Corrie Keith Robinson spoils Aussie party

Corrie Keith Robinson stopped an Australian clean sweep on home court at the Oceania Para Badminton Championships 2018 in Geelong. The New Zealand athlete took the men’s singles (SL 3 - SL 4) title with an all-win record, rounding it off with victory over Australia’s Adam Torey-Toth in just 12 minutes, 21-1 21-4.

Robinson also won the mixed doubles SL 3 - SU 5 alongside Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield. The duo downed Australia’s Adam Torey-Toth and Zashka Gunson 21-5 21-5.

“It’s a nice feeling to be flying home with medals in my hand and a great way to end the year,” Robinson said. “It’s been a successful week for me and I look forward to competing in more tournaments throughout 2019.”

Dransfield won the women’s singles SL 3 - SL 4, beating Gunson 21-2 21-3.

“It’s been a great couple of days for me and I’m stoked to go home with two gold medals,” Dransfield said. “Corrie and I have played as a pair for a while now and we work really well together.”

In the men’s singles SS 6, local player Luke Missen celebrated his gold medal in front of his home crowd after winning both his matches in straight games. Compatriot Kobie Donovan took the silver, while Fiji’s Iosefo Rakesa secured bronze.

“My performance has been OK, but I know there’s a lot I still need to work on to compete with the rest of the world,” said Missen.

Australia’s Richard Davis fought valiantly to earn his place on the top of the podium after winning all his matches in the men’s singles WH 1.

“I was able to continue my form from day one into today’s competition and I’m really happy to be going home with the gold medal,” said Davis.

Australia saw more success when Grant Manzoney won the men’s singles WH 2, gold, before joining forces with Richard Davis in the men’s doubles WH 1 - WH 2 event. The Australian duo secured their gold medal with a 21-12 21-17 win over Richard Engles and Pradeep Hewavitharana 21-13 21-14.

“I’m really happy and excited to have won the singles,” Manzoney said. “In February I became national champion, so to now become Oceania champion is a great feeling.”

Complete results from the Oceania Para Badminton Championships can be found on Badminton World Federation’s website.