Badminton
BIG NAMES SURVIVE LAGOS INTERNATIONAL BADMINTON CLASSICS’ OPENING DAY
Nigeria’s highest ranked badminton female player, Dorcas Adesokan was among notable players that survived on the opening day as the 4th Lagos International Badminton Classics got underway.
Ranked fourth in the tournament Adesokan was joined in the next round by Israeli Ksenya Polikarpova who is ranked third. The Israeli cruised to a 21-3, 21-8 victory against Nigeria’s Iyanuoluwa Kayode.
Another high ranked player, India’s Kudaravalli who is number 2 in the competition and Kate Foo Kune got bye to the next round.
Other players who qualified for the next round include South Africa’s Johanita Scholtz who beat debutant Jukiet Odigie 21-9; 21-10.
Portugal’s Sonia Concalves beat Nigeria’s Zainab Mommoh 21-6, 21-3 while her sister Adriana Concalves lost to Nigeria’s Amin Yop Christopher.
In other results, Ruth Aiyenugba of Nigeria lost to Indian’s Riya Mookerjee, Felicia Omotola lost to Patricia Akpusugh in a battle of two Nigerians.
A 52-year old Iranian, Maryam Abedkhojasteh the mother of 19 year old Samin Khojasteh expressed satisfaction after her daughter recorded a 21-8, 21-8 victory against Nigerian Asisat Ogunkanbi.
“As a mother and a coach it’s joyous to see Samin win her first game of the tournament. She has worked hard and we will take the games one after another.”