The draw was a real challenge for Truls Möregårdh and Anton Källberg in the Olympic table tennis.
If they survive the first round, they will face the toughest possible opposition.
Maximum resistance, says Möregårdh ahead of the potential meeting with world number one Wang Chuqin.
He is the one who will meet on the other side of the table if Möregårdh beats Cedric Nuytink in the opening match.
The reigning World Champion Wang is in a class of his own – he has not lost a match so far this year. Möregårdh's record against the Chinese player is also dismal.
I've only taken four sets in eight matches against him. He's an opponent who doesn't suit me well. If there was anyone I didn't want to meet, it was him, says Möregårdh.
Källberg starts against the Congolese Saheed Idowu. A match he should win. Félix Lebruen will be a completely different story. The Frenchman – and the big home hope – is seeded three in the tournament.
"No impossible task"
I see it as a very fun and interesting match. It's clear that it's tough, but he has to take on the favorite's role. We've met before and I've been in the matches. It's no impossible task, but it's one round at a time that has to be won.
Stina Källberg meets Indian Sreeja Akula in the women's singles. Linda Bergström starts against a qualifier but will, if she advances, have to bring out her very best game to avoid being eliminated in the singles.
Top-seeded Chinese player Chen Meng awaits.
In the team event, the Swedish women start against Hong Kong.
We're clearly underdogs, but I think we have a good chance of winning, says Bergström.
China first in a final
In the men's team event, the road ahead looks easier on paper. Sweden starts against Denmark. In a potential final, the Swedes may face favorite China.
Kristian Karlsson plays with Christina Källberg in the mixed doubles. The pair got an okay draw. The Swedes start against Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana from Cuba and will likely face the skilled Japanese doubles pair Tomokazo Harimoto and Hina Hayata if they win.
The Olympic table tennis starts on Saturday.
