Kiwis at World Champs

We had a slow start to our world champs experience due to not having the appropriate visas to be allowed into India. We were denied entry and made to stay in Singapore till we could get to the Indian embassey to get our visas. 


We left New Zealand on Monday and finally arrived in Hyderabad India for the world champs on Wednesday, what should have been a 15 hour trip turned into a 48+ hour trip.  Even before the world champs had started terrorist threats began forcing the whole England team and many others to leave. This left the draws open with some individuals reaching the third round without having to play a single match.  Michelle had a walk over in the first round against the Danish player Nana who was injured, and then went on to play Zhou Mi in the first round. Michelle played extremely well, at times controlling Zhou for the start of the games, eventually losing 21-15, 21-12.  Henry and myself played the No1 mixed pair from Germany which proved too tough for us. The Germans showed there class and experience beating us 21-16, 21-9.  I also played doubles with my partner from New Zealand against the 2nd Hong Kong pair, we played extremely well, and had a very tough long much but going down in straight games 21-17, 22-20. 


I think we all had a great experience competing at World Champs, being able to watch top players in action and of course have the opportunity to be able to compete against them was the highlight.  It has shown us what it takes to be world class and how its possible to get there! 
 

Michelle is back to Denmark in a week or two ready to play the club matches with her first tournament being the Bulgarian International. Henry and myself are playing in the Whyte trophy tournament between Australia and New Zeland, which is a prestige event that has been going for 50 years with New Zealand winning it the last 5 years.  After this we are heading to Denmark to play club matches and our first tournament which is the Czech International in September. 
 


Thank you for giving us the wonderful opportunity to play for Ikast and we look forward to meeting you all soon.
 


Kind regards