Badminton

Lê Đức Phát wins a gold medal at the Uganda International Challenge badminton tournament, improving his world ranking ahead of the Paris Olympics' final list of participants. — VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese player Lê Đức Phát championed the Uganda International Challenge badminton tournament, earning his first international title in 2024 on February 25 in Kampala.

Phát met with a little trouble early in both two sets before coming back to defeat Indian Raghu Mariswamy 21-18, 21-14 in the men's singles final at the Lugogo Stadium.

It was the second time that Phát beat Mariswamy. The first one was at the Nepal International Series 2017's second round.

In addition to the prize bonus, Phát bagged 4,000 points for his world ranking and is expected to be in the top 70 on the next Badminton World Federation's ranking release.

Phát is one of two Vietnamese male players hunting a place at the Paris Olympics this summer.

As per rule, each country will have a maximum two official spots. Among 38 official spots, 33 will be selected based on their Race to Paris ranking and the remaining five will be wildcards offered by the International Olympic Committee.

The final list will be announced on April 30. — VNS