Laithazuala Stuns Top Seed Zilberman to Reach Lagos Badminton Final

Unseeded Indian Hmar Laithazuala produced the biggest upset of the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics on Friday, defeating tournament favourite and top seed Misha Zilberman of Israel to reach the men’s singles final.

Laithazuala dominated the injured Zilberman 21-12, 21-6 in a one-sided semi-final at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The Indian will face compatriot and fellow unseeded player Tankara Talasila in Saturday’s final after Talasila edged third-seeded Dmitriy Panarin of Kazakhstan in a gruelling encounter.

Talasila eventually prevailed 21-19, 20-22, 21-1 in one of the longest matches of the day to complete an all-Indian men’s singles final.

The tournament, which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Saturday.

Zilberman congratulated Laithazuala after his defeat and acknowledged the quality of the competition.

“I need to take a bow, out of the competition. It’s been a tough one, with others hungry to win as well,” he said.

Laithazuala paid tribute to the Israeli veteran while celebrating his breakthrough run.

“Zilberman is a great player and I need to respect that. I am happy to win,” he said.

The Indian, who is making his first appearance in an international-level final, added: “This is my first career appearance in the finals on international level. See everyone at the finals.”

All eyes will now be on the Indoor Sports Hall on Saturday as Laithazuala and Talasila battle for the men’s singles title at the Lagos International Badminton Classics.