Fresh off her success in Dubai Mary Wilson was back on the plane to Uganda’s second Para-Badminton International held from 24th-29th April. Playing in all three events Mary was hoping to build on her performances from a few weeks previous.
In the singles event seeded 2nd and a predicated spot in the final Mary eased through her group booking her spot in the semi-finals versus Kenya’s Asha Kipwene Munene, which she won in straight sets 21-7, 21-7 solidifying her spot and 2nd seeded rank in the final. The final proved her toughest game yet, coming out on top with a score of 21-14, 21-6 against Uganda’s Khadija Khamuka and picking up her first of 3 gold medals of this championships.
The doubles contest was decided in the pool stages with five couples competing in this class. Mary and SL3 partner Elizabeth Mwesigwa from Uganda outshined their opponents winning the gold medal in their final match 21-19, 21-5 against Khadija Khamuka and Rose Nansereko from Uganda.
Her third and final gold medal was won with France’s Guillame Gaily in the SL3- SU5 mixed doubles coming out on top of their group they breezed past their opponents to book a spot in the quarter finals. Here she would face Cameroons Isidore Kamgue and Cristance Moffouo, where they would win and move on to the semi-finals with a 21-8, 21-10 win. They came out on top once again over India and Ugandas Indrajit Pal and Lillian Namarome. Winning this match 21-9, 21-16 guaranteed them at least a silver medal, this was not good enough for the pair winning out in the end against Rafio Bello and Chinyere Okoro of Nigeria 21-10,21-12.
Sitting 6th in the world at the moment Mary is in great form at the moment which has to give her hope for the qualification period starting next year for the 2020 Paralympics where Para-Badminton will make its debut.
Photo: Alan Spink