The Carabins regained their throne as monarchs of Quebec university badminton by winning the two team banners on Saturday at the Sports Center of the University of Quebec in Montreal.
To add a dramatic touch to their conquest, the Blues snatched the provincial final of the women’s and men’s sections from the Citadins de l’UQAMtournament hosts and defending champions in both categories.
The men’s final lived up to expectations for the guests present. Both teams were tied with two victories on each side after the two duels and doubles and the first two singles.
It’sultimate singles encounter in between Anthony Bao Nguyen and former Carbine Félix Deblois-Beaucage who decided the fate of the grand finale.
After winning the first set 21-16, Nguyen suffered a hard blow by escaping the second, 21-10. The medical student got up brilliantly in winning the final round 21-17. His victory sowed ecstasy and joy in the camp of the rifles who won a third Quebec title in the last four seasons.
I am very proud of our men’s team which played two very close duels in the semi-finals and in the final, mentioned head coach Andrée-Ann Allard. They showed a lot of guts in the face of adversity. Our preparation for the championship over the past month has paid dividends. Everyone knew what to do, we got there ready.
Earlier in the day, the Blues defeated the Université Laval Rouge et Or in the provincial semi-finalsonce again thanks to a victory for Anthony Bao Nguyen in the final singles match, in three sets of 21-9, 19-21 and 21-13 against Mathieu Morneau.
Amir Jabbari won both matches in the semi-finals and finals, and the tandem of Nicolas Nguyen and Alexis Nadeau also kept a perfect record twice during the day.
Among the ladies, rifles won the gold medal with a 3-0 victory over the Citadins in the grand final. Two victories in doubles, those of the duos ofAlyson Ruan et Samantha Hui And the one of Charlie Nguyen et Shermicah Stewartcombined with a singles package from the Citadins, propelled the Blues to the top step of the podium.
In demi–finaleAllard’s proteges have defeated the McGill Martlets 3 to 1with two wins in doubles (Ruan / Hui et Emulia Chhor et Melissa Douangboulom) and the singles triumph of Marina Nguyen.
The Carabins will defend their mixed team crown at the provincial mixed and individual championship from March 10 to 12 in Sherbrooke.
