The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached fever pitch on Day Three, as quarter-finals and semi-finals delivered world-class rallies, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable spectacles inside the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere. With 20 matches on the schedule — and one walkover in the men’s doubles — the stage is now set for a blockbuster Final Day on August 30.

Walkover Drama and a Marathon Match

The day opened with a rare walkover in the men’s doubles, as P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani (UAE) advanced after Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev failed to show.

However, it was the mixed doubles clash between India’s Rawat/Maneesha and Sharma/Kanapuran that stole the headlines. Their quarter-final stretched into a 2-hour, 2-minute battle, nearly matching the longest recorded badminton match in history. Rawat and Maneesha eventually triumphed in a pulsating three-set thriller, 21-19, 9-21, 22-20, to the delight of the Lagos crowd.

Nigerian Hope and Heartbreak

Home favourites Obanisola and Alabi thrilled fans by defeating compatriots and tournament second seeds Ibere and Ukeh 21-19, 19-21, 21-19 in a tense all-Nigerian quarter-final. Their run ended in the semi-finals against UAE’s Qathua and Sreejithparol, but the pair remain in contention for bronze as they prepare for the third-place playoff.

India’s Dominance in Women’s Singles

India confirmed its strength in the women’s singles as second seed Kashyap booked her place in the final with a 21-19, 21-17 victory over Indonesia’s Ramadhani Wiryawan. She will face compatriot S. Lele, who powered past fellow Indian Sihag in just 35 minutes (21-12, 21-12), setting up an all-Indian final.

Men’s Singles: Asia Takes Center Stage

Japan’s M. Koga and Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo will contest the men’s singles final after impressive semi-final performances. Koga recovered from a set down to beat Israel’s Dubovenko (17-21, 21-7, 21-8), while Shujiwo overcame India’s M. Singh in another three-set battle (21-11, 20-22, 21-12). Both players now target the championship and a share of the improved $17,500 prize pool.

Doubles Competition Intensifies

Uganda’s women’s doubles team of Mbabazi and Kobugabe fell short in their bid for a semi-final place, losing to UAE’s in-form duo Sreejithparol and Qathua, who remain strong contenders heading into the final rounds.

International Praise for Nigeria’s Hospitality

Athletes and officials continued to commend the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for staging a world-class event, supported by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA).

“Day Three has given us classic matches that will be remembered for years,” said Tunde Kazeem, BFN board member and technical director. “From marathon rallies to underdog victories, the Lagos International Badminton Classics has shown the very best of our sport. Tomorrow’s finals will crown champions, but already, the tournament has been a triumph for badminton in Nigeria and Africa.”

Day Three Top Highlights

Mixed Doubles epic: Rawat/Maneesha (India) defeated Sharma/Kanapuran (India) in a 2h 02m classic — one of the longest matches in LIBC history.

Nigerian battle: Obanisola/Alabi upset compatriots Ibere/Ukeh before falling in the semi-finals; still in the hunt for bronze.

Women’s Singles Final: All-India clash as Kashyap faces S. Lele.

Men’s Singles Final: Japan’s Koga meets Indonesia’s Shujiwo in the showpiece.

Prize Pool: Increased purse of $17,500 adds extra incentive for finalists.

The 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classics concludes tomorrow, August 30, with finals across all singles and doubles categories.