Ekiring fights for Beijing Olympics slot

Apr 01, 2008

UGANDAN badminton star Edwin Ekiring will continue his pursuit for points to qualify for the Beijing Olympics when he participates in the last leg of the African circuit, the 2008 Nigeria Internationals in Lagos, on April 17-19.

By Phillip Corry and Reuben Olita

UGANDAN badminton star Edwin Ekiring will continue his pursuit for points to qualify for the Beijing Olympics when he participates in the last leg of the African circuit, the 2008 Nigeria Internationals in Lagos, on April 17-19.

“We shall be sending a team to Africa’s last circuit event which gives our players the last chance to get ranking points,” Simon Mugabi, national badminton coach said. “We hope to send three players if we can raise the funds.”

Ekiring, All Africa bronze medallist, has participated in three circuits including the Uganda International, Mauritius International and Kenya international where he finished as a quarter-finalist, winner and semi-finalist respectively.

The prize money at stake in Nigeria is $5,000 (sh 8.5m).

The Ugandan will then proceed for the $15,000 (sh25.5m) Victor Dutch International set for April 24-27 in Wateringen, Holland.

Ekiring has gathered a total of 12310 points on the African badminton rankings, while his compatriot, Wilson Tukiire, is number ten with 2655 points.

At the Kenya International Badminston championships in Nairobi on Sunday, Ekiring was beaten by India’s Chetan Anand in the semis.

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