LOH PLAYS A PATIENT GAME

He opens campaign with easy win but is aware sterner tests await in medal hunt

- David Lee

PARIS Loh Kean Yew was in a rush.

The Paris 2024 badminton venue at Porte de la Chapelle had emptied at close to 10pm, and the Singaporean, fresh off an opening Group M win, could not wait to catch the official bus back to the Olympic Village.

Still, he had a minute for two local fans who waited an hour to meet him, for he knows time - no matter how long or short - can make a world of difference.

From being a fresh-faced underdog who crashed out of the group stage in his Olympic debut in 2021, Loh has come a long way.

Later that year, he rose to stardom by clinching a world championship crown. His number of Instagram followers has risen to 420,000.

The 27-year-old knows he is supposed to be in his sporting prime, should progress from his group, and this could be his best chance of winning a historic Olympic medal for his country.

The arena is packed, his parents are in the stands, he is ready with matching bag and shoes in French colours, the atmosphere is "electrifying".

But he cannot be impatient.

And with calculated calm and composure, Loh beat Czech Republic's 63rd-ranked Jan Louda 21-13, 21-10 on July 28.