TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 2

Another great session on court in Chengdu with Australia’s Uber Cup Team going up against Thailand on Day 2 of the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024.

Falcons Sydney Tjonadi (WS), Setyana Mapasa/Angela Yu (WD), Tiffany Ho (WS), Kaitlyn Ea/Gronya Somerville (WD) and Isabella Yan (WS) put up a challenge, however, the Thai team was too strong with the Australians going down fighting 0-5.

The experience of competing on the world stage has given them plenty of momentum for when they return to court tomorrow morning at 11.30am (AEST) against Chinese Taipei for their second match of the Group Stage (B).

Falcons Shrey Dhand (MS), Jack Yu (MS), Huaidong Tang/Rayne Wang (MD), Ricky Tang (MS) and Jacob Schueler/Kenneth Choo (MD) showed strong form this afternoon against Korea during their second match of the Thomas Cup, but were defeated 0-5.

The squad now has a day off on Monday to rest and recover before they go up against Canada in the Group Stage (A) on Tuesday at 11.30am (AEST).

Full Results: https://bit.ly/3w8Zk4D

📸 Badmintonphoto (Mark Chiu Wu and Tan En En)

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 1

What a fantastic opportunity it was this afternoon in Chengdu for Australia’s Thomas Cup Team after going up against hosts China at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024.

Falcons Ricky Tang (MS, MD)/ Rayne Wang (MD), Jacob Schueler (MS), Kenneth Choo (MD)/ Huaidong Tang (MD) and Jack Yu (MS) went down fighting 0-5, but gained plenty of valuable experience during the opening day in Chengdu competing against some of the world’s best.

Hear from National Head Coach Leanne Choo on the match:
“They embraced every moment on court this afternoon and what’s most pleasing was watching them all individually execute elements of their game that they had been working on.

“One thing we wanted to see was them to not feel intimidated by the home crowd and just show up on court and play their best – which is exactly what they did.

“I am pleased with today and can’t wait to get underway with the Women’s Uber Cup Team first thing tomorrow.”

Australia’s Uber Cup Team (Group B) is on court tomorrow morning at 10.30am (AEST) for their first match against Thailand.

Australia’s Men’s Team (Group A) returns to the court later in the afternoon at 3pm (AEST) against Korea.

Full Results: https://bwfthomasubercups.bwfbadminton.com

📸 Badmintonphoto (Jnanesh Salian and Tan En En)

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

Team Selection Announcement for Thomas and Uber Cup Finals


Badminton Australia is thrilled to unveil the team selections for the TotalEnergies Badminton World Federation Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024.

The Thomas and Uber Cup Teams will travel to Chengdu, China, where the event is held from 27 April through to 5 May to compete against the top nations from across the world in what is the sport’s most prestigious Men’s and Women’s Team event.

Badminton Australia Tjitte (TJ) Weistra congratulated all the selected players who will represent Australia.

“After incredible performances during the qualification stage in Geelong, we are excited to see our teams go that one step further in the Finals,” he said.

“The Thomas and Uber Cups are among the most prestigious events in our sport and the experience of representing your nation in a team event is a true honour as an athlete.

“We wish all of our athletes the best of luck and we can’t wait to see you on court in Chengdu.”

The Thomas Cup was first held in 1949 and has been won a record 14 times by Indonesia, although India is the current champion after defeating Indonesia 3-0 during the 2022 edition in Thailand.

The Uber Cup’s history commenced in 1957 and has been won a record 15 times by China, however, at the 2022 tournament South Korea defeated China 3-2 to claim its second title.

The following players/squad/teams have been chosen by the Badminton Australia Selectors Panel in line with the Badminton Australia Selection Policy.

Australian Teams:

Thomas Cup (Men)

Doubles:

  • Kenneth Choo (2G Sports – VIC)
  • Rayne Wang (MUBC – VIC)
  • Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW)

Singles:

  • Jacob Schueler (Ocean Grove BC – VIC)
  • Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC)

Singles/Doubles:

  • Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)
  • Ricky Tang (Ace-DASH – NSW)

Uber Cup (Women)

Doubles:

  • Setyana Mapasa (Roketto – NSW)
  • Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)
  • Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC)
  • Kaitlyn Ea (2G Sports – VIC)

Singles:

  • Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW)
  • Sydney Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW)
  • Isabella Yan (NBC – NSW)

Read more: Qualifying Teams List for Thomas and Uber Cups Confirmed (via BWF)

