Three Ghanaian women have qualified to the round of 16 stage of the Badminton Benin International currently ongoing in the West African country following their respective wins in their opening games in the women’s singles yesterday.
The lucky Gloria Nyame drew a bye and automatic qualification to the last 16 where all are within two wins of entering the medal zone.
She’s joined by Prospera Nantuo who started the Ghana flurry after coming from behind to defeat Flora Kpogbemabou of Cameroon 15-21, 21-11, 21-16 and is also in contention for glory in Coutonou.
Compatriot Racheal Quarcoo is the third Ghanaian woman still chasing glory after beating Ruth Esperance 21-13, 15-21, 22-20.
Ghana performed well in the men’s singles competition as well, Aaron Tamakloe taking out Jules Francklin of Burkina Faso 21-9, 21-8 whereas countryman Emmanuel Amoako saw off Blaise Effouyemi of Cameroon 21-10, 21-13.
Both thus qualified for the main draw which will also feature other Ghanaian players, Abdul-Samad Ahmad, Kelvin Alphous and Samuel Lamptey who all drew a bye into what is the round of 32.
In the mixed doubles, Kelvin Alphous and Prospera Nantuo beat Gbenoukpo Sebastino and Gracia Akakpo 21-13, 21-5 whilst the combo of Aaron Tamakloe and Gloria Nyame defeated Senakpon Carlos and Xena Arisa 21-17, 21-18.
Both winning teams are through to the semi finals where they will be joined by another Ghanaian duo, Abdul Samad and Cindy Tornyenyor.
The Badminton Africa tournament runs 17 August to 1 September in the Benin capital.
