Only one seed remains in the mixed doubles draw as two withdrawals and a shock exit opened up the draw. Reigning champion Gronya Somerville and her new partner Kenneth Choo were the pair responsible for the first shock exit of the day, overcoming the challenge of fellow compatriots and second seeds Tran and Sylvina.
- Kenneth Zhe Hooi Choo/Gronya Somerville (AUS) vs Tran Hoang Pham/Sylvina Kurniawan (AUS)[2] 21-15 21-17
On the opposite end of the draw, New Zealand’s top seeded duo prevailed in their opening match. Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak are chasing crucial world ranking points in their bid to qualify for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in July and showed every intention of securing a spot in the final as they overcame the challenge from Australia’s Rayne and Lee.
- Oliver Leydon-Davis/Anona Pak (NZL)[1] vs Rayne Wang/Lee Yen Khoo (AUS) 21-14 21-15
“Oli and I were just focusing on what we have to do. We’re using our experience from our recent Europe trip and a tournament last week in Waikato. We just remind each other to keep focus and ensure we’re concentrating on ourselves more as opposed to constantly thinking about what our opponent is doing”, says Anona
The new pairing of Mitchell Wheller and Angela Yu got off to a shaky start as they struggled to find their form in the first game, winning only four points. However, a miraculous shake up of tactics saw the duo make a stunning comeback to take the game in three.
- Mitchell Wheller/Angela Yu (AUS) vs Ming Chuen Lim/Joyce Choong (AUS) 4-21 21-13 21-14
“We didn’t have good chemistry in the first game. But we got through it, cleared our heads and were more focussed in the second game. We figured out where we had to focus, take control of the attack more, minimise mistakes and just make sure we get it over”, says Angela
Meanwhile, the men’s singles round of 32 progressed this afternoon, with the first seed and reigning champion Abhinav Manota demonstrating excellent precision as he overcame his challenger from Australia, including an 11-0 lead in the second game.
- Abhinav Manota (NZL)[1] vs Ephraim Stephen Sam (AUS) 21-13 21-7
“After a year of no international tournaments, the first one was always a hard one for me, but once I get used to the court and find the length. In the second game I was pretty comfortable and find my rhythm, I’m pretty happy that I pulled through. Seedings can be tricky, some people take it as a good things, while others feel the pressure. I try not to think about it and just take it one match at a time“, says Abhinav
Moments later, the 2019 champion Oscar Guo brought on the next shock upset after ousting the second seed from Australia, Anthony Joe. The game unfolded with a number of dives and several enticing rallies, making for a highly entertaining game.
- Oscar Guo (NZL) vs Anthony Joe (AUS)[2] 21-10 21-16
All five disciplines will continue to progress throughout the day, as the line up for tomorrow’s quarterfinals start to take shape. All matches on court one and two available to watch for free on the live stream, via Badminton Oceania’s YouTube Channel. Click here to watch.
Moreover, you can follow the draw on Tournament Software.
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