[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Heo Kwanghee (26, Samsung Life Insurance) was unfortunately defeated in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
On the 31st, Heo Kwanghee lost 0-2 (13-21, 18-21) to Kevin Cordon (35, Guatemala) in the men's singles quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics badminton event held at Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Tokyo, Japan.
Heo Kwanghee advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating world No. 1 Momota Kento (Japan) 2-0 in the second group stage match. This was considered one of the biggest upsets of the Olympics and raised expectations.
Kevin Cordon, ranked 59th in the world and Heo Kwanghee's opponent in the quarterfinals, was also a surprise contender. He defeated world No. 9 Ng Ka Long Angus (Hong Kong) in the group stage and world No. 29 Mark Caljouw (Netherlands) in the round of 16.
If Heo Kwanghee had won this match, Korean badminton would have reached the Olympic men's singles semifinals for the first time in nine years since Lee Hyun-il.
The only Olympic medal in Korean men's singles badminton is the silver medal won by Son Seung-mo at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
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