JAPAN – Last showdown for national players

The 2^nd biggest domestic tournament in Japan was held in Saitama from May 12^th until May 16^th. The 32 best players in Japan were invited to participate, including some national team players.   It was also a great opportunity for back-up players to shine…with some surprises.

Story and photos by Miyuki Komiya, live in Saitama

In the men’s singles, former national team player Jun Takemura (photo) beat current national team player Kazushi Yamada in the semi-final. In the final, this veteran played against former national Kazuteru Kozai and beat him 21-9, 18-21, 21-15.

“I’m really happy to win this tournament. I could control shuttles as I hoped to during this tournament. All players are younger and move faster than me so I tried to keep my concentration from the beginning of 1^st game unil the end and I was able to manage a good performance here!” said the champion to Badzine.

Takemura is a very popular player in Japan. He usually works for his railway company from 9 to 5:30, and then, trains at badminton from 6:30 to 10:00PM, 5 days a week. He proved that any players have the chance to win if they do their best.

Men’s doubles:

Back-up players Takeshi Kamura / Keigo Sonoda (photo) beat current national team players Kenta Kazuno / Yoshiteru Hirobe 21-19, 21-13 in the final of the event.

“They had good start and lead, but we were able to catch them and get the 1^st game. It made the 2^nd game easy to get,” said Takeshi.

“We beat them once in the Osaka International last month. I am happy to prove the win wasn’t a fluke,” added Keigo.

Keigo was selected for the national team as a singles player but he moved to doubles and was paired with Takeshi when he joined his company team Tonami. They won last fall’s Malaysia International then the Osaka International, and this #2 domestic tournament in 2012. They are among the closest pairs to the level of those on the national team.

Result HERE