JBA Shuttle Showdown provides excitement

THE JAMAICA Badminton Academy’s first-ever Shuttle Showdown tournament wrapped up with a thrilling display of skill, passion, and sportsmanship over two weekends in September.

With participants ranging from beginners to experienced national players, the event left an indelible mark on the Jamaican badminton scene.

Held at the YMCA, the tournament featured more than 200 participants from as young as seven to over 60 years old competing across various age groups and skill levels.

Athletes had the chance to compete for an exciting prize pool of more than $500,000 in cash and giveaways, including the premier prize of a 42-inch smart TV.

The action served off on the weekend of September 14 with competitions in the Beginner, B, and D divisions. The second weekend, beginning September 21, saw the junior categories and A/Open, and C divisions take centre stage.

In the men’s singles A division both finalists were coming from a two-month training stint in China with Craig Allison triumphing in a gripping final against top-seeded Joel Angus, winning 21-18, 21-17.

The women’s singles A crown was claimed by Katherine Wynter, who showcased her dominance by defeating Alexandra Beckford 21-9, 21-12.

The men’s doubles A final also brought high-energy competition, with the team of Anthony Mcnee and Kemar Valentine outlasting Kenneth Anglin and Joel Angus, 21-12, 21-18.

VICTORY

In the women’s doubles A event, the duo of Stefani Brown and Wynter claimed victory against Beckford and Breanna Bisnott, with a hard-fought 21-14, 23-21 win.

The beginner category was a hit, giving casual players a platform to compete in a fun and inclusive environment.

The winner of the beginner men’s singles event was Selcon Zhang. Jhevado Ross won the men’s singles D division after a nail-biting 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 victory against Shan-Jay Daley.

In the junior categories, the future of Jamaican badminton shone brightly. In the boys under-9 singles, Zamani Allen outplayed Bryson Edwards, taking home the title with a decisive 21-9, 21-5 win. Meanwhile, Jillian Yap, who at only seven years old, dominated the girls under-9 singles, defeating Wynter Zhang 21-15, 21-11.

The tournament was sponsored by Premier Optical, Lifespan Spring Water, Zalco Distributors, Jamaica Sotheby, Racquet Sports, Devon Biscuits, Master Auto Parts, Dr Man-Gue Chin, Chas. E Ramson, Haven Beauty House, N D Communications, Master Auto Parts and Shop Tech Goods.

The Jamaica Badminton Academy has plans to expand the tournament offerings as well as make it an annual event.