Magee beats nerves on opening night at Wembley

Donegal badminton star Chloe Magee began her 2012 Olympic campaign with victory over Egypt’s Hadia Hosny at Wembley Arena last night.

Magee, competing in her second Olympics, won the first game 21-17. Her opponent had raced into a 4-1 lead before Magee settled and drew level.

In a nervous, error-strewn opening spell neither player could manage to go more than three points ahead before the Irish star produced a storming finish to win 21-17. Magee raced 7-1 clear in the second and despite Hosny attempting to mount a comeback the momentum was with the 23-year-old from Raphoe, who is trained by her brother, Daniel.

She was never subsequently in danger as she surged to a 21-6 win to claim victory in a match that lasted 28 minutes.

Tomorrow, Magee faces Hongyan Pi (France) who is a former world No 1.

Victory in that encounter will secure a place in the last 16 of the tournament for Ireland’s sole female badminton representative at the Games.