Today marks the start of the VICTOR Men’s and Women’s Team Championships. This three-day tournament will produce a team that will represent the Oceania region at the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in China.
The two strong Nations of Australia and New Zealand should dominate in both the men’s and women’s events, however, do not discount the smaller Pacific countries; Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Fiji who will be looking to create some upsets.
Session 1
Men’s Team Event
New Zealand started their campaign against the flamboyant Cook Islands. From the opening team greetings until the last shuttle served, the tie was entertaining and played in a great spirit. New Zealand finished with a 5-0 win.
Playing concurrently, Australia had Fiji as their first opponents. Even though Kenneth Choo and Shrey Dhand were not playing after a busy final the previous day, Australia had little trouble in their 5-0 first up victory.
U17 InvitationTeam Challenge
The u17 Team Invitation Challenge running alongside the VICTOR Oceania Championships is part of Badminton Oceania’s Development Programme. Six teams from the Pacific have travelled to Geelong, Australia to compete for the title of u17 Team Champions. Countries represented are Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, New Caledonia, Northern Marianas, and Tahiti.
The first ties of the tournament saw Tahiti play Fiji and Cook Islands against New Caledonia. After two days at a development training camp, the u17 players were keen to hit the court and practice skills learned.
Tahiti were too strong for Fiji, not surrendering one game over five matches played. Even though Cook Islands lost their first match (men’s doubles), they rebounded well to win four in a row, only allowing New Caledonia one game in the men’s singles when the match went to three.
Session 2
Women’s Team Event
Tahiti were not going to let New Zealand win easily in the first tie for the women’s teams. Their second and third singles players produced some great rallies and pressured the New Zealand women, at times moving ahead in the game. However in the end, it was a 5-0 win to New Zealand.
Team Australia was matter of fact against Cook Islands in the second session on day one. In each of their five matches, they kept the Cook Islanders scores to single figures on their way to a 5-0 tie win.
U17 Invitation Team Challenge
Meeting on court in the second session of the u17 team event were northern Pacific neighbours, Guam and Northern Marianas Islands. On this occasion, it took until the last match to decide the winner after it being tied after the first four matches. Northern Marianas took the win 3-2.
The two French speaking nations in Geelong this week, Tahiti and New Caledonia set up the challenge of the South Pacific. Even though Tahiti came through with the 5-0 win, it did not reflect the excellent rallies that the juniors produced on both sides.
Session 3
Men’s Team Event
Australia took no prisoners when they played Cook Islands in session three. Looking to get the job done, the team of nine conceded no more than 40 points across 10 games and five matches.
Tahiti had a very competitive tie against Fiji with dramatic matches to get their supporters vocal. Tahiti had the depth to keep ahead of Fiji, only losing the last men’s doubles in three electrifying games 23-21 13-21 21-19 but winning the tie 4-1..
U17 Invitation Team Challenge
It was an enthralling encounter in the Northern Mariana Islands – Fiji tie with a men’s and women’s singles going the distance of three games, with one win each. By the conclusion the tie had witnessed another two three game matches with Northern Marianas claiming victory.
Cook Islands brought their vibe, voice, and vitality to the courts this afternoon. Playing against Guam, they only dropped the men’s doubles in a close 21-minute match.
Streaming links Saturday 17 February
Court 1: https://youtube.com/live/38i7rvE6amk?feature=share
Court 2: https://youtube.com/live/cLZ-PwKp73Y?feature=share
VICTOR Oceania Men’s & Women’s Team Championships Draws & Results
U17 Invitational Team Challenge Draws & Results
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- Team Australia
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- Team Cook Islands
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- Team Fiji
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- Team Fiji u17
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- Team New Zealand
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- Team New Zealand
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- Team Tahiti u17
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- Team Tahiti
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- Team Australia
