Edwin Ekiring returned to the top of Africa rankings when he lifted the Nigeria Open Badminton championships title at the Abuja National stadium gymnasium on Sunday.
Edwin Ekiring
He put in all that was required to stop France’s Arnaud Genin 3-2 to take the men’s title. Ekiring set the target early after he took the first two sets 11-4, 11-7.
Though Genin pulled two back 11-3, 11-9, Ekiring gained his composure to dominate the decisive set 1 1-1 and win his first tournament outside Uganda.
“It was a tight game but I was determined to win this. I am a Nigerian Open champion,” an excited Ekiring told the media after the event,”
Though being one of the most refined players, Ekiring had failed to win a title on the African continent. He was a finalist in the All Africa Games in Maputo and Africa Senior badminton Championships in 2010.
The win is expected to boost his confidence. The tournament is organised by the Badminton World Federation.
Nigeria Badminton International
Final
Men: Edwin Ekiring (UGA) bt Arnaud Genin (FRA) 3-2
Women: Nicole Schaler (SWI) BT Grace Ijadare (NGR) 3-2
Ekiring through the knock out
Semi Final: bt Milan Ludik (Czech) 3-2
Quarter Final: bt Bulus Jinkam (NGR) 3-1
By Norman Katende, The New Vision