Korat, Thailand – Paralympic champion Lucas Mazur has emphatically announced his return to the para badminton circuit, clinching the NSDF Thailand Para Badminton International 2025 in Korat. This victory marks a stunning comeback for the Frenchman, who had been absent from competitive play for nine months since securing the SL4 men’s singles gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Mazur showed no signs of rust, powering through the tournament with a flawless performance. He dominated the group stage without dropping a single game, a momentum he carried seamlessly into the knockout rounds. His campaign culminated in a commanding 21-15, 21-12 victory over India’s Naveen Sivakumar in Sunday’s final, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the sport.
Remarkably, Mazur’s win extends his unbeaten streak in singles competition, a run that has remained intact since his semifinal loss to Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj at the World Championships in February of last year.
The tournament also saw more glory for Korea’s Park Haeseong and Jung Gyeoul, who secured their sixth title of the season. The formidable pair were pushed to three games in the WH1-WH2 mixed doubles final by Swiss duo Marc Elmer and Cynthia Mathez but ultimately prevailed with a 21-13, 18-21, 21-9 win. Jung Gyeoul continued her success, later defeating Alphia James 21-8, 21-12 to claim the WH2 women’s singles title.
The Korat event also saw the end of two significant title droughts. Japan’s Akiko Sugino triumphed over Rosa Efomo De Marco with a 21-12, 21-13 victory, securing her first SU5 women’s singles title since the Spanish Para Badminton International in March 2022. Similarly, Thailand’s Pricha Somsiri returned to the top of the podium for the first time since his Japan Para Badminton International 2018 success. Somsiri, partnering with Nattaphon Thaweesap, overcame the Korean pair of Kim Gi Yeon and Lee Jeongsoo in a thrilling SU5 men’s doubles final, winning 25-27, 21-11, 21-10.
Other Tournament Highlights:
- Double Champions: Khalimatus Sadiyah, Natthapong Meechai, and Muh Al Imran each secured two titles. Imran’s achievement is particularly noteworthy, as he remains undefeated in his burgeoning career, despite this being only his second competitive tournament.
- Consistent Performers: Palak Kohli, Daiki Kajiwara, and Sarina Satomi all added their third title of the season to their impressive records.
- New Partnerships Flourish: Palak Kohli continued her successful run in SL3-SU5 women’s doubles, winning with new partner Chanida Srinavakul of Thailand. This follows her earlier victories in the two Spanish tournaments in March alongside Turk Tugce Celik.
