Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak aim for top podium finish as Commonwealth Games qualification looms

Pictured: Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak, New Zealand. Photo Credit: Badminton Photo

Badminton Oceania has caught up with Badminton New Zealand’s top Mixed Doubles pair, Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak, who head into this year’s Championships as top seeds.

Oliver Leydon-Davis is the reigning men’s doubles champion, but will be focusing solely on the mixed doubles draw in this year’s event. The pair will be competing fresh from international expeirence in Europe, having recently competed in the YONEX Gainward German Open 2022, YONEX All England Championships 2022 and YONEX Swiss Open 2022.

The Continental Championships (which are equivalent to an International Challenge in World Ranking points) are of significance for the kiwi duo, who are eagerly anticipating qualification for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This requires a placing within the World’s Top 50 by the end of qualification period (mid-May) and the pair currently sit at 60 in the World Rankings.

Listen to what the pair had to say about their previous Oceania Championships, European tournaments and preparations for this year’s tournament:

Let’s start by reflecting on your recent European venture. What was it like to compete internationally and how has the standard developed since COVID-19 began?

Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak presented with silver at the Sydney International 2019

Anona: “The level of badminton at the international level is always very high and intense. There are many good players around, it is good learning experience for us and also a way to see where we compare against them. The level definitely improves every single time.”

Oliver: “The level seems to be always getting higher, particularly if we’re looking back over the last decade or so. It’s also a lot more competitive at the top level now, many more countries have the potential to win titles or medals.”

What are some key takeaways on your recent performance at the German Open and All England Open?

Anona: “Our results this time was not our best, we will move forward together and analyse our previous matches. We have had a few changes in our rotation work in the past few weeks leading up to our trip. We are kind of in a transitional phase of trying to discover what works for us and what improvements are needed We will now put our focus in this and polish it up so we can do well for our next tournament.”

Oliver: “German Open certainly was not our best showing, we got closer to our top level at All England. We are able to have good periods during the match, but being consistent throughout it is maybe where we are falling short.

Tell us more about your journey as a pair and aims for this year’s Championships…

Oliver: “We’ve been playing together a little over 2 years, but through the pandemic and everything I wouldn’t say it’s a long time. We’re there to win, and to do that means you need to beat everyone so our focus will be on whoever our next match is. There will be plenty of good pairs in the draw.”

Anona: “We are aiming to win this year, there are many good pairings in the tournament so we will prepare our best against anyone.”

What is your weekly training schedule like?

Oliver: “We are on court for six sessions a week plus physical, which is usually three gym sessions plus cardio. So it works out to around 16-18 hours per week.”

Anona:“We train in the mornings during the weekdays from 6-8am. Throughout the week, we try to fit in at least two gym sessions, and at least one cardio session. I would say there is around 20 hours of training per week.”

How do you usually prepare before a match?

Oliver: “Usually starts with making sure I’ve eaten 2-3 hours before the match, then we’ll arrive at the hall an hour before we’re scheduled to play. From there we’ll go through our usual warm-up routine.”

Anona:“We would have a discussion together and have a few ideas on what we will be focusing on in the match. The usual warm-up is when we get to the venue and execute some fast feet exercises to keep our legs active. Like Olly mentioned too, we consume some food 2-3 hours beforehand and try arrive at the venue early, by at least 1.5 hours before the scheduled match”

What is the biggest challenge for New Zealand players to compete internationally?

Oliver: “We’re really lucky in New Zealand with the facilities we’ve got for Badminton, most of the halls are very good (although most get pretty cold!). The difficult thing is being able to compete internationally on a regular basis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made that even more tricky recently.”

What is your best advice for younger players aiming to make a career in badminton?

Anona: “Believe in yourself and enjoy the progress.”

Oliver: “Only thing I’d say is make sure that you love what you’re doing.”

Find out more about VICTOR Oceania Championships 2022 on our website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Written by Alex Deng

Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak aim for top podium finish as Commonwealth Games qualification looms

Pictured: Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak, New Zealand. Photo Credit: Badminton Photo

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