Advertisement
Evans pictured competing in Rio tonight. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Ireland's Scott Evans bows out of Rio Olympics after creating history

The Dubliner was defeated by Viktor Axelsen of Denmark this evening.

Updated 01.15

IRISH BADMINTON STAR Scott Evans has bowed out in the last 16 of the Olympic Games in Rio tonight.

Evans was beaten by world number-four seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in straight sets, losing 21-16, 21-12.

The Dubliner has already made history at the Rio Games, having become the first Irishman to win a badminton match at the Olympics.

“I didn’t feel as good today physically as I have been,” he said afterwards.

“My lungs just didn’t feel like they were there today and that caused me to go after my shots a little bit more instead of being more patient. That cost me hugely.

I made more mistakes today than I did in the previous two days. I don’t think it was fatigue, I think emotions played a big part in it. Mentally, I was a little bit tired.

Axelsen took just 40 minutes to wrap up his win and set up a meeting with Team GB’s Rajiv Ouseph in the quarter-finals.

“It’s a huge challenge and he’s playing fantastic,” Evans said, paying tribute to his friend.

“He’s one of the guys I said has a great chance for a medal before the tournament so I knew today would be very hard.

“He was just too good today.”

“I’m proud of what I’ve done this week,” Evans added, reflecting on a groundbreaking week for Irish badminton and for him personally.

“I’ve overcome many things that I’d doubted before whether I could do or not.”

– Additional reporting by Niall Kelly

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

‘Absolutely delighted’ Judy Reynolds earns new personal best in Olympics Dressage final>

Annalise Murphy’s medal race postponed after temperamental wind plays havoc in Rio>

Close
35 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Newell
    Favourite Barry Newell
    Report
    Feb 21st 2023, 6:10 PM

    Did they not have this exact statement up before the Welsh game.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stuart Collins
    Favourite Stuart Collins
    Report
    Feb 21st 2023, 6:32 PM

    Who is Irelands second choice flyhalf. I’m confused? Thought Ross Byrne sealed that spot no?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stuart Collins
    Favourite Stuart Collins
    Report
    Feb 21st 2023, 6:37 PM

    @Stuart Collins: Carberry drafted into squad looking at an article yesterday.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rugbyanbeer
    Favourite rugbyanbeer
    Report
    Feb 21st 2023, 7:51 PM

    @Stuart Collins: Ross is at the moment, Joey brought back into camp ,no Provincial game for Munster this weekend

    9
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stuart Collins
    Favourite Stuart Collins
    Report
    Feb 21st 2023, 7:59 PM

    @rugbyanbeer: ah, thanks

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.