American star pulls out of Uganda International Badminton Open

The withdrawal of American star Howard Shu from the Uganda International Badminton Open ahead of the kick off on Wednesday had some of the competitors heave a sigh of relief.

The USA badminton player is ranked 65th in the world is said to have pulled out of the four days tournament after sustaining an injury according to tournament organizer Simon Mugabi.

"We received communication from his (Howard) coach saying that the player will not make it after sustaining an injury during one of his latest tournaments," Mugabi said.

Another player, Hsu Jui Tang from Chinese Taipei also pulled out of the event.

The double vacuum gives an opportunity to Uganda's Ian Senoga and Kalombo Mulenga from Zambia to be excluded from Wednesday's qualifier rounds. They will be entered into the main draws replacing Shu and Jui Tang's slots.

"At least I will use this opportunity to prepare better for my encounter against Zambia's Donald Mabo," Senoga said.

Meanwhile in the major draws starting on Friday, Uganda's seed one Shamim Bangi will face a challenging draw in the quest to the women's singles title at Lugogo.

Bangi is ranked 201 and (6636pts) on the world chart and  will be up against Zambia's Siamupangila Ogar (ranked 202) in a must win encounter if she is to progress to the next level given the nature of the draw format.

The pair met at the recently concluded Rosehill Cup in Malaysia but was unable to play each after the draws failed to favour them.