2013 NEW YEARS BADMINTON FEST

Jan 5, AZBC, Mesa...

The 2013 New Year's Badminton Fest brought out the best of BBQ, food and badminton in a half-day tournament from Noon - 6pm. The weather cooperated perfectly again allowing time to relax between matches out by the grill. Forty gladiators battled in Open Women Doubles, Open Men Doubles, and an encore "Mixed-Up" Doubles event with most of the teams picked out of a hat. One highlight of the tournament was the giant chocolate chip cookie decorated with the AZBC logo courtesy of the Goettl family! Obviously, it didn't last long, so it was good the photo at right was taken.

Darcy Frear and Monica Xiong won the OWD over Vaishnavi Koka and Kai-Ning Khor. Rachel Goettl and Brittany Puruggannan won the OWD consolation. Guy Chadwick and Mike Hilliard defeated Bui Hoang and Chin Khor for the OMD title in 3 games, with Giao Quach and Mark Tsang winning the OMD consolation. Finally, in a remarkable run of matches, Ashish Pingale and Monica Xiong battled through the "Mixed-Up" Doubles draw winning every match by the narrowest of margins, including a first round 30-29, 16-21, 23-21 victory and a 3-game finals win over #1 seed Bui Hoang and Kai-Ning Khor. Mark Tsang and Darcy Frear won the "Mixed-Up" consolation.

Thanks again to HL and Verve for sponsoring the tournament! It was a great way to start off the New Year!