Jamaicans put in strong showing

Hosts Jamaica remain poised to have strong representation in today's semi-final round of the third annual Jamaica International Badminton Tournament, currently underway, at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The Jamaicans put in a strong showing in front of a small, but vocal home crowd, yesterday. Semi-final action will continue today in all categories.

In yesterday's afternoon session, the women's doubles team of Alana Bailey and Geordine Henry dispatched Christine Leyow and Esther Reynolds 21-12 and 21-17 in one all-Jamaica quarter-final match-up.

In a similar contest, top ranked national women's player, Katherine Wynter and Mikaylia Haldane stormed to a 21-8 and 21-10 win.over Stefani Brown and Tahlia Richardson.

Taina Daley and Shezelle McTyson stopped local rivals Shawnett Davis and Christina Petri 21-15 and 21-10.

In men's action, Jamaica's Kenneth Anglin and Matthew Lee took on Slovakia's Milan Dratva and Matej Hlinican, who are seeded number one, in a closely fought first set 21-19.

TRIUMPH

The Jamaicans lost momentum, surrendering 21-4 in the second set.

The experienced men's doubles pair of Gareth Henry and Garron Palmer overcame a 21-16 first set loss to Craig Allison and Dwayne Watson, to triumph 21-13 and 21-17.

In the morning session, Toby Ng and Rachel Honderich of Canada beat Garron Palmer and Christine Leyow 21-9 and 21-11 in mixed doubles action.

Siblings Gareth and Geordine Henry eased past Anthony Mcnee and Mikaylia Haldane 21-16 and 21-14, while Craig Allison and Alana Bailey beat compatriots Che Beckford and Tahlia Richardson 21-10, 21-16.

All Jamaica men's champion, Dennis Coke teamed up with Katherine Wynter to get the better of Kemar Valentine and Tania Dailey 21-13 and 21-13 in their contest.

Top ranked player Gareth Henry was slated to play the Czech Republic's Jan Frohlich, who is seeded at number two late yesterday.

National Coach Neil Lewis told The Gleaner yesterday that he was proud of his charges' performances, noting they showed good tactics and technique, but suffered some unforced errors.

"The overseas opponents are ranked up to top 70 in the world, and some of our guys are not ranked yet," Lewis stressed, while tipping six national players to make it to the respective finals.