Three-time Paralympic medallist Lucas Mazur (SL4) may have grown out his hair, but his ambitions remain unchanged. The 1.92m Para player began 2025 with a new look and a renewed focus.
“I felt like a change. My old hairstyle looked a bit too intense,” he said after his commanding 21-5, 21-6 semifinal win over Fredy Setiawan in just 25 minutes at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025.
“My goals haven’t changed. I want to dominate my category and evolve my game,” added the three-time world champion. “I’m getting older, so I’m looking for smarter ways to play, such as attacking less to conserve energy. I want to surprise my opponents.”
Now 27, Mazur credits his recent changes both on and off court as part of his drive to lead in SL4, where he is currently ranked world No.3.
“I’ve got a new coach and moved to Paris to join the national programme. It’s been a great decision. Everything’s geared towards preparing my body for LA 2028. I want more gold medals,” he said.
“I’m training at the best centre in France with access to world-class facilities. I’m proud to be part of the team and work alongside top players like Delphine Delrue. All of it pushes me to be not just a better player, but a smarter one.”
Mazur will face India’s Sukant Kadam in the Level 1 final in Cardiff.
In women’s SU5, Thulasimathi Murugesan has also booked a place in the final, just her second international event since claiming silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The Indian looked sharp in a 21-9, 21-16 win over No.2 seed Beatriz Monteiro, wrapping it up in 26 minutes.
“I wasn’t expecting to reach the final,” said Murugesan. “I took time off from competing to study veterinary medicine. I paused my studies for the Paralympics and now I’m back studying, so there’s a lot to juggle. But it feels great to return to the circuit.”
Despite the challenge of balancing studies and training, she’s managing both.
“I train an hour in the morning and again after lectures. I don’t know how I’m doing it, but it’s working. I believed in myself and stayed calm.”
Murugesan will face compatriot Manisha Ramdass in the final; their seventh meeting, with Murugesan leading the head-to-head 5-1.
Murugesan (SU5) is studying to be a vet.
What They Said
“I’m playing differently or at least I’m trying to. I’m mostly building on my defence. I’m really annoyed I didn’t play better. I know what I can do when I play well. It was frustrating to lose today but Manisha is a great player.” – Maud Lefort (SU5)
“He needs to buy me dinner for a whole week after he hit the shuttle in my eye. I want only the best meals, haha.” – Cheah Liek Hou jests with teammate and opponent Mohammad Fareez Anuar after he lost 23-21 27-25 and took a shuttlecock to the eye.
“It was three intense games. I don’t think I have ever felt so pumped up and confident. I think he ran out of endurance and I found my length in my shots. It’s a big win for me and I’m so happy.” – Rick Cornell Hellmann (WH2) after his 21-15 21-23 21-8 win over Noor Azwan Noorlan in the semifinals.
Hellmann glides into the WH2 finals.
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