JOSEPH ODOEKWU
Africa’s undisputed number one, Anu Opeyori, has given reasons for his exit after suffering a major upset on Friday in the quarter-final of the ongoing 7th edition of Lagos Badminton Classic at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Opeyori ranked 103, lost to India’s Samarveer ranked 362 in two straight games played on court 1 that ended 2-0 (21-14, 21-12), subjecting Africa’s number one to a back-to-back exit at the quarter-finals in Men Singles of the championship after doing so in 2023.
Despite the loss which led to his exit, Opeyori who shared his feelings with this writer believes that fatigue played a major role in his performance.
“I am tired, weak, exhausted and sick” Opeyori started. “I have had a very tough time and it has not been easy coming from the Paris Olympics and getting into this championship, I just hope everyone will understand” he concluded.
Opeyori who is taking part only in the men’s singles of the championship and is now out will become a fan as the championship enters the third day of the championship and will end on Saturday.