Haynes and Ramdhani dominate GUMDAC Easter tournament
The reigning champions Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani successfully defended their mixed doubles titles and also claimed victory in the men’s doubles and women’s doubles alongside respective partners Tyrese Jeffrey and Mishka Beharry, when the GUMDAC Easter Badminton tournament wrapped up on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Their consistent success across multiple categories demonstrates their skill and versatility in badminton. The men’s doubles final between the older duo of Marlon Chung and Wenyuan Chen and the younger, more seasoned Haynes and Jeffrey was a thrilling match, going to a three-setter. Matches like these often showcase the intense competition and skill level in badminton, providing excitement for fans and spectators alike. It’s always fascinating to see the dynamics between experience and youth play out on the court.
Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani clinched gold in all three categories, while Tyrese Jeffrey (left) and Mishka Beharry (right) did the same in the men’s and women’s doubles.
In the mixed doubles finals, the pair of Haynes and Ramdhani downed Jeffrey and Ambika Ramraj in a comfortable two-set win, 21-14, 21-10.
Over in the women’s doubles finale, Ramdhani teamed up with promising young star Beharry to overcome Ayanna Watson and Shivannie Persaud, 21-16, 21-13.
The aforementioned three-set men’s doubles final saw Haynes and Jeffrey scoring 21-19, 18-21, 21-14 to defeat Chung and Chen.
The overall winners are as follows:
MIXED DOUBLES
3rd – Wen Yuan Chen/Shivannie Persaud
Avinash Odit/Mishka Beharry
2nd – Tyrese Jeffrey/Ambika Ramraj
1st – Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani
WOMEN’S DOUBLES
3rd – Naveah Eastman/Malia Haley
Alimah Eastman/Asiyah Eastman
2nd – Ayanna Watson/Shivannie Persaud
1st – Priyanna Ramdhani/Mishka Beharry
MEN’S DOUBLES
3rd – Nkosi Beaton/Frank Waddell
Avinash Odit/Javid Rahaman
2nd – Marlon Chung/Wenyuan Chen
1st – Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey
The prize winners following the GUMDAC Easter tournament
Meanwhile, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has expressed gratitude towards Darrell Carpenay for his continued sponsorship of the tournament. Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of sporting events, and Carpenay’s support is undoubtedly invaluable. Additionally, the GBA said it would like to acknowledge the players, parents, spectators, and fans whose involvement and support was vital in making the event a success.
Moreover, it would like to acknowledge the Director of Sports and the staff of the National Sports Commission for availing the usage of the facility, the National Gymnasium. Having access to appropriate facilities is essential for hosting successful tournaments and facilitating the growth of badminton in Guyana. Their support ensures that players have a suitable venue to showcase their skills and compete at their best. The collaboration between the Guyana Badminton Association and the National Sports Commission underscores the importance of partnerships in promoting sports development and fostering a vibrant sporting culture within the country.
