The Irish talent won the first match at the group stage and will be fighting for the top spot of the group on Wednesday.

If you watched the Opening Ceremony and the walk-in of the athletes, you for sure saw Irish Nhat Nguyen. As one of the first nations entering the Olympic stadium, Ireland and Nhat Nguyen got some good airtime to show off the Irish colors.

Nhat Nguyen was “throwing hearts” to the camera and based on his first performance at the Olympic tournament, the Irish men’s singles talent for sure has a positive mindset going into the tournament.

Finally in action
After days of waiting, Nguyen finally got his chance to walk on court in Tokyo, and in the opening game against Niluka Karunaratne from Sri Lanka, the Irish profile showed that he has come to the Olympics to fight for a spot in the knockout stage.

Nguyen won the first game 21-16 and continued to control in the second game, which he won 21-14.

- I am happy. I started out a little bit nervous, but once I got the first game, I shook off the nerves and I was able to play my tactics, Nguyen said.

- I was ready to play when I came to Japan. It has been a very long wait and I had to keep my spirit up and motivation high. I wanted to play already last week.

Underdog
In the final of the group, Nguyen will be facing Wang Tzu Wei from Chinese Taipei. It will be the first match up between the players, who will meet on Wednesday.

- I am the underdog, but if I can bring the same energy and motivation, anything can happen.

- I showed at All England that I can play against the best in the world, Nguyen said.