Photo: Josephine Zhao (NZL)
After suffering an early scare against their Pacific neighbours Tahiti, New Zealand have progressed to the playoff for 17-24 place at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2023. In a nail-biting tie against Slovakia, the kiwi’s had to fight for every point to secure the win. Women’s singles player Josephine Zhao pulled off a stunning win to clinch the tie in two games 30-29 30-28.
Australia, up against Netherlands started strong in their first match. They were still in the hunt for a tie win after a close three game loss in the women’s singles, however needed the men’s and women’s doubles to go their way, of which only one did and will now play off for places 25-32.
Even though Cook Islands had another defeat, this time at the hands of Brazil, the opportunity to again play in an international tournament against a country they have never played was one to remember. Cook Islands now play off for places 25-32 after finishing fourth in their pool box during the first round.
Tahiti finished their pool play in fifth place which has them playing off for places 33-40. They play Iceland in their first tie in round two which begins later today.
Photo Credit: Badminton Photo
