Wilson hunts gold medal

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

All eyes will be on national representative Shane Wilson, as he aims to secure Jamaica's first gold medal on today's final day of the Ocean Spray/WATA XX Pan Am Junior Badminton Championships, being staged at the National Indoors Sports Centre.

Wilson will oppose Canada's Desmond Wang in the boys' singles final of the Under-13 competition.

The 11-year-old Wilson booked his spot with an easy 21-15, 23-21 victory over Fabricio Farias of Brazil. Wilson who has expressed confidence ahead of today's encounter, said he his looking forward to a very competitive match from Wang.

"I think I can win and get the gold medal," said Wilson. "But I think it will be very challenging because the guy is really fit," said Wilson.

However, it was tough luck for Wilson's older brother, Sean, and Samuel Ricketts, as both players suffered heartbreaking semi-finals defeats in their respective categories.

Similar fate

Sean, competing in the Under-15 singles, was beaten 9-21, 21-8, 21-18 by Albert Li of the United States. Ricketts, who participated in the Under-17 singles also went down 16-21, 21-14, 21-8 to Nathan Osborne of Canada.

The 14-year-old Sean began very confidently as he outplayed Li to take the first set comfortably in 21-9. However, Sean faltered in the final two sets, as he failed to cope with the speed of the fleet-footed Li, who dominated the remainder of the game and went on to win the match.

However, all is not lost for both players, who will compete in the bronze-medal match today. Sean will oppose Rafael Davila of Peru, while Ricketts will face Mac Lee of Canada.

Meanwhile, Jamaica's Under-11 doubles team of Shannon Morgan and Emily Reynolds failed to progress to the final of the event, this after they were beaten by the United States' pair of Jennie Ga and Julie Yang 21-4, 21-8 in the semi-final.