Portugal’s Jenny Shaw admitted today that she felt some nerves in her first appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but stressed that she wanted to go further, after defeating Sara De Nout of Luxembourg, 4-2.
“I already know her well, we have played several times. But the Olympics are different. Today, it was more difficult, because I was nervous and she was playing better. Everything was different from the other Games,” he admitted to Lusa.
Jenny Shaw, ranked 51st in the world, was the first Portuguese woman to participate in table tennis, beating Sara De Notte (91) 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 7-11, 11-8. and 11-5 in 52 minutes.
With a Frenchwoman playing at the table next to her, the noise in Suite 4 of the Paris South Arena was at times deafening, with the Luxembourg woman having to call a timeout when trailing 4-1 in the fifth set. It was a moment that would prove decisive in deciding the match.
“[O ruído] also [não ajudou]”I want to win, and to do that I have to focus, otherwise it will be difficult.”
For the first time in the last 16 of an Olympic Games, Jenny Shao has finished at least 17th, which would be her best ever result, having finished 33rd at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
“It’s one match after another, but I want to progress further,” said the Portuguese, who will play in the next round against Austrian Sofia Polkanova (23) or Mexican Arantxa Cosio Aceves (105).
After Jenny Shao, Fu Yu, ranked 80th in the world, will make her debut on Sunday in the women’s race, ahead of South Korea’s Jihye Jeon, ranked 14th.
Later, Thiago Apollonia (66) will face German Qiu Dang (11), while Marcos Freitas (17) will play on Monday only, with Danish Ander Linde (62).
Agatha Christie is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, books, and current affairs. She is committed to producing accurate, informative content that helps readers stay informed about the latest developments in the UK and beyond.
