NHAT NGUYEN RECORDED a battling 2-1 victory over Israel’s Misha Zilberman to get his Olympic campaign off to a winning start in Paris on Saturday.
Nguyen won the first game 21-17, before Zilberman fought back to take the second 21-19.
The Dubliner then finished strong to take the third game 21-13 and close out the match.
Nguyen, 24, is competing in his second Olympics.
He made a confident start at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, racing into a 11-3 lead before Zilberman, 35, recovered to close to within a point.
However Nguyen regained the momentum and pulled ahead to take the first 21-17.
In the second game Zilberman started well, taking the first two points before Nguyen enjoyed a strong spell to move into a four-point lead.
However Zilberman – a four-time Olympian – again clawed the deficit back to level the score, before winning 21-19 to send the contest to a decisive third game.
Nguyen mixed up his shot selection nicely in the third game as he pulled 8-2 ahead. While Zilberman settled into the third game, Nguyen had more energy and rallied to win with room to spare, 21-13.
Nguyen will be back in action on Monday to take on Nepal’s Prince Dahal, before facing world number two Viktor Axelsen of Denmark on Wednesday.
Things you love to see. He can go home now if he wants.
Yop! Hon Ireland!
Good win. Topping the group is probably beyond him, but great chance of finishing with two wins.
Well done to Nhat. He seems like a cool cat. Badminton is a great sport. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.
He played well , great start
Any win against zionists is a win for humanity. Well done boi
RTÉ’s coverage of this was an embarrassment.