Events

Ottawa, ON- The 2017 Yonex U23 / Junior National Championships in Moncton, New Brunswick have once again provided an unforgettable experience to all athletes, fans, and the greater badminton community. With over 275 athletes competing in 20 disciplines, the level of competition at this years Championships was incredible! With outstanding performances throughout the week, Badminton Canada is proud and optimistic for the future of Badminton in Canada.

“It was another great event this year in Moncton” said Executive Director, Joe Morissette. “The quality of play demonstrated by our athletes should give Canadian Badminton fans the confidence that we can compete and win at the highest levels of our sport internationally.”

Many highlights of the week featured Ontario’s, Brian Yang. Yang, who is only 15 years old, won a triple crown at this years Junior National Championships, competing in the U23 Men’s Singles, and U19 Boys Doubles and U19 Mixed Doubles. Yang’s Mixed Doubles partner, Katie-Ho Shue (ON), walked away from the week with an additional Gold medal in the U19 Girls Doubles, with partner Alexandra Mocanu (QC), and a Bronze medal in the U19 Girl’s Singles category.

Other notable performances included Yunzi Chen (AB), claiming the Gold medal in both U17 Boys Singles and U17 Boys Doubles with partner Raphel Motel (AB). Chen, who was also in the championship final of the U17 Mixed doubles, with partner Wendy Zhang (BC), had a tough loss but was proud to walk away with a Silver medal.

On the men’s side, one of the youngest participants in the competition, Ivan Li, displayed his talents in U15 Boys Doubles, U15 Mixed Doubles and U15 Boys Singles, winning 2 Gold medals and one Bronze respectively. Other male athletes to place top 3 in each discipline included; Br Sankeerth (ON), Jonathan Lai (ON), Mathieu Morneau(QC), Kyle To (ON), Victor Lai (ON), and Minh Cheng (ON). Lai, who is only 13, surprised his competition with his style of play, earning him a medal in each of his diciplines, and crowned this years U15 Boys Singles Champion.

On the Women’s side, there were many outstanding performances to take note of. Most impressive of which was Wendy Wen Yu Zhang (BC), who claimed the championship title in U17 Girls Doubles, and two Silver medals in U19 Girl’s Singles, and U17 Mixed Doubles. Zhang’s doubles partner, Crystal Lai (ON) also had week full of great performances, leaving with a medal in each discipline she competed in.

Kylie Cheng (BC) and Alayna Walia (QC) each had great tournaments; both leaving with a Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals. Walia, who competed in the U15 category, displayed her dominance with partner Jeslyn Chow, consequently being named Junior National Champions in U15 Girls Doubles. Cheng, who competed in the U23 category, was deemed national champion in Women’s singles, and runner up to Camillie Leblanc (QC) and Alyson Ruan (QC) in U23 Women’s Doubles.

Additionally, Catherine Choi (ON) who competed in both U17 and U19 categories, unfortunately fell short of winning a national title, but was still able to claim two Bronze medals and a Silver. Choi’s partner in U19 Girl’s Doubles, Talia Ng (ON), also displayed an outstanding performance over Wendy Zhang (BC) in U19 Girl’s Singles, naming her the national champion for her category.

The performances were not the only thing that was talked about this weekend. Fans and supporters were raving about the world class venue, and video streaming provided by Badminton New/Nouveau Brunswick and Bell Aliant TV.

“I just wanted to say what a great event that is going on in Moncton! Top notch facilities and fantastic organization!” said Lori Gillies, parent of a competing athlete. “The last 2 years having Nationals in Moncton has provided the players in Eastern Canada an amazing opportunity to compete against the best in Canada. The amount of talent is incredible!”

It is evident that this world class event would not be possible without our great sponsors, outstanding organizing committee, officials and referees.

“A special thank you to Moncton Badminton Club, Badminton New Brunswick, our sponsor Yonex, the Government of Canada, and all the players for making this year a great event!” said Joe Morissette with enthusiasm.

The event was well received on all fronts, and fantastic for the Moncton community.

“It was our pleasure to again host the 2017 Yonex U23/Junior National Championships in collaboration with Badminton Canada” said Daryl Beers, tournament chair and vide-president of Badminton New Brunswick. “We look forward to working with Badminton Canada on future events.”

With the event being run so well with such great services and facilities, Badminton Canada hopes to pursue more events in Moncton in the near future.

For full results of the 2017 Yonex U23/Junior National Championships: 

https://badmintoncanada.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=0DCC8979-C5BD-4932-AEFB-FC663C33BB5B