Ekiring snatches bronze in Nigeria

Apr 21, 2008

UGANDA’S top badminton player Edwin Ekiring boosted his chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games by snatching two bronze medals at the Nigeria International. Ranked 107, Ekiring needs to jump into the top 100 in the world to stand a chance.

By Phillip Corry

UGANDA’S top badminton player Edwin Ekiring boosted his chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games by snatching two bronze medals at the Nigeria International. Ranked 107, Ekiring needs to jump into the top 100 in the world to stand a chance.

He now awaits the latest World Badminton Federation rankings before he competes in the final qualifier in Holland this weekend.

Ekiring fell at the semi-final stage in both the singles and men’s doubles. He was beaten Alexandra Paixao from Portugal 21-14 11-21 22-19 in the singles and settle for a bronze medal.

His doubles team with Zambia’s Elly Mwabe lost to the Nigerian pair of Greg Okunoghae and Akeem Oguhseye in the doubles semi-final. Ekiring has benefited from training abroad by the Olympic Solidarity. He early this year won the Mauritius International .

“He needs to do well in Holland. I am very optimistic but his fate will be decided when the new rankings are released to determine players who have won their tickets to Beijing,” coach Simon Mugabi said.

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