PARIS (TVBS News) — Taiwan's star shuttler Chou Tien-chen (周天成) faced a defeat in the men's singles quarterfinals at the Olympics on Saturday (Aug. 3). Chou, competing in his third Olympic Games, lost to India's rising star Lakshya Sen with scores of 21-19, 15-21, 12-21, ending his run in the top eight.
Chou, 34, initially leveraged his experience to stay competitive in the first game. However, the 22-year-old Sen turned the tide in the second game with his superior speed, securing his place in the semifinals.
Chou couldn't hide his disappointment and became emotional in a post-match interview, emphasizing his determination throughout the match despite the outcome, stating, "I did everything I could before the match, and I gave my all." He reflected on his efforts, saying, "There are regrets, but also no regrets," highlighting his mixed feelings about the result.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, especially his long-time physiotherapist Kao Min-shan (高敏珊), whom he described as his best support. Chou's acknowledgment of his team underscores the collective effort behind his Olympic journey.