WOMEN’S DOUBLES
The talent was on show today in the women’s doubles final as last weeks winners took to the court once again. Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu were the favourites heading into the match and it never looked in doubt with confidence running high. Their opposition, Sylvina Kurniawan and Poon Lok Yan were strong in their attack. Having played with Mapasa at the VICTOR Oceania Championships 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand and won the women’s doubles title, Kurniawan knew what the skillful Mapasa was capable of.
Australian coach Leanne Choo is impressed with her women’s doubles combination saying “it is a tremendous effort that gives this pair three titles in a row. They are entertaining with electric energy and great to coach.”
Mapasa and Yu will play two tournaments in India in December before a training block in January in the lead up to the VICTOR Oceania Championships in February 2024.
- Setyana Mapasa/Angela Yu (AUS) [2] Sylvina Kurniawan/Poon Lok Yan (AUS) 21-16 21-18
MIXED DOUBLES
Winning the mixed doubles title at the YONEX Bendigo International 2023 just one week prior, the unseeded pair from Chinese Taipei were on right track to win again, and against the same opposition.
Having done their homework over the past week Chen and Lin took command of the match from the start, not allowing the Australian pair to settle into any kind of rhythm. Having only played together as a pair since the start of 2023, they are starting to gel.
“The more we play together the better we get with on court communication and knowing each other play. We have two more tournaments coming up on Malaysia and Korea”, Lin explains.
Chen, who has to return to Chinese Taipei to complete 21 days of military service after Korea, will then return to the badminton court with Lin in the New Year.
- Chen Sheng Fa/Lin Jhih Yun (TPE) def Kenneth Zhe Hooi Choo (AUS) [1] 21-18 21-11
WOMEN’S SINGLES
Coming into the Sydney International 2023 with confidence after her win last week, Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi (SGP) started the match as a sprint, taking a commanding lead in the first game. Shaunna Li, who had started slow, picked up the pace and her winning shots to close the gap to two but it was not enough to win the first game. With the second game playing out much like the first, Hooi sealed the match and a second title in as many weeks.
“It’s an honor to win and I am proud of my result. Its been a while since I have competed and I am slowly progressing, and a step closer to hopefully going to the Olympics.”
When asked about her time in Australia, Hooi comments “I love the coffee here. My coach and I have been to so many cafes in Bendigo and Sydney.”
- Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi (SGP) vs Shaunna Li (NZL) [3] 21-17 21-17
MEN’S SINGLES
Having made the round 32 last week in Bendigo, Ting Yen-Chen (TPE) stepped up this week to feature in the men’s singles final against the Australian, Karono. Competitive for the majority of the match, At times Karono let his guard down to let Ting capatalise on unforced errors, altimately taking the match in two games.
“The first week in Bendigo my play was not really there. Since then I have been focusing on front court variance, speed, rhythm and different types of shots.” What now for Ting Yen-Chen? “I am heading off to play in the European circuit.”
Ting is now heading off the play in the European circuit.
- Ting Yen-Chen (TPE) def Karono (AUS) 21-14 21-15
MEN’S DOUBLES
In the conclusion to the Sydney International 2023, the men’s doubles was an exciting way to finish. With Chinese Taipei on both sides of the court, the crowd settled in for a display of skill, athleticism, and enjoyment as the number one seeds made it two wins from their last two tournaments against their compatriots.
Chen Cheng Kuan/chen Sheng Fa (TPE) [1] def Chan Yueh Lin/Chu Bo Rang (TPE) 21-16 21-14
