Young Zak mixing it with seniors

BADMINTON

YEAR 10 Newton Abbot College student, Zak-Ray Linley-Moss, has made his badminton singles and doubles debut for the Devon County seniors team.

Zak, the youngest member and top ranked player in the team, met opposition in the singles and doubles competition from the Somerset and Cornwall county teams.

In the singles matches, Zak faced the number one player in Somerset, beating him 21-6 21-6. His second match against number one player, Harry Dyer, from Cornwall, saw Zak pushed to play his best badminton. Despite a close, three-end game, Zak secured the win 21-10, 22-24, 21-19.

It was a similar story in the doubles matches; Zak, partnered with Martyn Schmidt, comprehensively beat both Somerset and Cornwall teams, helping Devon to a comprehensive 10-1 10-1 overall win over both Somerset and Cornwall and a top ranking.

Zak said of the games: “It was a real pleasure to be picked for the Senior Team. There was such a great atmosphere for the games and I gained great experience playing with older players with different playing styles.

“I would love to continue winning with the county team and also continue to focus on my individual game.

“This tournament has helped me prepare for the upcoming U15 Carlton Youth International Competition in Holland in December.”

Teacher of physical education, Ian Patchett, said of Zak’s win: “We are so incredibly proud of Zak and his continued success on the badminton court.

“His dedication and passion towards his sport is genuinely inspiring and we can’t wait to see just how far this talented player will go.”

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