The match-up between ROC player Sergey Sirant and Hungary’s Gergely Krausz was destined to be a tight one, but it was Sirant’s prowess in the flat game that secured the win.
In their previous encounters, the scores could not have been closer. Today, on the biggest stage of them all, it was not different. However, it was the left-handed Sirant who was able to take the win in two games – 21-18, 21-18.
-I wanted to win this one. I didn't play my best but I had some really good periods during the game. But when it was really close I made some easy mistakes and against these opponents you cannot afford to do that. I'm disappointed, but I knew he would be a tough opponent. I've played him twice and lost both times in close matches. This is how it is, but I'm satisfied that I could play in the Olympics, said Krausz.
Sirant’s strengths
Krausz also observed that perhaps he played into the hands of Sirant which led to his downfall.
-He's playing a good flat game, and if I go into that I will be struggling. In the beginning I started to play flat and that was good for him. I had to avoid that.
Sirant will now face Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting tomorrow.