OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Ouseph hoping to progress

By Sean-Paul Doran, Sportsbeat, London 2012

GREAT Britain’s Rajiv Ouseph praised the raucous home crowd at the Wembley Arena as he looks to confirm his progress to badminton men’s last 16 at London 2012.

AMBITION: Rajiv Ouseph will battle Kevin Cordon of Guatemala for a place in the knockout
stages

The British number one faces Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon knowing a win will book his place in the knockout rounds after he beat Sweden’s Henri Hurskainen 22-20, 17-21, 21- 15 in his opening match.

The 2010 European championship bronze medallist hopes the lessons learned in his opening tie and completing his homework on his opponent – as well as the home support – should see him through.

“I've watched some games of (Cordon) on video,” said the 25-year-old.

“If I play against him like I did today I'll get through. I need to stay focused and aggressive to ensure I win.”

“The crowd were fantastic. They really pulled me through this match.

“They played every shot with me. It was a great experience here at Wembley and I enjoyed every moment.” 

London-born Ouseph was pleased to overcome Hursksanen and admitted to some pre-Olympic nerves.

“He came out quicker in the second set and I struggled to cope with his attack,” he said.

“Luckily he got tired though and with the help of the crowd I came back. I was a bit nervous at the start of the match as this is my first Olympics.”

© Sportsbeat 2012