Double gold for Humber Badminton at national championship tournament

EDMONTON – Humber badminton continued its strong nationals run, capturing a national title for the seventh consecutive season. The squad won double gold at badminton nationals Saturday afternoon, as the mixed doubles and women's doubles squads captured national titles.

The rookie duo of Airi Moromisato and Sirapob Kongubon dominated on the national stage, finishing the tournament undefeated. After a dominant 21-12, 21-4 victory over King's College in the round-robin, the Hawks were in for a tough rematch in the finals. A quick first set victory had the Hawks primed for another win, but the Blue Devils had other plans. King's had set point at 20-15, the junior national duo was able to rally back and tie the second set at 20. Unfortunately, the rally ended just short, and the Hawks fell 26– 24.

The third set was all Humber, as the Hawks cruised to 21-12 when to capture the mixed doubles national championship gold medal. It was Humber's first mixed nationals title since Tracy Wong and Adam Dong captured the gold medal in 2015.

The women's doubles duo of Victoria Duong and Praanjal Taneja finished round robin played undefeated, as well, only dropping one set along the way. After a close round-robin match against King's University, the gold medal match was just as intense. The Eagles took the first set 21-18, but the Hawks weren't going to roll over and give up. Humber opened the second set with five straight points, but the Eagles were able to come back and take the lead. Tied at 19, the Hawks strung together to take the second set and force the final set for the gold medal.

Humber took a commanding lead to begin the third once again, but the Eagles refused to give up and came storming back. King's U were up by three at match point and with Humber's backs against the wall, Duong and Taneja refused to settle for silver. After tying the match at 21, both teams exchanged points until the King's return fell out of bounds, giving Humber the victory, 28-26.

Humber Highlights

• Humber captured its fifth consecutive national title in the women's doubles discipline and sixth since 2013.
• Victoria Duong captured her second career national title, winning doubles in 2019.
• The OCAA won the CCAA Team Supremacy title, winning four of the five disciplines.
• Humber badminton has now captured 15 CCAA national titles, one shy of Humber men's golf record of 16.