Pakistan in contention for medals

Published August 18, 2006

LAHORE, Aug 17: Pakistan are assured of securing at least three medals in the 10th South Asian Games badminton event by qualifying in the semi-finals of the men's singles and doubles in Colombo on Thursday.

Pakistan top seed Wajid Ali and second Zeeshan Omar reached the men's singles semi-finals.

Wajid scored a straight set victory against Dinuka of Sri Lanka with the score being 21-16, 21-19.

Zeeshan outplayed Diluka of Sri Lanka, also in straight sets, 21-9, 21-11.

Rizwan Rana and Mohammad Atiq also made the last four of the men's doubles.

Rizwan and Atiq beat the Sri Lankan seeded pair of Nilukaar and Chamarka 21-19, 21-18.

According to the rules adopted by the organizers of the games, in badminton event, the third and fourth position holders will be awarded bronze medal without playing the match.