Defending women’s and men’s singles champions Shari Watson and André Padmore are on course to retain their titles as the opening night of the Senior National Badminton Championships got underway at the Wildey Gymnasium on Thursday night.
To open her title defence, Watson immediately stamped her authority on the younger Mikeila Carrington, easily winning the first game 21-7. Watson had to work a little harder in the second game as Carrington had a much stronger showing, but in the end Watson’s experience proved too much as she found the open spaces to win 21-15.
Padmore’s first game was against Nicholas Reifer who, earlier in the evening, defeated Curwin Cherubin 21-14, 21-10 to book a date with the champion.
Much was expected of Reifer as he had defeated Padmore early this year and posed a serious threat to Padmore achieving the three-peat. That was not to be as Padmore won 21-15, 21-15.
Reifer was very aggressive at the start, demonstrating his usual power game but Padmore was ready, utilizing good footwork to reach every shot and blocked or dropped the shuttle to counteract Reifer’s game plan.
The action continues throughout the weekend and the doubles action will also get underway. (PR/SAT)