In addition, the Senior Falcons Program has been updated with the addition of four new players (*):

Badminton Australia Senior Falcons

  • Kenneth Choo (2G Sports – VIC)
  • Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC) *
  • Kaitlyn Ea (2G Sports – VIC)
  • Kayson Goh (PBA – VIC)
  • Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW)
  • Setyana Mapasa (Roketto – NSW)
  • Dania Nugroho (SPOC – SA) *
  • Jacob Schueler (Ocean Grove BC – VIC)
  • Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC)
  • Catrina Tan (Sturt – SA) *
  • Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW) *
  • Ricky Tang (Ace-DASH – NSW)
  • Bernice Teoh (An-Yu – WA)
  • Rayne Wang (MUBC – VIC)
  • Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)
  • Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)

  • More Information on the Junior Falcons here.
  • More Information on the Senior Falcons here.

Anna Ronald appointed as Financial Controller

Badminton Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Ronald (FCPA) as the organisation’s new Financial Controller.

Anna joins Badminton Australia with more than 20 years of accounting experience within the sports and not-for-profit sectors in both Australia and the UK. Anna’s financial expertise in sport includes working in cricket, rowing and baseball, in addition to managing her own practice.

Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte Weistra said: “Anna’s knowledge and proven record of success within the sports industry will be highly advantageous to the future financial operations of Badminton Australia. We welcome Anna to our team and look forward to her contributions.”

Anna’s qualifications include a Bsc (Hons) in Applied Accounting, as well as being a CPA Public Practitioner and Registered Tax Agent.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity to join Badminton Australia and equally excited to use my knowledge of the finance and sports industries to ensure badminton continues to grow in Australia,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the team at BA, and starting a new chapter in my sports industry career.”

TJ Weistra thanked outgoing Financial Controller Anita Barbuto for her commitment to Badminton Australia.

“Anita had been an integral part of our organisation for many years, has been instrumental in the implementation of very robust finance practices and we thank her for the high-level of professionalism and dedication to the role,” he said.

“We will miss Anita and wish her nothing but the very best for the future.”

Media Contact: Anthony Pinda (Event and Communications Manager) for any further enquiries.

M: 0417 378 993 E: Anthony.pinda@badminton.org.au

Australia sends record contingent to NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024

There’s plenty on the line this week in Thailand for the Australians competing at the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships.

The record 14-strong squad is the biggest Australian contingent to ever attend the Championships which begins on Tuesday in Pattaya.

The Australian team includes a mixture of youth and experience, with some athletes making their World Championship debut, while for others it marks their fourth time competing.

As we draw closer to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, this event also stands as the final opportunity to amass crucial world ranking points for the Race to Paris.

“Qualifying for World Championships is a big deal, and for many, a dream come true,” said Badminton Australia CEO, Tjitte Weistra.

“Having the largest contingent of Australian players attend tournament is a sign of the growth of para badminton in Australia, particularly in recent years.”

Badminton Australia General Manager Participation and Para, Clare Walker said the size of the team was testament to the support which the para badminton program had received.

“With the support of the Australian Institute of Sport and Paralympics Australia, we are able to offer opportunities such as development camps for players to come together and train,” Walker said.

“By encouraging participation at grassroots, we have forged a strong partnership with Disability Sports Australia to deliver badminton through its Abilities Unleashed multi-sport days, in addition to what States and Territories offer.

“There is still a long way to go to develop para badminton in Australia, however, Badminton Australia with our partners is committed to continuing to work towards an even stronger program in the future.”

Matches/Results: https://bit.ly/42Rih7J

Australian Players:

  • Martyn Ford https://bit.ly/49FRq0q
    • Men’s Singles WH1
    • Mixed Doubles WH1 WH2 (with Shaimaa Samy Abdellatif [EGY])
    • Men’s Doubles WH1 WH2 (with Grant Manzoney)
  • Mischa Ginns https://bit.ly/3wf9osk
    • Women’s Singles WH2
    • Women’s Doubles WH1 WH2 (with Yuka Chokyu [CAN])
  • Lachlan Boulton https://bit.ly/48p7e6K
    • Men’s Singles SL4
    • Mixed Doubles SL3 SU5 (with Zashka Gunson)
    • Men’s Doubles SL3 SL4 (with Kenneth Adlawan)
  • Zashka Gunson https://bit.ly/48l5JXw
    • Women’s Singles SL4
    • Women’s Doubles SL3 SU5 (with Celine Vinot)
    • Mixed Doubles SL3 SU5 (with Lachlan Boulton)
  • Caitlin Dransfield https://bit.ly/3wvcwjR
    • Women’s Singles SL4
    • Women’s Doubles SL3 SU5 (with Amonrat Jamporn)
  • Amonrat Jamporn https://bit.ly/3wmt3Xo
    • Women’s Singles SL3
    • Women’s Doubles SL3 SU5 (with Caitlin Dransfield)

