Top-flighters lob in for titles

THREE of the country’s best junior badminton players will unleash their talents at the under-19 individual championships starting in Hobart tomorrow.

Victorian Peter Yan, Zecily Fung (NSW) and West Australian Kai Chen Teoh have just returned from competing in the world’s premier international badminton tournament, the Thomas & Uber Cup in Bangkok.

The trio will be in action at the South Hobart Badminton Centre vying for individual glory after the teams competition wraps up today.

“Those guys are not only the best at junior level in Australia but also some of the best senior players as well,” Australian under-19 coach Stuart Rowlands said.

“We regularly have pairs that represent Australia at the Olympic Games, but it is tough for them to get through to the later rounds.”

Six locals have been representing the state in the teams tournament, which started last weekend, including two youngsters who recently featured at the under-17 national carnival.

Southern Tasmanian badminton development officer Donna Meaghan said interest in the sport continued to grow in the state. “We have 1000 people actually come to our centre each week to play badminton in some shape or form,” Meaghan said.

“We have new programs for badminton kids and families where they can come on a Saturday, a new junior super smash roster, and we also have casual opportunities for people to come along with their friends and have a hit.”