but when asked if she is ready to cause an upset, Kuuba is determined on her road to success.
- Yeah, I will try, Kuuba affirmed.