Olympics: Singapore sends 4 shuttlers to London Games

SINGAPORE: Singapore is sending four shuttlers —— two singles players and a doubles pair —— to the 2012 London Olympics.

The women’s doubles pair of Yao Lei and Shinta Mulia Sari is expected to make it to the quarter—finals, despite the trip being their first Olympic outing.

The duo’s impressive performance at the recently—concluded Li Ning Singapore Open has boosted their confidence, and their coach is hopeful that they can reach the quarter—finals.

Yao Lei and Shinta Mulia Sari are currently ranked 12th in the world.

"I feel that we are hoping for a medal and actually they’ve given us a very good role model so we have to put in our best," Yao said.

"We now need to take care of our condition and our game. I feel that the preparations are on track, we are ready," Sari said.

Another Olympic debutant, women’s singles player Gu Juan, also wants to return home with a medal.

The only male player in the squad, Derek Wong, has a more modest target.

"I am expecting to do the best I can for every round and hopefully make the top 16 for the Olympic Games," he said.

Wong is hoping his 2012 experience would help him make a bigger impact at the 2016 Olympics.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Singapore’s women’s doubles pair of Jiang Yanmei and Li Yujia, went all the way to the quarter—finals.

That may be inspiration enough for Shinta Mulia Sari and Yao Lei to go one better, or even surpass expectations —— and come home with a medal.

— CNA/wm