The HULIC DAIHATSU BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2022 is about to enter its fourth day in Tokyo, Japan. After closing a hard-fought group stage in the different classes, things are getting serious as athletes will now be competing for medals in the quarterfinals which will be taking place this Friday, 4 November.

In the SL4 women’s singles, we’ll be seeing three Europeans fighting for a spot in the semifinals. France’s Faustine Noël, who won the silver in the 2015 Para World Championships, won today in the Round of 16 against Thailand’s Chanida Srinavakul 21-19 27-25. 

Norway’s Helle Sofie Sagøy, who actually beat the French player to take the gold in 2015, has also won her match today against a fellow French athlete, Milena Surreau, 21-5 21-9. Turkey’s Tugce Celik has secured a win against Sophie Van Der Broek, Netherlands, 21-7 21-5. With three Europeans playing in the quarterfinals, the hopes for a medal in the SL4 women’s singles are high.

The SH6 men’s singles had a clash between two of Europe’s strongest English players. Jack Shephard, who has already won two golds and a bronze so far in the World Championships — and has won four more in the doubles events —, faced today Isaak Dalglish. Shephard got the win in straight games, 21-8 21-13.

Joining him in the SH6 men’s singles quarterfinals will be Paralympic bronze medallist Krysten Coombs, although they will not be facing just yet. Coombs got to advance to the quarterfinals with a win against Hong Kong China’s Chun Yim Wong, 21-14 21-12. French player Charles Noakes has also reached the quarterfinals, meaning that Europe will be represented in three out of the four quarterfinals.

In the SL 4 men’s singles, Frenchman Lucas Mazur won against Swede Rickard Nilsson, 21-7 21-12. Mazur will also be advancing onto the quarterfinals in the mixed doubles SL3 SU5 with Faustine Noël. 

The Paralympic silver medallists had a tough, long day, first losing to Fredy Setiawan/ Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko, Indonesia, in a match that was close to lasting one hour. However, the French pair still made it out of the group stage and won against India’s Raj Kumar/ Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmar in a three-game match 21-12, 21-17, 21-12.

Ukraine will have two of their players in the quarterfinals of the two SL3 single events. Oksana Kozyna won today against Amonrat Jamporn, Australia, in straight games, and so did Oleksandr Chyrkob, who defeated Maman Nurjaman, Indonesia.

There will be many other Europeans playing tomorrow in the quarterfinals. To see all the results and draws, click here. 

Quarterfinals will be starting at 1AM CET (9AM Tokyo time) and they will be streamed here.