GBA National Juniors tourney moves into semifinal stage

The National Gymnasium was once again buzzing with activity on Wednesday evening as the Guyana Badminton Association’s (GBA’s) National Junior Singles tournament moved into its second night of action.
After more preliminary matches, the tournament was able to progress to the knockout stages, where more thrilling action was witnessed.
In the Boys’ Under-19 category, Frank Wadell got the better of Joanathan Debidin 21-6, 21-6 in the semifinals. Xavio Alexander also booked his spot in the Boys’ U19 final by defeating Jonathan Robinson 21-8, 21-9.
In the girls’ division of that age group, Mishka Beharry eased past Nevaeh Eastman 21-18, 21-5, while Leshaunte Berkley got the better of Malia Haley in an entertaining three-set game 21-17, 17-21, 21-16.
Mishka Beharry was on a roll, securing a place in the Girls’ Under-17 finals, this time by defeating Menikshi Jaikissoon 21-5, 21-7. Malia Haley later became the other Girls’ U17 finalist, after topping Nevaeh Eastman in another three-set game 13-21, 22-20, 21-14.
In the boys’ category, Xavio Alexander cruised into the U17 final by defeating Avinash Ramnarine 21-8, 21-9.

For the Under-15s, Gabrielle Felix booked a place in the final after getting the better of Anya Manickchand 21-7, 21-4. Felix will meet Harshini Muralidharan in that final, after the latter overcame Anjaneysa Godette 21-14, 21-15 in the semifinal.
For the boys’ division, Ruel Rambiriche is a finalist, having defeated Mohamed Farouk 21-7, 21-10, while Egan Bulkan will also play in the gold ribband game following a win against Phillip Stephanas 21-19, 23-21.

Other results: (winners in bold)
BS U19: Nikolas Pollard vs. Vishal Gopaul 16-21, 21-16, 21-17
BS U17 QF: Avinash Ramnarine vs. Christopher Jordan 21-17, 21-17
BS U17 QF: Xavio Alexander vs. Mohamed Farouk 21-5, 21-5
BS U19: Jonathan Debidin vs. Darian Thomas Walkover
BS U19 QF: Jonathan Debidin vs. Nikolas Pollard 21-11, 21-6

BS U17 QF: Ruel Rambiriche vs. Gabriel Felix 21-16, 21-17
GS U19 QF: Mishka Beharry vs. Gabriella Henry 21-4, 21-9
BS U19 QF: Frank Wadell vs. Percival Chester 21-4, 21-0
GS U17 QF: Nevaeh Eastman vs. Gabrielle Felix 21-13, 17-21, 21-15
GS U11: Anjaneysa Godette vs. Emma Ramsaran 21-1, Retired
GS U11: Riyo Alexander vs. Arianna Bassier 21-7, 21-4
BS U17 QF: Nikolas Pollard vs. Joel Prince 21-14, 21-8
BS U19 QF: Xavio Alexander vs. Christopher Jordan 21-5, 21-15
BS U19 QF: Jonathan Robinson vs. Gabriel Felix 21-17, 19-21, 21-17
BS U11: Liam Brumell vs. Christopher Harrison 21-1, 21-4
BS U13 SF: Joel Rambiriche vs. Ethan Ramsaran21-8, 21-7
The GBA National Junior Singles tournament is scheduled to continue on Saturday night with the coveted finals in each of the 5 categories.