Badminton: Closing Cup competition-New singles winners as season ends |09 December 2008

“I think it was in 2001 or 2002. I’m not too sure,” said Malcouzane to Sports Nation after holding his nerve in a 2-0 (21-16, 21-19) victory over good friend Cupidon in Saturday’s men’s singles final of the season-ending Closing Cup competition, played at the La Promenade Gymnasium.

“It’s a nice victory. I usually best Georgie in training, but not in competitions. I’m happy I did it today (Saturday) after coming so close in the knockout competition final on November 15,” said the 26-year-old, who lost the final 1-2 (21-11, 19-21, 19-21) after leading all the way.

With Cupidon involved in the men’s singles final, ladies’ number one Juliette Ah-Wan watched from the stands as Catherina Paulin edged Cynthia Course 2-1 (21-19, 14-21, 21-17) in a tight ladies’ singles final.

“It was an interesting final with a lot of long rallies. I had to change my playing tactics to get the win,” said 23-year-old Paulin.

Course booked her ticket to the final with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-13) semifinal victory against Ah-Wan, who said she had an off day.

Course then joined forces with Paulin in the ladies’ doubles final to beat the duo of Ah-Wan and Alisen Camille 2-0.

It was indeed a bad day in terms of results for Ah-Wan as she also lost the mixed doubles final along with partner Malcouzane after succumbing to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Cupidon and Camille.

Victory in the men’s doubles final went to Cupidon and Joel Dubel after their 2-0 defeat of Malcouzane and Kervin Ghislain.

G. G.