The competition began with round robin play Friday and Saturday having each province compete against one another to determine medal round placement. Within each team tie provinces played seven matches in both Under 14 and Under 16 consisting of two boys singles, two girls singles, one boys doubles, one girls doubles and one mixed doubles.
Round robin play began Friday afternoon with Alberta defeating Saskatchewan, and British Columbia defeating Manitoba with matching 14-0 scores. The Saturday morning match would showcase the teams favored to battle for Gold – BC and Alberta. The teams were very evenly matched and a seesaw battle ensued with the singles matches being split 4-4. Alberta proved too strong in the doubles and mixed doubles and managed to defeat BC in 4 of 6 doubles matches to win the tie 8-6.
In a preview of the bronze medal match the Prairie Provinces took action and saw Manitoba defeat Saskatchewan 14-0 in the Saturday morning tie.
The Saturday afternoon tie showcased BC versus Saskatchewan and Alberta versus Manitoba. Once again the western most provinces dominated the Prairies with Alberta and BC dominating with winning scores of 14-0. This would set up a rematch of BC and AB vying for Gold on Sunday while Manitoba and Saskatchewan would compete for Bronze.
The finals Sunday proved how close the level of competition is between BC and Alberta athletes. BC vowed to avenge their round robin loss to Alberta to ensure the Western Canadian Team Title returned to the coast. Following singles play, BC lead 5-3 placing Alberta’s doubles in must win situations. BC realized the need to fair better in doubles play following their round robin defeat to Alberta and held a doubles practice on Saturday evening. This practice made the difference in the finals as BC secured 4 of the remaining 6 doubles matches to soundly defeat Alberta 9-5 to capture their second consecutive Western Canadian Badminton Team Championships Title. Manitoba defeated Saskatchewan 14-0 to claim the Bronze medal. British Columbia was presented with a new perpetual plaque donated in memory of Badminton Alberta life member Pauline Ingall commemorating the Western Canadian Badminton Team Champions.
Badminton Alberta wishes to congratulate all the athletes and coaches for the outstanding badminton displayed while maintaining remarkable sportsmanship and fair play. A special thanks to the Red Willow Badminton Club and specifically owners Jean and David Folinsbee for hosting the memorable event.