Martina Repiska won in straight games against Nikte Alejandra Sotomayor, Guatemala.

Centre of Excellence (CoE) player, Martina Repiska made her Olympic debut on Monday facing Nikte Alejandra Sotomayor, Guatemala in her first match of the group stage in Tokyo.

The two players had never met before, and in a thrilling first game, European world number 70 got under pressure against Sotomayor, who is ranked 96 spots lower than Repiska on the world ranking. Repiska won the opening game 21-19.

Solid win
In the second game, the Slovakian women’s singles player dominated. At the interval, Repiska lead 11-3, and after a total of 41 minutes of playing time, the first time Olympian from Slovakia won in straight games 21-19 21-12.

- I am very happy that I was able to win my first match at the Olympics. The key point for me was to stay patient. The second thing was to keep the right pace, and I think I did it most of the time. In the second game I was able to re-focus and fight until the end, Repiska said.

- I am happy with my training and preparations for the Olympics (which took place at the CoE).

Tough match coming up
In the second match of the group stage, Martina Repiska will be facing Michelle Li from Canada. The match up is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

- It will be a tough match, but I am looking forward to it, Repiska stated.

- I like the hall and the conditions here are great, so I will enjoy my first meeting with her.