There is a buzz in the air at the Sydney International 2023 this week. Shin Baek Cheol (KOR) is playing in his eighth tournament for 2023, however, in Sydney he will partner Lee Sang Ho in the men’s doubles, whereas the previous seven appearances have been with established partner, Ko Sung Hyun.
The 33-year-old who has a current men’s doubles BWF World ranking of 87 and a BWF World Tour ranking of 49, officially retired from the Korean national team in 2016. Shin has an impressive winning CV including winning a BWF World Junior title in the Oceania region in 2007.
- 2007 BWF World Junior Championships – Boys Doubles – Auckland, New Zealand – CHAMPION
- 2010 Badminton Asian Championships – Mixed Doubles – China – CHAMPION
- 2010 Asian Games – Mixed Doubles – China – GOLD MEDAL
- 2014 Asian Championships – Men’s Doubles – South Korea – GOLD MEDAL
- 2014 BWF World Championships – Men’s Doubles – Denmark – CHAMPION
He and partner Ko Sung-Hyun created one of the biggest upsets in badminton world championship final history with a victory over their compatriots, Lee Yong-Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong 22–20, 21–23, 21–18.
Their first match at the Sydney International will be on Thursday 19 October against Oceania pair, Avinash Shastri and Bevan Cox (NZL).
Nathan Tang started the Sydney International with enthusiasm and confidence after coming off a hard fought, three game loss at the YONEX Bendigo International last week. Playing against fellow Australian Landon Kurniawan, Tang was dominant in the first game before having to work a little harder in the second. Meanwhile, compatriot, Jacob Schueler and Malaysian Kong Teck Joon had a 60 minute, three game thriller in the latter part of the session on day one to keep the crowd entertained.
- Nathan Tang (AUS) [2] def Landon Kurniawan (AUS) 21-7 21-18
- Jacob Schueler (AUS) [3] def Kong Teck Joon (MAS) 18-21 21-13 21-17
American Enrico Asuncion took only 21 minutes to ensure he had a place in the second round of the men’s singles. Starting a little tentatively, Asuncion found his rhythm in the second game against the Australian to win in a very timely fashion.
- Enrico Asuncion (USA) [4] def Phillip Halim (AUS) 21-16 21-5
The New Zealand mixed doubles pairs had good fortune on day one of the Sydney International. Established duo, Dacmen Vong and Roanne Apalisok moved comfortably through their match, winning in straight games against a seeded pair from Australia. In the meantime, Edward Lau was back on court in the mixed doubles with fellow North Harbour teammate, Shaunna Li. They will progress in the draw after a convincing win in the round of 32. The third mixed doubles pair from New Zealand also enjoyed a win in one of the last matches of the evening.
- Dacmen Vong/Roanne Apalisok (NZL) def Huaidong Tang/Priska Kustiadi (AUS) [6] 21-15 21-14
- Edward Lau/Shaunna Li (NZL) [8] def Kanki Igawa/Sydney Tjonadi (AUS) 21-15 21-10
- Jonathan Curtin/Sally Fu (NZL) def Phillip Halim/Victoria Li (AUS) 21-11 21-18
Other early exits from the mixed doubles were the third, fourth and fifth seeds from Australia. Rayne Wang/Angela Yu, Kai Chen Teoh/Kai Qi (Bernice) Teoh and Andika Ramadiansyah/Victoria Tjonadi end their mixed doubles campaigns on day one.
Day one was full of big matches, and highlights what is surely going to be an exciting tournament as the week progresses.
All matches on court one and two will be available to watch on live stream, while news and results from the event will be available to view on our website and Facebook page. Join the conversation using #SI2023
Photo Credit: Badminton Photo
