Four countries are represented at the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships this year; Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Players in standing, wheelchair and short stature clasifications are in Mandurah, Perth to challenge for the title of Oceania Para Badminton Champion 2023.
Australia have the largest contingent competing over the three day tournament. Players who are part of the Australia National Para Badminton program and have recently been traveling internationally, started strong on day one. Wheelchair athlete, Mischa Ginns, went through day one undefeated and will be looking to advance through the draw on day two. Having only allowed one opposition to gain double figures against her, she will be hard beat when in such good form. Young Lochan Cowper also had a dream start with a near hiccup, when his match against Qambar Ali Akhteyari had all the makings of a final, traversing three games lasting 57 minutes.
- Lochan Cowper [1] def Qambar Ali Akhteyari [2] 21-19 17-21 22-20
- Mischa Ginns [1] def Nang Nguyen Van [2] 11-21 21-18 23-21
New Zealand’s Corrie Robinson has returned to international badminton recently with an ever competitive attitude. As one of eight New Zealand players at this tournament, and the majority continuing to play at the Western Australia Para Badminton International (2-6 October), this small but committed group will be looking to make waves over the next 10 days. Teaming up with Corrie in the men’s doubles is Wojtek Czyz. Both playing out of Waikato Badminton Association in New Zealand, they have come through the first day of play with little trouble in their respective events.
Fiji’s only representative, Selina Seau and the six players from Papua New Guinea are bringing their flare to the courts, enjoying each match they play and making the most of the opportunities they have.
All matches on court one (Standing) and court 1 (Wheelchair) will be available to watch on live stream, while news and results from the event will be available to view on our website and Facebook page. Join the conversation using #VOPBC23
Photo Credit: BadmintonPhoto
