Bendigo’s become the epicentre of Para Badminton in Oceania this month, with back to back international tournaments. Today marked the first day of the YONEX Australian Bendigo International 2025, and it lived up to expectations. WIth close matches and dominant displays, today had it all.
In the XD SL-3 SU5 category, Australia’s Michael Simpkins and Papua New Guinea’s Regina Edwards stepped onto the court with a combination of quiet confidence and excited energy. In their first outing as a pair, they dismantled New Zealand’s Andrew Fairweather and Maia Read in straight games, 21-7, 21-10. The match highlighted each other their strengths and complementing play styles, with Edward’s sharp net play and Simpkins powerful backcourt drives.
England’s Robert Donald delivered on of the day’s most commanding performances. First, he stunned the top seed, Ruthick Ragupathi (IND), with a clinical 21-14, 21-9 victory, showcasing his relentless court coverage and tactical precision. But Donald’s day wasn’t done yet. In a gruelling 53-minute battle against Wale’ David Jack WIlson, he dug deep to edge out a three-game thriller: 21-18, 20-22, 21-9.
India’s Pramod Bhagat, a seasoned competitor in the MS SL 3 category, faced fellow countryman and second seed Umesh Vikram Kumar. Bhagat’s experience shone through as he controlled the tempo and executed with finesse, sealing the match 21-13, 21-17.
Meanwhile, Manasi Joshi made light work of her opening match in the WS SL3 category, taking a compelling win over Papua New Guinea’s Martha Ah Wong.
In the MD SL3-SL4 category, Kumar returned to the court, this time alongside Surya Kant Yadav (IND). Their opponents, Yu-An Su and Yeh En-Chuan of Chinese Taipei, pushed them to the limit in a nail-biting contest. But the Indian pair held their nerve, breaking away in the crucial moments to seal a 21-18, 21-17 win.
The WH1-WH2 mixed doubles saw Lochan Cowper and Mischa Ginns execute against Qambar Ali Akhteyari/Bree Wright. The All-Australian match included some strong challenges and long rallies, but the dynamic pairing of Cowper/Ginns proved too strong, winning 21-12, 21-11.
