'Job's not done': Loh Kean Yew ready to play underdog role against reigning Olympic champ Axelsen in quarters

PARIS: With all the matches earlier in the session complete on Thursday (Aug 1), all eyes were on Loh Kean Yew as he took on China's world number 6 Li Shifeng on centre court at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

And their match delivered.

From incredible jump smashes to tantalising drop shots, Loh and Li served up a classic which was good on the eyes but not for the heart. And in the end, it was the world number 12 Singaporean who triumphed 23-21, 21-15.

Loh is the first Singaporean to reach the quarter-finals at the Olympics in two decades. 

Men's singles player Ronald Susilo had previously reached the quarter-finals in 2004 before being eliminated.

"I'm trying not be overjoyed because the job's not done, the tournament is still ongoing," Loh told reporters after the match. "Just keep trying to focus on the next match."

Loh made his Games debut at the last edition of the Olympics in Tokyo where he was eliminated in the group stage.

Prior to the match, Loh had a 4-2 head-to-head record against Li, but the Chinese player had beaten Loh in their last two encounters.

"I didn't think much of those (losses). If he has won the previous two matches, the pressure is more on him," Loh said.

Loh, who showed shades of the pace and power that landed him the 2021 world title, also displayed remarkable mental strength, particularly in the first game where he was behind 16-19.

Asked if his fortitude was a riposte to critics, Loh said that his focus was on himself.

"Being here at the Olympics is already an achievement. They wouldn't understand what we have gone through ... Everyone has their own life and journey. They can enjoy it, or they don't have to watch, really," he said with a laugh.

Loh will next face good friend and reigning Olympic champion