Jan.31/09
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This year Manitoba sent a strong 6 badminton players to the National Championships in lovely Laval, Quebec. Of these players included Sam Parrish, Matt Younger, Ryan Giesbrecht, Kristin Szuminsky, Tasia Lightly, and David Snider. The weekend showed Manitoba having some very hard fought wins as well as losses, and a lot of gained experience. Sam Parrish played his heart out for a 3-game win over local player Francois Champagne in the first round, and unfortunately didn't have enough gas in the tank to match that intensity against second-round opponent Phillipe Gaumont. Matt Younger showed strength in character as he progressively stepped up his game against first round opponent, squeezing out a win against Sebastien Rochon-Coutu. Although Matt played with intensity, his game lacked it's usual powerful kick in his second round matchup. His opponent Martin Giuffre's play showed very strong, and unfortunatley Matt didn't find enough time to make his way back into the game. Ryan Giesbrecht showed a strong effort, playing point for point with 5/8 seed Kyle Foley to 11's in both first round games, but could not hold the intensity, eventually losing the match. Manitoba's girls, Tasia and Kristin, played well together in doubles, bringing home honors as the women's doubles consolation winners! Congradulations to Tasia and Kristin for their hard work!
As some of you may remember (hopefully most!), David Snider is the reigning Men's Singles Champion, and is looking to hold his own against Canada's best once again. As expected, Snider cruised through his 3 rounds of matchups, defeating Alex Bellehumeur, Nyl Yakura, and Martin Giuffre. This brought Snider into his Semi-Final matchup against Stephan Wojcikiewicz. This re-match of last year's final was bound to be an exciting match, and it did not disappoint. The match showed a strong international level of play. It was obvious that both men were fighting for not only the win, but their pride. This is the fourth match between these two in the last 2 years, with Snider winning every time in a marginal amount.
Snider breaks the game bagels with a hard smash down the line, and the rest of the match followed that commanding style of play. This was especially true for Stephan, who feasted on any bird he found above net height. Stephan was painting lines and showing no remorse, while Dave took his usual fitness-based approach - hitting smart, quality, rally promoting shots, and taking the bigger hits when he had the opportunity. Both styles were working in their own respect as they met at 19-19, and again at 20-20. Snider managed to play two very strong rallies following to take the first game 22-20. The second game showed very similar results as Snider and Stephan battled their way to 20-18 in favour of Snider. He would soon close off the game with a smash down the line to win the game 21-19.
The final sees David against opponent Andrew Dabeka. This of course is the highlight of the event, and a bit of history between the two opponents will surely make the match as exciting as they come. Snider has never beaten Canada's Olympic representative in tournament play, although during an exhibition match at the Winnipeg Winter Club, the two put on a great match, having Snider finish on top. Both opponents are looking very sharp this tournament, and both know that the match could go either way.
 
Dabeka opens the scoring with a high lift that Dave lets hit the back line, and an on-court slip puts Dabeka up by 2. Snider who said before the game that he wants to play with more aggresively in his final match, shows exactly that, taking birds at the night as early as possible and crowding Dabeka, which pays off, putting ahead 5-3. Up to this point though, Dabeka had not hit a single attack, possibly trying to set his own pace, or simply finding his court sense. Either way, his tactic proves strong, Dave hits some seemingly improssible-to-return smashes that are dug up beautifully for a couple points. Dave will have to keep playing aggressively but not lose his focus for a second. Dave a quick shot past Dabeka, and is now up 11-7 at the interval.
Dabeka finds new feet, but more importantly a powerful game after the interval. He smashes a few winners, and takes the lead at 14-12. Dave's net play is steady and his offense is booming, but his defense seems to be his falling at this point of the match. Dabeka pounces one of Dave's serves to take a commanding 18-14 lead. Dave is hitting hard shots but seems to be working much hard than his counterpart. Dabeka chooses shots wisely, and his defense seems seamless at this point. Dave is searching for an answer, but cannot find one before Dabeka smashes game bird down the line. First game to Dabeka, 21-15.
Dave opens the scoring in the second game with a net push to Dabeka's body. Points are then traded in comparatively shorter rallies than we've seen between these two before, until Dabeka is up 4-2. Dabeka is playing steady and very effectively - his movement seems so minimal; anybody without Dave's fitness would surely not be in the match but Dave matches Dabeka's game sense with his physicality. A long rally ensues; Dave has Dabeka running into what seems is a sure-fire point, but Dabeka manages to lift the bird over an unsuspecting Dave, for a hard-fought point. Dabeka now takes the lead 10-6. Dave hits a strong winner down the line, leaving Dabeka twisted and fallen over on the court. A small court-cleaning break is followed by another Snider point and subsequent towel break. Andrew once again shows that experience is a virtue, taking a commanding 15-9 lead. Andrew is very deceptive working with Snider's lifts, and catches him off-guard with a couple slow drops. Following a couple more points Andrew once again takes a long-winded, suspense-filled rally. 20-11 for Dabeka. Andrew Dabeka shows no break in character, closing the game at 21-11. Despite not defending his title, Snider showed an unbelievable effort deserving of the applause received from the crowd.
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