The Next Generation Shines at the YONEX US Open 2023
The YONEX US Open 2023 witnessed an exciting breakthrough in mixed doubles as two young talents from the host nation, Presley Smith (19) and Allison Lee (18), ended the 11-year drought. While their quarterfinal match didn’t start smoothly, the pair showed remarkable resilience and secured a thrilling victory.
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Facing the experienced Australian duo Kenneth Choo and Gronya Somerville, Smith and Lee stumbled in the first game, losing 21-9. However, with a pep talk from their coach, Shlok Ramchandran, they found their rhythm and turned the game around, winning the second game 22-20 and the decider 21-15.
This wasn’t the first time Smith and Lee had triumphed over Choo and Somerville. They had previously defeated them at the Saipan International last month, highlighting their consistent performance.
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Reflecting on their comeback, Smith commented, “We had to completely reset after that error-strewn opener. The second game was tough, but we had a lot of momentum coming into the third. We just pushed through with all that energy.” Lee added, “Our coach kept reminding us to keep our composure and give it everything because we had come all the way to the quarterfinals. That helped a lot.”
Their victory propelled Smith and Lee to the semifinals, making them the first local mixed pair to reach this stage since 2012. Their predecessors, Howard Bach and Eva Lee, had faced defeat against the American-Indonesian duo Tony Gunawan and Vita Marissa. Moreover, Bach and Lee were the last American pair to claim the prestigious title in 2009.
Smith and Lee’s success has ignited their ambition to chase the championship crown. Smith, who will turn 20 on Sunday, expressed, “We are still undefeated, so let’s keep that going. To be the ones ending such a long wait for mixed doubles semifinalists means a lot. It also shows that the USA can still compete with Asian and European countries. American badminton is growing all the time. Hopefully, we can do our bit to grow it a lot more.”
To advance further towards their desired destination, Smith and Lee must now face the third seeds, Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund from Denmark. The Danes secured their spot in the semifinals by defeating another American duo, Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai, in a hard-fought match.
FAQs
Q: Who are the players that ended the 11-year drought in mixed doubles at the YONEX US Open 2023?
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A: The players who brought an end to the 11-year drought in mixed doubles at the YONEX US Open 2023 are Presley Smith and Allison Lee, representing the host nation.
Q: What was the turning point in Smith and Lee’s quarterfinal match?
A: The turning point in Smith and Lee’s quarterfinal match was when they found themselves 20-19 down in the second game. They managed to keep their nerve and win the game, eventually sealing the decider and securing the victory.
Q: Has Smith and Lee faced Choo and Somerville before?
A: Yes, Smith and Lee had previously defeated Choo and Somerville at the Saipan International last month, showcasing their consistency and ability to overcome their opponents.
Summary
The YONEX US Open 2023 witnessed a remarkable display of talent as Presley Smith and Allison Lee, representing the host nation, ended the 11-year drought in mixed doubles. Overcoming a challenging start, Smith and Lee displayed resilience and determination to secure a thrilling victory in the quarterfinals. Their success has placed them among the semifinalists, reigniting hope for the American badminton scene. To fulfill their ambitions, Smith and Lee now face the tough challenge of overcoming the third seeds from Denmark. With their impressive performance, they have proven that the USA can compete with Asian and European countries in the world of badminton.
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