Last Wednesday our very own Yanika Polidano and Luigi Grech, accompanied with Birkirkara Badminton Club Official Nadia Polidano, Head Coach Martin Farrugia and Assistant Coach Fiorella Marie Sadowski, flew to Milan to participate in the Milan Junior Open 2017. All games were played in the Palabadminton, which is the national hall of FIBa (Federazione Italiana Badminton). This was to be Luigi’s first participation in the International scene.
Matches commenced on Friday with our players pairing up together for the first time in the Mixed Doubles category. The game ended 19-21, 21-23, and as the result shows, this was a very close game, despite it was their first time together as mixed partners. Next saw the Girls Doubles, where Yanika was paired up with Julie Franconville from Switzerland. Yanika and Julie settled down quickly together, and in fact went to win all their preliminary matches and thus ensuring a place in the Finals. Unfortunately Yanika and Julie lost the final against a very strong seeded Austrian pair, hence ensuring 2nd place.
In the Boys Doubles category, Luigi was paired up with an Italian player. Both players played well together, and in fact, most of the matches were very close encounters which could have gone either way.
After a long day full of games, it was time for the singles category. Yanika faced a seeded Swiss Junior National Team player. Despite not being fully fit, the game produced some long rallies. Yanika fought for each and every shuttle, but understandably, was unable to perform at her best ability due to her injury.
Luigi also faced strong opposition, one of which was the eventual finalist in his age category. Luigi produced some very good rallies as well, thanks also to his physical capabilities. Further similar experiences abroad will surely help him build more confidence and consistency throughout his game.
On the whole, both B’Kara BC players achieved good results throughout this tournament. Yanika managed to hold her own although entering the competition with an injury, and the amount of games on the same day did not help! On the other hand, Luigi continues to gain valuable experience, and his self-confidence is maturing with each and every match. Both players show signs of very good play, and only more consistency will help them achieve even better results.
The Club Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Nadia Polidano, Martin Farrugia and Fiorella Marie Sadowski, who organised and accompanied the players throughout the competition.
B’Kara BC is proud of the results achieved by our players and we are sure that the younger generation is encouraged by these positive results, and follow their teammate’s footsteps.