Australian Officials in attendance include Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte Weistra, National Para Badminton Head Coach Ian Bridge, Team Manager and Physiotherapist Pinakin Godse, and Abigail Rothery who is in attendance as a Development Coach.

Stephen Hadlow from Paralympics Australia has also travelled to Thailand and will be working with a remote VIS analyst to gather insights for targeted athletes with the potential to simulate anticipated set-ups that will be implemented as part of the Paris Performance Analysis Hub.

Stay tuned to Badminton Australia’s social media channels throughout the week for more content and updates from all the action in Thailand.

Team Selection Announcement for Thomas and Uber Cup Qualifiers

Badminton Australia is thrilled to announce the team selections for the Oceania region TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Qualifiers.

Falcons will travel to Geelong, Victoria from February 16-18 to compete in the VICTOR Oceania Men’s and Women’s Team Championships where they will take on the best players from across the region.

The winner of the Men’s and Women’s Team Championships in Geelong will then represent Oceania at the prestigious TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, China in April.

The teams have been chosen by the BA Selectors Panel in line with the Badminton Australia Selection Policy.

Uber Cup (Women’s Team Championship)

  • Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW)
  • Kaitlyn Ea (2G Sports – VIC)
  • Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC)
  • Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)
  • Setyana Mapasa (Roketto – NSW)
  • Bernice Teoh (An-Yu BC – WA)
  • Sydney Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW)
  • Isabella Yan (NBC – NSW)
  • Dania Nugroho (SPOC -SA)
  • Catrina Tan (Sturt – SA)

Thomas Cup (Men’s Team Championship)

  • Nathan Tang (Ming Badminton Academy – VIC)
  • Kenneth Choo (GWBC – VIC)
  • Jacob Schueler (Ocean Grove BC – VIC)
  • Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills BC – QLD)
  • Rayne Wang (MUBC – VIC)
  • Ricky Tang (DASH – NSW)
  • Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC)
  • Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC)
  • Asher Ooi (Sydney Jets – NSW)
  • Jordan Yang (WSBA – VIC)

Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte (TJ) Weistra congratulated all players on their selections.

“It’s an incredible honour for an athlete to have the opportunity to represent their country in a team event,” he said.

“These players have put in endless hours of hard work both on and off the badminton court and now it’s their time to put their effort into action at the Thomas and Uber Cup Qualifiers.

“Congratulations to all of the players and we can’t wait to watch you on court in Geelong.”

The VICTOR Oceania Men’s and Women’s Team Championships will be held after the VICTOR Oceania Open Individual Championships (February 12-15).

The Thomas Cup was first held in 1949 and has been won a record 14 times by Indonesia, although India is the current champion after defeating Indonesia 3-0 during the 2022 edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Uber Cup’s history commenced in 1957 and has been won a record 15 times by China, however, at the 2022 tournament South Korea defeated China 3-2 to claim its second title.

Also announced this week was the reselection of the Junior Falcons with the Senior Falcons being reselected at the conclusion of the Oceania Championships in February.

  • View the Junior Falcons here.
  • View the Senior Falcons here.

Badminton Australia also recently announced the athletes that will form the 2023/24 National Para Badminton Falcons Program.

 

Australians head to Korea for the BWF World Senior Championships 2023

A contingent of Australians are heading to Jeonju, Korea to compete at the BWF World Senior Championships 2023 from September 11-18.

The biennial tournament has attracted 1300 players representing 40 different countries across various age groups 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+ and 80+ with each category offering MS, WS, MD, WD, XD events.

The Australians will be led by veteran competitor Loke Poh Wong, who will be competing in his sixth WSC and aiming to add to his existing tally of one silver and three bronze medals within the Men’s Singles category.

“All the best and good luck to all of our Australian players that are heading to Jeonju,” Wong said.

“We have nine players in total ranging from 35+ to 75+ who are all eager to get onto the badminton court to compete.

