Special Kaye – Sammy takes Senior Gold

London Academy’s first Open Tournament of the new year saw two-time runner-up Sammy Kaye, win the Senior Mixed Tournament by beating Doniyor Makhkamov in a reversal of the previous final.

Makhkamov won that encounter in three sets, but eBaTT’s Kaye turned the tables with a four set win (11-4, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4).

It wasn’t an easy tournament win. Having lost in five sets to the competition’s only female entrant, Binyou Zhao (11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8), Kaye ended up wining his group via a three way count back when Zhao lost to Nana Ansah in 5 sets (11-2, 10-12, 5-11, 11-9, 11-5). He also had to come through an very tough 5 set Semi-final against 4th seed, Adam Klos (6-11, 11- 7, 11-8, 6-11, 11- 8).

Under 19 Boys

Second seed Ben Levi skipped the last U19 tournament to take part in the Senior competition. This time he was back and determined to take the title. He did so by coming from behind to beat his club mate Will Hopkins in a tight 5-set final (11-9, 6-11, 5-11, 11-7, 12-10).

Hopkins had previously beaten top seed Marcel Ndongola in an equally tight semi-final (11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9). Levi beat Brian Wan in his semi-final (13-11, 11-8, 6-1, 11-6).

Under 19 Girls

London Academy’s Chi Yin (Gianna) Pang took the U19 Girls title by beating club mate Assil Sarri in four sets (8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-6).

Pang beat her regular rival, Soraya Rahmani-Walentynska in straight sets in the Semi-final (11-9, 11-8, 11-7). Assil reached the final by beating her more experienced club mate, Alisha Dutta in five sets (11-5, 9-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7).

WinnerRunner-upThird place
Senior MixedSammy KayeDoniyor MakhkamovBinyou ZhaoAdam Klos
Under 19 BoysBen LeviWill HopkinsBrian WANMarcel Ndongala
Under 19 GirlsChi Yin (Gianna) PANGAssil SARRIAlisha DUTTASoraya RAHMANI-WALENTYNSKA

Results