Espinoza continues hot badminton streak

Espinoza, the gold medallist from the 2016 Suriname International, in the match of the night, came back strong after losing the first set to Naim Mohammed, as he completed a 19-21, 21-9, 21-18 victory over the 5/8 seed in the quarterfinals.

Last year’s finalist Milind Ogale had a more straight forward path to the semifinals, as he overcame one of the rising stars of badminton.

Ogale defeated junior boys singles 2017 champion Renaldo Sinanan, 21-13 21-14.

Joining them in the semifinals is the number- two seed Will Lee, who had a titanic battle with the plucky Sheraz Nabbie, a former top junior player. The back and forth rallies that epitomised this match left the spectators enthralled but in the end Lee triumphed, registering a 21-16, 22-24, 21-11 win. The 3/4 seed Roger Moore was unable to play, giving Sarajudeen Mohammed an automatic path to the semis.

Five-time national champion Nekeisha Blake defeated newly promoted senior Jada Renales 23-21, 25-23.

Also advancing to the semifinals was Solangel Guzman (1), who defeated Latoya Walrond 21-2, 21-3; Leanna Castanada (3/4) got past Anita Mahadeo 21-17, 21-8 and Avril Plaza (2) outlasted Chequeda Deboulet 21-12, 21-14.