4th AZBC ARIZONA BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Kiyoko Hashimoto with Mixed Doubles partner Art Solo behind (photo by Clement Singarajah)

April 18 & 25, AZBC, Mesa...

The 4th Annual AZBC ARIZONA BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS added the first-ever Arizona Junior Badminton Championship events for U11, U13 and U15 age groups, along with crowning several new adult Arizona badminton champions, including one double winner, Kiyoko Hashimoto in OWS and OWD with Kai-Ning Khor. Kiyoko was also last year's OWS champion and the 2012 OWD champion with her mom, Theo. Art Solo won the OMS, and he and Kiyoko lost a tough 3-game match in the finals to the OMX champions Naren and Vaishnavi Koka. The OMD was won by Bui Hoang and Anton Kentjana.

It was especially gratifying to see the young kids, including several 9-year olds playing in their first tournament. With the recent boon of AZBC KIDS CLASS participation we knew it was time to hold the first junior tournament. There were lots of happy faces to go with some occasional tears. It was a great experience for the kids and parents.

In addition, the HANK ANDERSSOHN MEMORIAL EAGLE AWARD was given this year to Mike Hilliard for his years of dedication to the sport of badminton in Arizona along with his numerous senior national titles and outstanding sportsmanship. Mike is a constant volunteer at the AZBC and an inspiration to everyone!

Here is the list of winners for all the events:

OWS: Kiyoko Hashimoto; OWD: Kiyoko Hashimoto/Kai-Ning Khor; OMS: Art Solo; OMD: Bui Hoang/Anton Kentjana; OMX: Naren & Vaishnavi Koka

BWS: Qindeel Kanwar; BWD: Rachel Goettl/Colleen Ridge; BMS: Francis Hartojo; BMD: Mike Hilliard/Senthil Kumar; BMX: Tejas Ashani/Colleen Ridge

SMS: Francis Hartojo; SMD: Anton Kentjana/Guy Chadwick; SMX: Naren Koka/Anne Marie Wunderlin

U11GS: Jordyn Mee; U11GD: Jordyn Mee/Flora Tao; U11BS: Gabriel Allen; U11MX: Gabriel Allen/Jordyn Mee

U13GS: Jordyn Mee; U13GD: Jordyn Mee;Mahima Mishra; U13BS: Gabriel Allen; U13MX: Gabriel Allen/Shriya Sithemsetti

U15GS: Aira San Agustin; U15GD: Mahima Mishra/Shriya Sithemsetti