Berkshire’s brightest badminton prodigies have been not too long ago topped the inaugural champions the 2024 U13 Babolat Cup.
Rooney Leung and Abby Zyi En Gan took gold of their respective female and male U13 occasions on the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, successful all of their group and knockout matches in emphatic model.
Leung, who began enjoying badminton when he was 5 years outdated, beat Nitai Wijetunge 21-17 21-11 within the last and was thrilled to take the crown after a protracted day of matches and enjoyable.
And as one of many extra diminutive athletes in his age class, Leung hoped his victory can assist showcase that you just don’t should be the tallest to win.
Rooney Leung
“I’m fairly small in my age group so I actually look as much as any nationwide or worldwide gamers who’re fairly small to see their ways and actions,” he stated.
“Successful this occasion regardless that I’m rather a lot smaller than different folks provides me a whole lot of confidence transferring ahead as a result of I’ve proved which you can nonetheless play good it doesn’t matter what.
“I believe I did rather well in how I managed my phsyical and health in the course of the match.
“We performed seven matches earlier than you bought to the finals. You might see that some folks have been placing a number of power into these early matches after they didn’t have to while I saved it.”
Yesterday we have been capable of debut the U13 @babolat Cup! 🏆
We’re very grateful to Babolat for sponsoring the competitors as we proceed to encourage the following technology of Badminton gamers as we see them thrive in additional aggressive alternatives 🤩#ASportForEveryone pic.twitter.com/cc4oWvrzZg
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) November 11, 2024
Gan noticed a troublesome begin to her last however finally overcame Alice Demina 22-20 21-10 to take the title.
“Within the sport, I used to be lagging at first so I advised myself I didn’t want to surrender and I simply performed my sport,” she stated.
“The factor I preferred concerning the sport was the pace, it was actually quick and I actually loved the video games. It was actually enjoyable.”
Gan was considered one of 29 kids invited to the U13 Babolat Cup finals in Sandwell, having already received their respective county competitions.
Having had a profitable run as much as the finals, Gan revealed that she was quietly assured heading into the day.
“I had fairly excessive hopes,” she stated. “I simply advised myself don’t be overconfident.”I’ve been progressing quite a bit. In the beginning of the 12 months I wasn’t very steady however I believe I’ve met my targets. My current purpose was to be steady and I believe I’ve executed that.”
Other than the busy day of competitors, the younger athletes recieved a shock go to from Badminton England worldwide star Chloe Birch.
Birch spent the lunch hour giving the following technology some prime suggestions and collaborating in a Q&A session. Gan was even capable of play towards Birch in a second she remembered fondly as her first match with a global medallist.
“It was fairly good chatting with her,” stated Gan. “I had a pleasant alternative to talk to her and play towards her. It was my solely likelihood to try this towards a nationwide participant.”
With the U13 Babolat Cup titles underneath their belt, each Leung and Gan have ambitions to enhance their badminton sport.
Whether or not it’s changing into a nationwide champion or engaged on particular abilities, the duo have confirmed that Berkshire has a vivid future on the badminton courtroom.
“I need to be the primary in my age group and grow to be a nationwide champion,” stated Leung. “I like these tournaments as a result of they offer me the prospect to show to those who I might be the very best in my age group.”
Gan added: “In 2025, my purpose is to win extra tournaments and get my rating up but in addition on the similar time take pleasure in my development and the pace of the shuttle.
