'Three’s a Charm’ in the Finals at the 2013 Yonex Canadian Badminton Championships

For Immediate Release
February 5, 2013

GATINEAU, QC (February 5, 2013) - The veteran core of Canada’s national badminton team dominated the podium at the 2013 Yonex Canadian Badminton Championships including 3-straight national title wins for 2012 Olympians Michelle Li’s (Markham, ON) in Women’s Singles and the team of Toby Ng (Vancouver, BC) and Grace Gao (Calgary, AB) in Mixed Doubles. Derrick NG (Vancouver, BC) and Adrian LIU (Prince Rupert, BC) also captured their third consecutive Men’s Doubles title.

“There’s definitely pressure coming here as the defending champion but I was able to keep focused and play my game against a really talented group of girls,” remarked Michelle Li. “The experience I gained in London has me even hungrier to train harder, and be more aggressive in improving my game with an eye on getting to the next [Olympic] Games in Rio.”

Multiple titles were certainly the theme of the day as 2012 

Olympian Alexandra Bruce (Toronto, ON) won her second Women’s Doubles title, 

but the first with her new partner Phyllis CHAN (Vancouver, BC) and Bobby Milroy (Vancouver, BC) captured the Men’s Singles title, his first since his last win in 2002.

“Being the oldest guy in the draw meant I had to adjust my game to suit my physical skills now - I needed to be a bit more tactical in my game plan,” said Milroy “it’s very nostalgic and extra-special to finish on top after coming back to the game after a long break and given the gap since my last title.” said Milroy

Kyle Hunter, Badminton Canada’s Executive Director, reflected on this year’s national championships, “It was a fantastic week - the City of Gatineau and the Outaouais Regional Badminton Association organized a first-class event.  I want to thank the organizers, all of the volunteers and the enthusiastic fans who came out to support all of the players, coaches and their families.  It was an incredible atmosphere all week but especially during all 5 finals matches with over 600 people in the stands.” 

The roll-up of the 5 final matches:

Full championship results can found at: http://badmintoncanada.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=C77D2BA3-485A-47F5-89A5-D8DE48F70890

Badminton Canada

Badminton Canada’s mission is to be an innovative and highly respected sports organization that is the leader in contributing to badminton becoming the most successful racquet sport in Canada and the world by enabling Canadian Athletes, Coaches and Officials of all ages, cultural background and skill level the opportunity to excel in badminton and in life.   Visit www.badminton.ca to learn more.

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Mike Davis Director, Communications Badminton Canada

2013 Yonex Canadian National Championships

Publication Date : 5/2/2013