Kampala — Uganda's badminton star Edwin Ekiring has jumped two slots to 99th in the world rankings, which puts him in position to compete at next year's Olympics.

But his biggest challenge at the moment is keeping in the top 100 until April 30, 2012 to cement his place at the London Games.

Ekiring defeated Israeli Misha Zilberman to win the Botswana Open last month before falling to Portugal's Pedro Martins in the South Africa International Open finals last weekend.

He collected vital points in both tournaments. Ekiring could rise higher in the rankings if he performs well in next week's Italian International tournament. "The real business starts now because keeping up there is what will take me to London," he said.

ckyazze@ug.nationmedia.com