Upsets halt India’s momentum as global stars shine in Lagos Internationals

   One of the biggest and most prestigious Badminton Internationals on the continent of Africa, the Lagos Classic continues to make headlines, deliver world-class entertainment and attract the right kind of attention both locally and internationally.

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As the tournament entered Day 2, both fans and athletes have not relented in praise of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality and seamless organization, of the 8th edition of the tournament, that is nearing the business end in thrilling fashion, with over 40 pulsating matches played across four courts.

 

The happenings on second day of the Lagos International Badminton Classic taking place at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, had a thrilling combination of upsets, drama, and brilliant shot-making. But it also witnessed a major change in the looks of things, as India’s opening day momentum could not make it past a calm night in the City of Aquatic Splendor, with the Asians recording significant numerical damage in the men’s singles. 

 

L.Kalagotla advanced with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Slovakia’s Drata in the colours of the biggest foreign delegation at the 4-day event, but elsewhere it was a tough outing for the Indian contingent, as Poland’s Kwinta, who is ranked 165 in the world, stunned India’s Walter in a tight contest, 21-17, 22-20.

 

While Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo ousted India’s Negi 22-20, 21-17 to book his place in the Round of 16.

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‎The troubles and challenges that plagued the hosts on opening day, however, was one thing that did not die with the night or the rest and calm that it brings, as Nigerian mixed doubles pair of Jovita Chisom and O. Miracle crumbled under intense presure from Indian duet of Bhatnagar and Balachandra 21-9, 21-5.

 

In women’s singles, Nigeria’s O. Obasanmi was beaten in the Round of 16 by India’s Shiagin, ending her commendable run.

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‎Other highlights of the day included Korea’s Park GE powering past the Philippines’ Sreejith Parol in the women’s singles Round of 16 to secure a quarterfinal berth, while Japan’s M. Koja upset India’s fifth seed Bharadwaj 21-15, 21-19 in a gripping encounter.

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‎The final blow on a tiresome day at the badminton courts in Surulere, came India's way, when 342 world-ranked Indonesian, Muhammad Yusuf, fresh from his giant-killing act on Day 1, perfected his speciality with S. Dayanand as the test subject. A straight 21-12, 21-15 victory crowned a difficult and regrettable day on the West African coast for the South Asian heavyweights.

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‎With quarterfinal and semifinal spots up for grabs on Day 3, the Lagos International Badminton Classics is building towards a dramatic climax as shuttlers continue their quest for glory in Lagos.

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‎TOP PERFORMERS – Day 2

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‎Muhammad Yusuf (Indonesia) – World No. 342 continues giant-killing run, defeats India’s Dayanand.

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‎M. Koja (Japan) – Stuns India’s 5th seed Bharadwaj in women’s singles thriller.

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‎Park GE (Korea) – Dominates Philippines’ Parol to secure quarterfinal ticket.

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‎Kwinta (Poland, WR 165) – Pulls off upset against India’s Walter in straight sets.

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‎P. Shujiwo (Indonesia) – Outlasts India’s Negi to advance to Round of 16.