The curtain rose on the 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) with a dramatic Day One at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall. Across four buzzing courts, 64 matches delivered a mix of shocks, spectacle, and standout performances that set the tone for an electrifying tournament ahead.
India, fielding the largest foreign contingent, quickly stamped its authority on the event. Its players stormed through 32 victories, dominating across multiple categories. One of the swiftest wins came from India’s Kalagotla, who brushed aside Nigeria’s Rufai in just 18 minutes in the men’s singles round of 64.
Yet, not all went India’s way. Second seed Maisham suffered a stunning exit at the hands of South Korea’s Yoo, who breezed through in straight sets (21-8, 21-9) in the round of 32.
Shock Defeat
The day’s headline upset came courtesy of Indonesia’s Muhammad Yusuf, who toppled top seed N. Mueller of Switzerland in a gripping round of 16 contest, sealing victory in 42 minutes. Another twist arrived when Equatorial Guinea’s O. Solomon ousted India’s sixth seed, L. Kalagotla, with a confident straight-sets win (21-11, 21-18).
Mixed Fortune For Nigeria
Nigeria’s fans had reason to cheer as S. Obanisola, the nation’s number one and tournament’s second seed, advanced past compatriot Ilori. Fellow Nigerian O. Obasanmi also progressed via a walkover against America’s D. Gupta.
However, the home crowd witnessed heartbreak when former national number one Dorcas Adesokan was outclassed by India’s fifth seed T. Mir, who secured a commanding 21-13, 21-10 victory.
Women’s Draw Drama
India continued its charge in the women’s matches, with T. Sharma narrowly edging past UAE’s P. Bharath. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Obanisola kept the host nation’s hopes alive with a strong round of 16 win.
With shocks, rivalries, and standout play defining Day One, fans can expect even fiercer battles as the Lagos International Badminton Classics 2025 continues.
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