“Above all we can’t wait to get over to Korea to catch up with old friends and have some fun.”

Australian Players:

Tai-Liang Ko (MS, MD 35+), Luke Chong (MS, MD, XD 35+), Rei Miyamoto (MS, MD 35+), Tomo Luthy (WS, WD, XD 35+), Ian Long (MS, MD 50+) Maryam Bader (WS, WD 50+), Loke Poh Wong (MS 60+), Shuen Joe (MS 65+), Anthony Lourdes (MS 75+).

Also on this year’s calendar are the Australian National Senior Championships 2023 that will be held at Ballarat’s Ken Kay badminton Stadium from November 11-12.

“For seniors who are keen to compete against their peers from the same age group I encourage you to enter and head to Ballarat in November,” Wong said.

Stay tuned to Badminton Australia’s social media channels for updates from Korea as well further information in the coming weeks on how to enter the Australian National Senior Championships 2023.

Further information: https://bwfbadminton.com/tournament/4722/bwf-world-senior-championships-2023

 

Australians set to go up against the best at the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Copenhagen

There’s no greater way to learn than by stepping onto the badminton court and going up against the best international players from across the world.

Australian players are on the verge of starting their campaigns at the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Copenhagen (August 21-27) where they will all face a great test.

“Opening matches will be tough and competitive for all, however with the right game plan and tactics, they can potentially cause some trouble for their opponents”, National Head Coach Leanne Choo said.

Leanne Choo coaching at the Sathio Group Australian Badminton Open 2023. Picture by Adam Yi Fan Chua

Most recently the players were in action on their home turf at the Sathio Group Australian Badminton Open where they were able to refine their on-court ability against opponents on the BWF Super 500 level.

“I am excited to see the players put their sharpened tactics and mental readiness into action in Copenhagen,” Choo said.

“All the players have specific skills and areas they have been working very hard on and this is a great opportunity to test the progress of those specific skills.”

Australia’s Round of 64 Matches:

MS: Nathan Tang (AUS) v C. Dwi Wardoyo (INA)

Full draw Men’s Singles https://rb.gy/98kzn

WS: Tiffany Ho (AUS) v Neslihan Arin (TUR)

Full draw Women’s Singles https://tinyurl.com/t9939tmu

MD: Kenneth Choo/Ming Chuen Lim (AUS) v Joshua Magee/Paul Reynolds (IRL)

Full draw Men’s Doubles https://tinyurl.com/yc524pax

WD: Gronya Somerville/Kaitlyn Ea (AUS) v Julie Macpherson/Ciara Torrance (GBR)

Women’s Doubles https://tinyurl.com/4rpmtwb8

XD: Kenneth Choo/Gronya Somerville (AUS) v Marcus Ellis/Lauren Smith (GBR)

Full draw Mixed Doubles https://tinyurl.com/2dt3yjs6

“In the Women’s Doubles, Gronya and Kaitlyn have drawn Torrance and Macpherson who are ranked 35 in the world. This is one of the tougher first rounds, however, this is a great test for the girls and I believe they can get a positive result,” Choo said.

Kaitlyn Ea and Gronya Somerville at the Sathio Group Australian Badminton Open 2023. Picture by Badminton Photo (Paul Foxall)

“In the Mixed Doubles, Gronya and Ken face Smith and Ellis from England, who are ranked 32 in the world and are Commonwealth Silver Medallists. We are the underdog in this match and it is a good opportunity for Ken and Gronya to play a very experienced pair.

“When it comes to the Men’s Doubles, Ken and Ming face Reynolds and Magee who are ranked 54. I anticipate that this game will be a close battle and will be an exciting one to coach.

Ming Chuen Lim and Kenneth Choo will be back on court together in Copenhagen.

“Nathan has drawn Wardoyo in the Men’s Singles, and this will be a challenging match for him. Again, this is a great opportunity to compete against an experienced player and showcase what he has been working on.

“Finally, Tiffany is up against Arin who is a strong competitor. Tiff is an equally strong and tough competitor. I expect her to put up a good fight.”

Nathan Tang and Tiffany Ho will be representing Australia in the Singles competition in Copenhagen. Picture by Adam Yi Fan Chua

For most of the team the trip to Copenhagen marks their first appearance at the BWF World Championships and above all Choo hoped that all the players embraced every moment on court.

“There is a certain prestige that comes with competing in any sort of World Championship tournament, whether it be a team event or individual event,” she said.

