Cordon, Olympics semifinalist looking for a post-Tokyo boost in badminton Worlds

Madrid, December 11, 2011 : .

Guatemalan badminton player Kevin Cordon wants to improve on his performances at the Tokyo Olympic Games by putting on another great show in Sundays World Championships in Huelva in Spain.

Cordon shot to fame by beating Chinese star Chen Long in the 2011 World Championships in London and although his career has been affected by knee and ankle problems, everything came right in Tokyo this summer where he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual gold medal winner Viktor Axelsen.Cordon admits his route in Huelva has been made easier by the withdrawal of Kento Momota, who he would probably have met in the second round, reports Xinhua.

Cordon stated that he knew he would play Momota in the final round if he won, and now the door is open for him to do so.He explained that he doesnt usually look at the draw; "I never see the draw; it doesnt matter as its all about the next match," commented the Guatemalan, who was happy to be playing in Spain."These are like home conditions.

In 2012 I had a chance to train with the Spanish national team, so it feels like home to be here in Spain," admitted Cordon, who still remembers the upset he produced in 2011."Beating Chen Long was the best result I have ever achieved, and it allowed me to reach the quarter-finals.

It was a great feeling to beat Chen Long, and have the chance to play Lee Chong Wei.Due to injuries, I have not played at the World Championships."The environment here is totally different, it feels really nice.

And after the Olympics, my mentality has totally changed, this is about having fun," commented Cordon, who said his success in Tokyo has had an impact in his homeland."Most of the kids want to play badminton.Its really nice.

Most kids ask their parents to buy them a racket.They play on the streets and in their houses.

In Guatemala badminton is now getting more popular because the kids want to play.Now Im here, Im playing the World Championships for them," he concluded.

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