The Trans-Tasman Challenge 2022 got underway this morning, becoming the first taste of international action since 2019 for more than half of the under-19 players from Australia and New Zealand.
Competing at BadmintonWorx Yennora, the first test match started at 9.30 local time (AEST) and opened with a tense men’s doubles match.
Men’s Doubles
Australia’s Jack Yu is one of the anomalies, benefitting from recent international experience at one of badminton’s biggest stages of the year – the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. His impressive performance in Birmingham was reflected today alongside Ricky Tang. The pair bounced back from a first game loss to power through the second, before New Zealand bought the challenge back in a third and deciding game which came down to the wire. Ultimately, it was the Australian’s who put the very first point on the board.
- Ricky Tang/Jack Yu (AUS) vs Chris Benzie/Jaden Mingoa (NZL) 20-22 21-7 21-19
Women’s Singles
Sydney Go narrowly missed out on a semifinal appearance at this year’s VICTOR Oceania Championships, an impressive feat for the 17-year-old. This afternoon, she displayed patience and precision as she outwitted her opponent to extend Australia’s lead on home soil.
- Sydney Go (AUS) vs Victoria Guo (NZL) 21-12 21-18
Men’s Singles
Kayson Goh was incredibly eager to step onto court following the disappointment he faced when having to withdraw from the Continental Championships earlier this year, due to COVID-19. His determination to succeed was evident as he was fast out of the starting blocks, powering his way past Isaac Chan to secure Australia’s victory of the first test match.
- Kayson Goh (AUS) vs Isaac Chan (NZL) 21-12 21-11
“This is my first international tournament since the Singapore Youth International 2019 so it feels fun and exciting to be back on court. I really like being part of a team, especially when you play singles, as you have your teammates backing you up from the side of the court.”
“My speed and attack worked really well, alongside my shot variation. I just need to get a better length on my shots and adjust to the drift in this hall, which I’ll only get more experience of throughout the next two test matches”, says Kayson
Women’s Doubles
New Zealand’s Camellia and Berry didn’t let the score line deter their spirits, putting on an inspiring display to earn their country’s first point. Camellia played with incredible precision, celebrating a handful of net calls to assist their campaign, alongside Berry who found the gaps to win in two consistent games.
- Berry Ng/Camellia Zhou (NZL) vs Dania Nugroho/Catrina Tan (AUS) 21-15 21-15
Mixed Doubles
Finally, the youngest New Zealanders teamed up for the final match of the first test. Raphael and Nanna have shown talent beyond their years (both aged 15) recently, having won the Waikato Under-19 Open 2022 last weekend. The first two games consisted of several heated exchanges, with both pairs trying to dominate the net. However, the Australians showed the most grit in the third and deciding game to secure an overall 4-1 victory.
- Otto Zhao/Yuelin Zhang (AUS) vs Raphael Deloy/Nanna Siegemund (NZL) 21-19 17-21 21-15
Test Match 2
The second test match will take place from 3.30pm (local time, AEST). All matches are available to watch for free and live on Badminton Oceania’s YouTube Channel – click here to view.
All results are also available to view on Tournament Software.
