Haldane blames lack of focus for defeat

Andrew Harris, Gleaner Intern

ONE OF Jamaica's top female players at the Ocean Spray/ WATA Pan American Junior Badminton Championships, Mikaylia Haldane, has blamed a lack of focus for her early exit from girls' singles and doubles at the tournament.

The 18-year-old Manchester High student who was introduced to the sport at age 11, and has been doing exceptionally well locally, was knocked out on Tuesday.

"I am really disappointed with myself, because I knew I could have done much better, and I am not supposed to be nervous due to the fact that I am experienced in these types of games and tournaments. However, I lost focus and just threw away the game," said Haldane.

The young player, who won her mixed doubles match yesterday, said playing before a fairly large crowd made her nervous.

"I am not used to playing before so many people. I stopped focusing on the game and started to focus on the crowd instead, because I became concerned about what they were thinking about my performance on the court, when I should be focusing on playing my game and the shot selections," she said.

Better performance

Haldane, who has been getting strong support from her mother, is now looking forward to a better performance in the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confedera-tion (CAREBACO) seniors championship in Barbados next month.

"I will be going to the CAREBACO next month in Barbados to play in the seniors, and I will be doing my best to come home with medals," said Haldane.