“Although this tournament will be a step up for the Australian Team, we will approach and prepare the same way we would for any other tournament.”

During the lead up the Australian team will be training in Denmark under the guidance of Niclas Nohr before Choo arrives.

Once the tournament is underway, Nohr will also be helping out Choo when it comes to match-day coaching.

“The players will train in Denmark at his club before I join them. I am hoping to learn more from Niclas while we are coaching from behind the court. I am excited to see him coaching in action,” Choo said.

Stay tuned to Badminton Australia’s social media channels to keep up to date with all the Australian results.

https://bwfbadminton.com/tournament/4720/totalenergies-bwf-world-championships-2023/results/

Wang and Yu (XD) progress to next round at the SATHIO GROUP Australian Badminton Open

It’s been a huge day on court at the Sathio Group Australian Badminton Open!
 
Biggest news of the day was Rayne Wang and Angela Yu (AUS) advancing to the Round of 16 after defeating fellow Aussies Adrian Reynardi and Victoria Tjonadi 23-21, 21-17 in the Mixed Doubles!
 
Below are the other results from all the Australian players and a selection of today’s photos:
 
MS: J. Zhao (CHN) def R. Tang (AUS) 21-13, 21-1
WD: R. Hirokami/Y. Kato (JPN) def S. Mapasa/A. Yu (AUS) 14-21, 21-18, 24-22
WD: L. Efler/I. Lohau (GER) def G. Somerville/K. Ea (AUS) 21-16, 21-14
XD: C. Lee/T. Ng (HKG) def K. Choo/G. Somerville (AUS) 21-18, 21-14
XD: T. Chen/Eei Wei Toh (MAS) def C. Ho (AUS)/J.Lee (KOR) 21-10, 21-4
WS: Y. Li (GER) def B.Teoh (AUS) 21-8, 21-6
WD: B. Aimsaard/N. Aimsaard (THA) def S. Tjonadi/V. Tjonadi (AUS) 21-4, 21-9
WS: B.Zhang (USA) def T. Ho (AUS) 21-14, 21-4
MS: P. Rajawat (IND) def N. Tang (AUS) 21-12, 21-16
XD: K. Yamashita/N. Shinoya (JPN) def R. Hidayat/J. Choong (AUS) 21-11, 21-14
WS: A. Ohori (JPN) def Y.Tse (AUS) 21-2, 21-4
Full Results: https://match-centre.bwfbadminton.com/4718
📸 Badmintonphoto (Paul Foxall/Luis Veniegra)

Hear from the winners and see podium photos from the 2023 YONEX U15/U19 National Championships

The next generation of Australian badminton stars has never looked brighter after two thrilling weeks on court at WA Satterley Hall in South Australia for the YONEX U15/U19 National Championships 2023.

YONEX U19 CP Maddern Trophy 2023

Full CP Maddern Results: https://bit.ly/3Y9RCk2

To start the tournament was the YONEX U19 CP Maddern Trophy which saw New South Wales take a commanding 3-1 Finals win over South Australia.

Here’s what New South Wales Captain Jie Ying Chan had to say after the victory:

“I’m very proud of each and every one of my teammates,” he said.

“It’s great to have a chance to play as a team while cheering for your state and teammates.”

Badminton Australia Board Member Geraldine Brown congratulates NSW on their victory. Picture: Dayne Petersen (Badminton Australia)

YONEX U19 National Individual Championships 2023

Full YONEX U19 National Individual Championship Results: https://bit.ly/3OwXYXx

It was a quick turnaround for the U19 players as next up were the YONEX U19 National Individual Championships.

After several big days on court, it came down to a thrilling set of Finals matches.

MS: Asher Ooi (NSW) def Jie Ying Chan (NSW) 21-19, 21-15

“I am very happy with my performance,” Ooi said after the win.

“I’ve made a lot of people proud and it’s nice to know all of the hard work that I’ve put in during the past few weeks has come to fruition.”

In the lead-up to both the Team and Individual events Ooi paid special attention to increasing his agility across the court.

“Since the start of the tournament my touch, feel and movement has really been on form,” he said.

“I’ve been focusing on increasing my physical effort and going that extra mile to improve my overall fitness.”

More than anything, the U19 Men’s Singles Title has given him plenty of confidence for the future.

“I am now looking to play more tournaments with the aim of getting more international experience,” Ooi said.

