NIGERIA’S MEN DOUBLES PAIR THROUGH TO SEMI FINAL AS ZILBERMAN BOOKS SINGLES FINAL SPOT

The Nigerian doubles duo of Anuoluwapo Opeyori are through to the Men’s doubles semi finals at the 2019 Lagos International Badminton Classics after an emphatic two set win over Ghana’s Sam Daniel and Michael Opoku.

In a gruelling intense battle between familiar foes, Opeyori and Olofua took the initiative with the first set 21-17 after showing their class yet again.

While the Ghanaian duo brought the fight to potentially, tie the encounter in the second, luck eluded their stern efforts as the Nigerian doubles pair repeated the the same scoreline 21-17.

Nigeria’s Dorcas Adesokan – Nigeria Female number one

Opeyori and Olofua is set to face Germany’s pair of Jones Ralfy Jansen/ Peter Kaesbauer in the semi final this evening.

For the men’s singles category,  two time champion, Misha Zilberman ensured he booked a place at another final here at the Lagos International badminton classics with a masterclass performance against Russian debutant,  Sergey Sirant.

The game which finally ended in straight set win for Zilberman with however, the first set almost going either way.

The 30 year old Israelite secured what was a high quality first set with a 21-19 result and went on to stroll in the second set, taking it 21-9.

Zilberman is the highest ranked player at this year’s classics, placed 44 on the BWF latest rankings.

Ksenia Polikarpova during her match on day 3

The Lagos International Badminton Classics is the highest ranked Badminton event in Africa with a prize money of $25, 000 for grabs.