Evans could return after historic run in Rio Games

By Stephen Leonard

IRELAND’S top men’s badminton player, Scott Evans has not ruled out the possibility of attempting to qualify for a fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

In a week that saw him blaze a trail for the sport in Ireland by winning both of his group games before being edged out 21-16 21-12 in the last 16 by Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the Riocentro Arena, the Dundrum man told The Echo that the desire to return to the Olympic stage has increased.

“Yeah it [the hunger to return] absolutely has, but I won’t make any decision on that the next couple of weeks.

“So many feelings and emotions after a great week that I might not make the right decision whatever that decision may be so I will take some time before I think about that,” he said.

In beating Germany’s Marc Zwiebler in his opening Group K match last week, the 28-year-old recorded Ireland’s first-ever win in Olympic men’s badminton.

He had to battle his way back from a set down to beat the 2012 European champion, winning the second 21-17.

The early stages of the third looked ominous for the Dubliner as he fell behind 5-1, but winning all but one of the next 13 points, he moved 13-6 in front before securing the set 21-7 and, with it, the match.

This historic win for Evans was followed up with another impress-ive display against Brazil’s Ygor Coelho de Oliveira.

The Irishman thrived in the potentially unnerving atmosphere generated by Oliveira’s strong home support as this match also went to a decisive third set which Evans comfortably secured 21-8 to reach the last 16.

Against World Number Four Axelsen, Evans worked hard in trying to forcing the Dane around the court, but the athleticism of his opponent saw him through 21-16, 21-12.

“My game plan was perfect,” said Evans.

“The only errors I made was going on all-out attack too early which caused me to make more mistakes than I had the previous two matches,” he pointed out.