BEIJING, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Wong Mew Choo may have scalped several of the sport's biggest names but the Malaysian shuttler says she is getting the jitters in her Olympics debut and boyfriend, Lee Chong Wei, has been a tower of strength.
"He had one Olympic experience before and he keeps telling me not to be worried. I feel pressured here because the Olympics comes around once every four years, not like the world championships or other tournaments which are held every year," said the 25-year-old after an easy opening match Sunday night.
She took the opportunity instead to size up the arena at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium (BTG) in taking just 18 minutes to overwhelm South African minnow Kerry Lee Harrington 21-4, 21-4 in the second round.
Mew Choo said she was still trying to adjust to the draft inside the 7,500- capacity venue where all five badminton golds will be decided.
Asked if she was affected by camera flash from the stands despite repeated advice from the tournament organisers, the Malaysian said she did not notice the problem because she was more focused on the match and the overhead lights.
Asked by local newsmen about her target here, she replied: "My aim is not to think of any target at all but only the next match. I don't want to cause more anxiety to myself."
She is among the most watched outsider by China after denying Xie Xingfang the China Open crown in Guangzhou last year and beating Lu Lan in two of five encounters.
Xie and Lu are the first and third seeds while Mew Choo was given eighth billing. All three are in the upper half of the draw.
Mew Choo and Lu Lan are headed for a quarter-final clash. The Chinese cleared the second round, overpowering Karen Kune Foo of Mauritius who retired with cramps in the second game.
The Malaysian is again in for an easy third round as she is unlikely to be troubled by Bulgaria's Perva Nedelcheva or Egypt's Hadia Hosny.
"I have no idea of who they are but I will not write off any opponent," said Mew Choo.
She is the sole Malaysian women shuttler left after doubles pair, Chin Ee Hui and Wong Pei Tty, were ousted in their opening match earlier Sunday by fourth seeded Lee Hyojung and Lee Kyungwon of South Korea.
-- BERNAMA
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