France’s Lucas Mazur, world No.1 in men’s singles standing SL4, cruised through to the next stage of the HULIC DAIHATSU BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2022 on Wednesday.

Mazur, who had a long day out at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, began his singles campaign in the morning session with a 21-3 21-10 win over Brazil’s Breno Johann, and returned in the evening session to defeat Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani 21-10 21-11.

In between, he combined with teammate Faustine Noel to register a 21-12 21-12 victory over Chawarat Kitichokwattana/Chanida Srinavakul of Thailand in their mixed doubles SL3-SU5 second round encounter.

The double Paralympic medallist from 2020 (gold in men’s singles SL4 and silver in mixed doubles SL3-SU5 with Noel), is looking to peak at the right time to contend for the medal matches later this week.

“I felt really good today even though I was a bit nervous at the start,” Mazur said.

“I’m looking to feel good on the court, so I hope tomorrow is going to be a better day, but I know I would be needing to improve a lot.”

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His mixed doubles SL4 partner Noel echoed her partner’s thoughts, saying they are building towards the business end of the competition.

“I’m just happy to have a good beginning in the mixed doubles,” Noel said.

Although Noel lost her women’s singles SL4 match to Indonesia’s Khalimatus Sadiyah 18-21 16-21, she is more focused on her performance in the women’s doubles event.

“Happy for the women’s doubles too (with Lenaig Morin of France) because we are aiming for a medal there,” she said.

“I’m just trying to stay focused so that we can do big things in this tournament.”

“We love to come to play in Japan. It is also nice to return to this venue because we have good memories from Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.”

“Let’s try to change the (mixed doubles) silver into gold!” exclaimed Mazur.

10-time world champion Rachel Choong of England was stretched into three games by Peru’s Rubi Milagros Fernandez Vargas 19-21 21-14 21-19 in women’s singles short stature SH6.

Choong was in danger of failing to advance into the next stage after having lost her opening round game to Indonesia’s Rina Marlina on Tuesday, but she used all of her experience to dig deep and sneak into the next round.

“Going into this match I knew how important it was. I needed to win it to get out of the group,” Choong said.

“I had never seen this Peruvian player before, but she’s a good player, and admittedly it was tougher than I was expecting but pleased to come through in three games on the winning side, and very pleased to know that I’m through to the knockout stages.”

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

On her rapid rise to the top of the world rankings in women’s singles SU5.

“Only last year I played my first Para badminton national event last December from where I gained qualification to international tournaments. In March this year, I debuted at the Spain Parabadminton International II where I won two golds and one bronze. That’s where I think my journey began.” – Manisha Ramadass

On missing her doubles partner Khalimatus Sadiyah during her year-long absence to have a baby.

“I missed her. Khalimatus would come to my home everyday after training.” – Leani Ratri Oktila

Day 2️⃣ action 🏸

Mixed Doubles WH1-WH2 Group C

🇪🇸Ignacio Fernandez/Henriett Kroosz 🇦🇹🆚 🇪🇸Francisco Motero/Narin Uluc 🇹🇷#Parabadminton #BWFWorldChampionships #Tokyo2022 pic.twitter.com/aICGhyC56v

— BWF (@bwfmedia) November 2, 2022

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of Play (Day 3)