Badminton Australia President Andrew Greenway with Gold: Asher Ooi (NSW), Silver: Jie Ying Chan (NSW), Bronze: Ephraim Stephen Sam (QLD) and Shrey Dhand (VIC).

WS: Isabella Yan (NSW) def Jazmine Lam (VIC) 21-16, 22-20

“It was a really tough win,” Yan said.

“I was mainly trying to keep my shots sharper and intercept returns a lot faster.”

Despite the win, Yan said it was a “really tough encounter” against Lam as the pair had played against each other many times before.

“After the team event earlier in the week it was very important to focus on recovering for the Individuals,” Yan said.

“We’ve played each other several times before but this match was definitely one of the closest.”

Gold: Isabella Yan (NSW), Silver: Jazmine Lam (VIC), Bronze: Maureen Wijaya (NSW) and Sydney Tjonadi (NSW) with Badminton Australia President Andrew Greenway

MD: Jordan Yang/Frederick Zhao (VIC) def Shrey Dhand/Jayden Lim (VIC) 21-15, 21-14

“Throughout the week each and every match that we played together we saw improvements and today we played at our best,” Zhao said after the win.

“At the start of the week we were a bit shaky but as the week progressed and once we were in the finals we were on fire and had a lot of fun on court together,” Yang said.

From the first day through to the last, one major area of improvement which the duo attributed to their win was improving their in-game tactics.

“We started playing a lot more aggressively and driving to tactically control the game rather than just rallying,” Zhao said.

“One we got into it and started shouting and bringing more energy we played a lot better,” Yang laughed.

The duo also praised their opponents for putting up a strong performance.

“They are just juniors but for their age they play at a very high level,” Zhao said.

Gold: Jordan Yang/Frederick Zhao (VIC), Silver: Shrey Dhand/Jayden Lim (VIC), Bronze: Don Bui (SA)/Ephraim Stephen Sam (QLD) and Jie Ying Chan(NSW)/Terrence Kok (WA)

WD: Dania Nugroho/Catrina Tan (SA) def Jazmine Lam/Bethany Li (VIC) 21-13, 21-19

When asked about the South Australian duo’s secret to success their answer was simple.

“It was an important match for us as we had so many South Australian teammates, players, coaches, family and friends cheering us on,” Nugroho said.

“When we could hear our teammates cheering, it certainly gave us the motivation that we needed,” Tan said.

“From the start of Individuals through to the end we really improved on our communication which gave us great energy and vibes which bounced off each other.”

Gold: Dania Nugroho/Catrina Tan (SA), Silver: Jazmine Lam/Bethany Li (VIC), Bronze: Sydney Tjonadi (NSW)/Joanne Zheng (WA) and Victoria Tjonadi (NSW)/Sarah Ung (VIC) with National Head Coach Leanne Choo

XD: Jordan Yang (VIC)/Sydney Tjonadi (NSW) def Asher Ooi/Isabella Yan (NSW) 21-6, 21-9

Despite the geographical distance, the Yang-Tjonadi pairing reigned supreme in the final event of the U19 National Individual Championships.

“I’ve been doing plenty of work on my front court speed around the net to help out Jordan,” Tjonadi said.

“Even though I live in Sydney and Jordan is from Melbourne, we try to play as many competitions together. Overall I am really proud of my achievements this week.”

In addition to a medal-haul, Tjonadi was also the recipient of the Joy Twinning Trophy which is given to the player exhibits the highest standards of sportsmanship, personality, court demeanour, player ability and determination.

Yang praised his teammate on her excellent work across the front court.

“Sydney is a great player on that part of the court which makes it really easy for me to control what’s going on in the middle and back areas of the court,” he said.

Looking back on his achievements for the week, Yang said he was “over the moon”.

“I didn’t expect to come into this tournament and win twice, but I came here, played my best and got it,” he said with a smile.

Gold: Sydney Tjonadi (NSW)/Jordan Yang (VIC), Silver: Asher Ooi/Isabella Yan (NSW), Bronze: Timothy Sentosa/Joanne Zheng (WA) and Terrence Kok/ Vivian Nguyen (WA)

YONEX U15 Val Nesbitt Trophy 2023

The U15 Victorian squad celebrates the 6-2 win over Western Australia to claim the YONEX Val Nesbitt Trophy 2023.

The week started off with the YONEX Val Nesbitt U15 Trophy with Victoria taking a 6-2 win over Western Australia to claim the Title.

