KUALA LUMPUR: It seemed that BAM's psychologist Frederic Tan helped to tilt the match in mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei's favour in their Olympic opening match against Singapore's Terry Hee-Jessica Tan in Paris today (July 27).
It was a tight contest, especially the first set as the world No. 9 Malaysin duo won the Group D match 23-21, 21-12.
Ee Wei said she and Tang Jie managed to control their emotions and stayed focused.
"The first set was like a rollercoaster, and I'm happy we were able to win," Ee Wei told the BWF.
"We did well in our preparations before the match. We were taught (by Frederic) how to control our emotions
on the court."
Tang Jie said he was surprised to see so many badminton spectators on the first day of competition at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in the French capital.
"Usually not many people come to watch the games on the first day of tournaments," said the 26-year-old.
Ee Wei, whose mother and sister will arrive in Paris tomorrow, said: "Normally the European supporters keep quiet and just watch the match. There were also a lot of Malaysian fans in the stands today. We felt the positive energy and it gave us motivation."
All the seasoned tickets for the badminton events have been sold out.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei skipped the Olympics opening ceremony, and when asked if they watched it, both replied in the negative.
"The ceremony was a bit late last night, and we had to get up at 6am to get ready for today's match.
"I hope next time we get to take part in the opening ceremony as after the final of the badminton competition, we cannot participate in the closing ceremony too," said Tang Jie.