Akili Haynes and Priyanka Shivnauth wrapped up 2019 in triumphant fashion after clinching individual under – 19 titles in the West Indian Sports Complex, Christmas Open doubles and under-19 singles badminton tournament at the National Gymnasium Sunday evening.
Haynes, who took the boys under-19 title, accounted for his counterpart Tyrese Jeffery 2-0 in a competitive tussle.
The eventual winner took the seesaw first set which was at one point tied 18 apiece, 21-18, to draw first blood.
Haynes came out aggressive in the second set and dominated proceedings, taking an 11-3 lead before closing out the match 21-12.
Haynes and Jeffrey, moments after their under-19 final, returned to the court this time as partners to contest the open men’s doubles final. The under – 19 duo enjoyed success together as they defeated season campaigners Jonathan Mangra and Avinash Odit in a thriller 19-21, 21-7, 21-25.
Shivnauth, on the other hand, came from a set down and defeated Alea Ruplal 15-21, 21-19, 21-19 to clinch the girls under – 19 crown. Jayde Da Silva came in third in that category.
Meanwhile, the open ladies’ doubles title went to Ayanna Watson and Christina Kumar who defeated Emaily Ramdhani and Anna Pereira in the final 21:19, 21:16.
The other title match of the evening witnessed Mangra and Ambika Ramraj downing Odit and Kumar 21-9, 21-13 to take the mixed doubles finals.