Full Val Nesbitt Results: https://bit.ly/3rPPCla

YONEX U15 National Individual Championships 2023

Watch the Finals Livestream via the Badminton Australia Facebook: https://fb.watch/m5D3-VkjuA/

Full YONEX U15 National Individual Championships Results: https://bit.ly/3rUEm6N

BS: Om Neelam (VIC) def Aneesh Nirmal (QLD) 18-21, 21-13, 21-13

The U15 National Individual Finals kicked off with a thrilling 43-minute showdown between Victoria’s Om Neelam and Queensland’s Aneesh Nirmal.

Nirmal came out firing to take the first game, however, it wasn’t long before Neelam found his groove to take out the next two to claim the Boys Singles Title.

“I felt that during the Teams event I was quite slow but once we started the Individuals my focus was a lot higher and I played some of my best badminton, especially during finals,” Neelam said after the win.

During the lead up to both tournaments there were several elements of his game which he put firmly in his sights in order to play at his best.

“I really focused on rear-court pushing and practicing my serves to avoid any unnecessary faults,” Neelam said.

“I improved in both of those areas and all the effort certainly helped me.”

Despite the win, it didn’t come easy for Neelam as Nirmal put on a top performance from start to finish.

“During the first game he was full of energy, but then my endurance and stamina kicked in and helped me get the win.”

Gold: Om Neelam (VIC), Silver: Aneesh Nirmal (QLD), Bronze: Leon Jacob Kurniawan (NSW) and Kenneth Lianyue Wu (NSW)

GS: Mimi Ngo (WA) def Smrithi Adepu (VIC) 21-10, 23-21

After taking out the first game 21-10, Adepu then picked up the pace and pushed Ngo to the limit.

It was definitely a nerve-racking match, but also very fun as I really had to fight back against her,” Ngo said after the win.

To build her confidence ahead of the tournament, Ngo focused on improving all of the basic skills and tactics to ensure she was firing at her absolute best.

Gold: Mimi Ngo (WA), Silver: Smrithi Adepu (VIC), Bronze: Xyn Yi Ling (WA) and Alphonsa Bijomon (VIC).

BD: Om Neelam(VIC)/Aneesh Nirmal (QLD) def Evan Ji (NSW)/Shih-Yuan Lim (VIC) 21-10, 21-10

After pushing each other to the edge in the Boys Singles Final, Neelam and Nirmal then found themselves back on court, however, this time as teammates in the Boys Doubles Final.

“I am very proud of both of us,” Nirmal said of his performance with Neelam.

“Yesterday we had a tough match in the Semi-Finals and throughout the week we’ve been very dominant.

“All round it was a solid performance from us in the Final as everything clicked aside from a couple of unforced errors here and there.”

Gold: Om Neelam (VIC)/Aneesh Nirmal (QLD), Silver: Evan Ji (NSW)/Shih-Yuan Lim (VIC), Bronze: Leon Jacob Kurniawan (NSW)/Adam Ooi (NSW) and Reikken Lydra (VIC)/Cayven Teo (VIC)

GD: Tanvi Sai Mushini (VIC)/Mimi Ngo (WA) def Emily Eric (WA)/Xyn Yi LIng (WA) 21-9, 21-13

Mushini and Ngo put their win down to two critical elements that are crucial to any pairing: defence and friendship.

The duo used these attributes to power themselves to gold in a commanding 21-9, 21-13 performance over Ling and Eric.

The victory didn’t come easy as they had to overcome strong defence and smashes from their opponents.

Gold: Tanvi Sai Mushini (VIC)/Mimi Ngo (WA), Silver: Emily Eric (WA)/Xyn Yi Ling (WA), Bronze: Angela Shen (WA)/Jemma Oaraya Stark (NT) and Alphonsa Bijomon (VIC)/Xiwen Liang (VIC)

XD: Om Neelam (VIC)/Mimi Ngo (WA) def Cayven Teo (VIC)/Alphonsa Bijomon (VIC) 20-22, 21-6, 21-7

To cap off the week, Neelam and Ngo returned to court for the Mixed Doubles Final where they put on strong performance to secure gold over Teo and Bijomon.

Bijomon also finished the competition by being named as the recipient of the Jan and Ross Synot Sportsmanship Award which is given to the U15 player who exhibits the highest standards of sportsmanship, personality, court demeanour, player ability and determination.

2023 Jan and Ross Synot recipient Alphonsa Bijomon (VIC).