The stage was set, the players were ready, the crowd poised. The first match up featuring the Australian mixed doubles pair was touted to be a competitive clash against the Chinese Taipei duo. After Choo & Somerville experienced good form recently at the Peru Challenge 2023 and Guatemala International Challenge 2023, where they reached the semifinals, the mood was positive.
Starting the match strong and dominating the rallies, the Aussies jumped out to a commanding lead in the first game. Early in the second, the tables turned with Chinese Taipei stepping it up to take the second game and move the match to a decider. Even though at times there were the opportunities to get their noses in front, today was not the winning day for the number one seeds at the YONEX Bendigo International 2023.
“We must be able to adapt our game quicker during the match. They [Chen/Lin] changed their game in the second and the third game, but the gap was too big and with a few mistakes it grew too much.”
With the Sydney International 2023 next up for the Australians, the pair will reset for another campaign.
“We will focus on recovery, get the body right and work on improvements over the next few days. All competitions are part of a learning curve, and we continue to grow as a pair.”
- Chen Sheng Fa/Lin Jhih Yun (TPE) def Kenneth Zhe Hooi Choo/Gronya Somerville (AUS) [1] 12-21 21-14 21-11
The men’s singles final was an all Japanese affair, featuring two unseeded players. Having dispatched Oceania and New Zealand player Edward Lau in the semifinals, Keita Makino looked on track to take the final against his compatriot who is three years his junior. Tweaking his style may have had the desired effect to Makino’s success this week.
“In the past I have always used a short serve, but recently I am incorporating a long serve which seems to be working for me.”
Facing the biggest challenge so far in the tournament, it took Makino three games to wrap up the final and the men’s singles title.
“Hikaru and I train together, but I wanted to win.”
- Keita Makino (JPN) def Hikaru Minegishi (JPN) 21-12 20-22 21-16
A very proud Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi (SGP) continued her winning streak as she powered through the women’s singles final. Local player, Ying Tse was no match for the player from Singapore who handed out a master class to the Australian winning in two quick games.
“I have been working on being patient on court and I believe that my play improved on the road to the final. My coach and I agreed that I must be aware of my mindset and the only enemy on court is myself. If my mindset is right and my focus correct, then usually I will be able to play a good game.”
- Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi (SGP) def Ying Tse (AUS) 21-7 21-5
Chinese Taipei were the winner before the men’s doubles even started, however there was to be no match. Only moments before being called to play the final, the news came through that the number one seeds had won due to a walkover after their team mates and number four seeds withdrew.
- Chen Cheng Kuan/Chen Sheng Fa (TPE) [1] def Chan Yueh Lin/Chu Bo Rong (TPE) WALKOVER
It came down to the last match on the day of finals to get an Oceania and Australian win. And what a win! Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu and the ying and yang to each other. The experience and skillful Mapasa together with the calm and calculated Yu are a match made for the badminton court. Having only been paired together five months prior, the pair say they “sync well together on and off the court”.
The 71-minute display of skill, endurance, power and a never give up attitude saw the Australian pair crowned champions and were ecstatic with their win.
“We were so happy that we managed that win. They [Hsu/Lin] played very well and really pushed us, but the crowd lifted our confidence. Traveling and playing overseas, we don’t get that support at tournaments. We were a bit shocked to hear people cheering for us. We needed to play for them too.”
After their win at the VICTOR Kaohsiung Masters 2023 in Chinese Taipei they have continued to work on their strategies, which is paying off.
Playing at the Sydney International 2023 next week, they will replay this match in the first round, hoping for the same outcome.
- Setyana Mapasa/Angela Yu (AUS) [2] def Hsu Yin-Hui/Lin Jhih Yun (TPE) 18-21 22-20 27-25
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Photo Credit: adamcyf_production
