The YONEX Australian Para Badminton tournament is a pivotal stop on the international circuit, especially for athletes chasing qualification for next year’s BWF Para Badminton World Championships With only three competitions remaining to earn crucial ranking points, pressure is mounting.
The strong contingent from India is leading the charge. With several players vying for the three coveted spots per event, the grit and tenacity from these players is apparent across all courts of the tournament.
World Championships and Paris 2024 Paralympic semifinalist, Sukant Kadam (IND) is safely through to the semifinals of the MS SL4 after dominating his match against New Zealand’s Andrew Fairweather.
Kadam also took to the court with doubles partner, and Paralympic champion, Pramod Bhagat (IND) to take on Yu-An Su/En-Chuan Yeh (TPE) in the MD SL3-SL4. The Chinese Taipei pair pushed the third seeds, but could not uproot them. Bhagat/Kadam pushed to a 21-16, 21-14 win to keep their campaign alive.
Mathieu Thomas (FRA), who has made a name for himself over the last days for his ability to clutch up in times of need, had a textbook performance in his quarterfinal match against Dinesh Rajaiah (IND). After winning the first game comfortably, Rajaiah pushed back in the second, matching him point for point. Yet, when it mattered most, Thomas edged out his competitor to win 21-13, 28-26.
This makes Rajaiah’s path to the world championships even harder, as compatriots Jagadesh Dilli, Manoj Sarkar, and Bhagat are ranked higher than him and have all booked spots in tomorrow’s MS SL 3 semi finals alongside Thomas.
David Jack Wilson (WAL) continued his form, taking down a higher ranked Dev Rathi (IND) to advance to the semifinals in the MS SU5. The crowd continued to build as the match progressed, growing louder with every traded point. Over 50 minutes, the tension continued to rise, until Wilson hit the winning point, screaming with relief as the shuttle hit the ground. Final score 21-17, 19-21, 21-16.
ALL-AUSTRALIAN MATCHES EXCITE
For the second time in two weeks, Australia’s Celine Vinot and Caitlin Dransfield faced off in the WS SL3. Much like last time, it was a three-match affair. Dransfield raced to an early lead, hitting the first interval leading 11-7. Astonishingly, Vinot turned on the jets on her return the court and muscled her way to a 21-13 first game win in a fashion that left both her opponent and the crowd in shock.
In the singles WH2, Qambar Ali Akhteyari absolutely dominated against Evan Milne 21-3, 21-8. His win secures him a semifinal match against fellow Australian Grant Manzoney, who went undefeated in the group stages.
Akhteyari will also compete in the semifinals of the WH1-WH2 doubles alongside compatriot Lochan Cowper.
PACIFIC PLAYERS PROGRESS
Jacklynda Molidu (VAN) continues her fairytale run as a representative of the BWF’s newest member. In her first international tournament, Molidu has secured at least a bronze medal after finishing second in her group in the WS SH6. She will join fellow Oceania players, Sarah Keenahan (AUS), Katelyn Colley (AUS), and Amy Dunn (NZL).
Papua New Guinea will also have representation in the semifinals. Regina Edward and her partner, Michael Simpkins (AUS), controlled their XD SL3 – SU5 quarterfinal match against Laho Maiauka/Martha Ah Wong (PNG) from start to finish to advance in the competition.
Manega Tapari (PNG) will also compete in the semifinals of the SL4 + SU5 against number one seed Sarumathi Sarumathi (IND).
