The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached an exhilarating climax on Day Three, as the quarter-finals and semi-finals captivated fans at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall in Surulere.
With 20 matches scheduled, along with one walkover in the men’s doubles, the tournament showcased world-class rallies, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for an exciting Final Day on August 30.
The day kicked off with an unusual walkover in the men’s doubles, where P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani (UAE) advanced without playing a point, as Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev did not appear.
However, the mixed doubles match between Rawat/Maneesha and Sharma/Kanapuran (all from India) stole the spotlight. This quarter-final turned into a grueling 2-hour and 2-minute contest, nearly matching the longest badminton match on record (2 hours and 41 minutes).
Ultimately, Rawat and Maneesha emerged victorious in a thrilling three-set match, winning 21-19, 9-21, 22-20, much to the delight of the Lagos audience.
Nigeria’s Obanisola and Alabi excited local fans by defeating their fellow countrymen and tournament second seeds Ibere and Ukeh in a nail-biting all-Nigerian quarter-final, with scores of 21-19, 19-21, 21-19.
However, their journey ended in the semi-finals against UAE’s Qathua and Sreejithparol, though they still have a chance for a podium finish as they compete for third place.
India’s dominance in the women’s singles was evident as Kashyap, the tournament’s second seed, advanced to the final with a 21-19, 21-17 victory over Indonesia’s world-ranked 191 Ramadhani Wiryawan.
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She will face fellow Indian S. Lele, who decisively defeated Sihag (India) in just 35 minutes (21-12, 21-12), setting the stage for an all-Indian final in women’s singles.
Japan’s M. Koga and Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo secured their places in the men’s singles final. Koga triumphed over Israel’s Dubovenko in three sets (17-21, 21-7, 21-8), while Shujiwo defeated India’s M.
Singh in another three-set match (21-11, 20-22, 21-12). Their upcoming match promises to be thrilling as both vie for glory and a share of the enhanced $17,500 prize pool.
Uganda’s women’s doubles team, Mbabazi and Kobugabe, fell short of reaching the semi-finals, losing to the UAE’s strong pair of Sreejithparol and Qathua, who continue to look like formidable contenders as the tournament progresses.
Athletes and officials have lauded the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for organizing a world-class event, with support from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA).
The event’s smooth organization, the vibrant atmosphere of Lagos, and the enthusiastic crowd have highlighted Nigeria’s growing reputation as a center for elite badminton.
