Defending champion Kate Foo Kune of Mauritius progressed to the quarter-finals ©Getty Images

Defending champions Georges Julien Paul and Kate Foo Kune of Mauritius progressed to the quarter-finals of the men's and women's singles events, respectively, at the All-African Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt.

Paul, the top seed in the men's competition, swept aside Mohamed Belarbi of Algeria 21-10, 21-13 at Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre.

The 23-year-old will face Alhaji Aliyu Shehu of Nigeria after he thrashed Franck Ahi of Ivory Coast 21-9, 21-8.

Nigeria's Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, the second seed, is also through after he defeated Egypt's Ali El Khateeb 21-13, 21-11.

Second seed Hadia Hosny suffered a shock first-round defeat as the individual tournament began ©Getty Images
Second seed Hadia Hosny suffered a shock first-round defeat as the individual tournament began ©Getty Images

Kune, bidding for a fourth African women's singles title, secured her place in the last eight as Ugandan opponent Brenda Awor retired in the second game.

The double African Games champion led 21-8, 11-4 when Awor decided she was unable to continue.

Kune will take on Nigerian Augustina Ebhomien Sunday for a place in the semi-finals.

Second seed Hadia Hosny of Egypt crashed out at the first-round stage following a 21-15, 21-14 defeat to Zainab Damilola Alabi.

The tournament continues tomorrow.