Round Up: 2024 Lanarkshire U15/19 Junior Open

This weekend the 2024 Lanarkshire U15/19 Junior Open took place at the Badminton Scotland Sir Craig Reedie Centre in Glasgow – unfortunately we were unable to secure a venue in Lanarkshire. In total there were 68 entries (slightly down from last year) across 10 events and 5 disciplines including singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Given the high temperatures and warm weather outdoors, the heat was radiating inside the centre making it challenging playing conditions.

In the U15 events, there were some stand out performances. Elona Kennedy won gold in the Girls Singles & Doubles with partner Emily Jobson. Jobson also won the Mixed Doubles event with Melrick Dsouza, and Dsouza won the Boy’s Doubles event with Dylan Jia. Reyansh Arora was the winner of the Boy’s Singles when unfortunately Callum Tsang had to withdraw. Callum and Nathan Lou were runners up in the Boy’s Doubles. Luo also secured Silver in the Mixed Doubles with Akshara Chavan.

The U19 events, were equally as competitive. Matthew Waring and Katrina Chan both won the Boys & Girls singles events respectively and then played each other in the Mixed Doubles event. Waring and Brooke Stalker were pushed all the way by Alfie Martin and Chan but managed to narrowly win to take Gold. Martin added another Silver to his collection by reaching the final of the Boy’s Doubles with Lingyun Xiao, where Lewis Smith & Lewis Coghill won Gold. In the Girl’s Doubles, Lanna Campbell & Eva Tremble teamed up and overcame opponents Jaagruti Manneem & Shreya Vargheese to clinch the title.

Jill Smith, Group Convenor of Lanarkshire Badminton Group commented:

‘‘We were delighted to have hosted the U15/19 Lanarkshire Open. On a very hot weekend the standard of play was exemplary and the effort and sportsmanship displayed of the players was commendable. Thanks to our tournament organiser Frank Turnbull, all our volunteers and the officials who just made the semis and finals professional and quite special – excellent experience , particularly for the younger players.’’

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our team of volunteers who ran the event including Frank, Jill, Sam & Euan on match control and to Pauline, Linda, Marion, Rifat & Willie for running the café and contributing their time. Many thanks to Carol and Elona Kennedy for helping to manage our sales and a special thanks to Kerr’s Bakery in Wishaw, who supplied an array of cakes. Thanks also to the court officials who just made the semis and finals even better. For the full results, click here.