The last of the junior badminton competitions for the season took place at the Roundhouse a few weeks ago, featuring a fantastic entry of young players. The Primaries (U11s) Badminton Tournament sponsored by Capital International included a mix of players from our junior Island squads, while others were newer to the sport, having enjoyed badminton sessions as part of the Manx Youth Games. It was fantastic to see so many new faces on court, showcasing their enthusiasm and growing skills.
The Boys singles started off the day and was played in four groups, with the winners progressing to the knockout rounds. Group A saw Anish Agarwal dominate, winning all his matches without dropping a game. However, George Yan put up a strong fight, finishing just behind him with three wins, including a close 15-9 battle against Anish. In Group B, Elliott Dowd-Williams showed his strength, winning all his matches convincingly. Meanwhile, Lucas Kershaw and George Douthwaite had a tight contest for second place, with George edging ahead thanks to a crucial 15-3 win in their matchup. Group C was topped by Jack Cregeen, who remained unbeaten. However, the battle for second place was intense, with Hugo Wasley securing three wins, just missing out on progression. Group D was the most competitive of all, with Aaron Silva emerging as the only player to win all five of his matches. Sebastian Dosser also put in a strong performance, winning four and pushing Aaron all the way in a tight 15-13 match. Harry Connolly had a solid showing as well, finishing just behind with three wins.
In the semi-finals, Anish managed to edge past Aaron in a tightly contested game, winning 15-12 to book his place in the final, whilst Aaron was awarded the first bronze medal. On the other side of the draw, Jack and Elliott went head-to-head in another close battle. Jack kept his composure under pressure, securing a 15-14 victory in a nail-biting finish with Elliott then taking the second bronze. The final saw Anish and Jack face off for the championship. Both players had been dominant throughout the tournament, but it was Jack who rose to the occasion, playing a solid match to claim the boys singles title and gold medal with a 15-12 win. A notable performance however from silver medallist Anish who still has another year in this age group.
The Girls’ Singles was played in three groups, with plenty of exciting matches and competitive rallies throughout. In Group A, Sky Yin dominated, winning all four of her matches. Xara Quinn also impressed, finishing second with three wins and securing the first bronze medal. Group B saw Erin Corlett take the top spot, winning all her matches. Connie Creer pushed her close, finishing second with three wins, including a narrow 15-12 victory over Freya Willoughby, who placed third. In Group C, Aamiya Cijesh came out on top, winning all of her matches. The battle for second place was tight, with Anna Yin just edging past Charlotte Quayle, finishing ahead by a single point.
In the semi-finals, Group A winner Sky Yin received a bye and automatically progressed to the final. In the other match, Aamiya Cijesh faced Erin Corlett in a highly competitive game. Aamiya played with confidence and secured a 15-13 victory, earning her place in the final with Erin taking the second bronze medal.
The final saw Sky Yin take on Aamiya Cijesh for the title. Sky continued her dominant form, controlling the rallies and securing a 15-9 win to become the Girls’ Singles Champion and gold medal winner. Aamiya received a very well deserved Silver medal for her efforts.
The Boys’ Doubles event was played in a single group, with each pair battling for the top spots. The matches were competitive, with some great teamwork on display. Finishing in bronze medal positions were Aaron Silva & Hugo Wasley, who secured third place with three wins, and Morgan Smith & Marshall Quayle, who put in a solid performance to take fourth place. The silver medals went to Harry Connolly & Sebastian Dosser, who won four of their matches, narrowly missing out on the top spot. But it was Elliott Dowd-Williams & Jack Cregeen who proved unstoppable, winning all five of their matches to claim the gold medals and the Boys’ Doubles title.
The Girls’ Doubles competition was played in two groups, with the top pair from each group progressing to the final and the second-place pairs each taking bronze. In Group A, Sky Yin & Aamiya Cijesh were dominant, winning all three of their matches, securing a place in the final. Anna Yin & Holly Minay were second in the group, earning them the bronze medals. In Group B, Xara Quinn & Erin Corlett took the top spot with three wins, also progressing to the final. Charlotte Quayle & Connie Creer finished second, earning them the second bronze medals. The final saw a hard-fought battle between Xara Quinn & Erin Corlett and Sky Yin & Aamiya Cijesh. Xara & Erin put up a strong performance but were narrowly defeated, earning the silver medals with a close 13-15 score, leaving Sky Yin & Aamiya Cijesh claiming the gold medals and the Girls’ Doubles title.
Thanks once again to our sponsors Capital International who kindly presented the medals and trophies along with IOMBA chairman Roberta Cannell.
