STE. FOY, Que. - The Western Mustangs captured the Gold medal at the Canadian University and Colleges badminton championships hosted by Laval University on March 20 and 21.
The Mustangs beat the University of Montreal by a 3-1 score in the finals to claim badminton supremacy across Canada.
After the round robin UWO was seeded first in Pool A and the team would be up against Laval in the semi-finals. It was there that the team dominated, winning all their matches but one to secure a birth in the finals.
In the finals the Mustangs were put up against a very experienced and highly regarded University of Montreal squad. The Mustangs persevered in foreign territory though to become champions.
Martin Giuffre (Calgary) claimed the gold medal in the men's singles division over Philippe Charron of the University of Montreal.
"In the quarter-finals Giuffre didn't have trouble until he lost focus for a moment, but came back strong in the third game for a win. Entering in the semi-final matchup there was no doubt that Giuffre was the better player, dominating the game in straight sets," said Badminton head coach Rob Fowler. "In his finals matchup Giuffre was up against a very tough, and in form Phillipe Charron, beating the University of Montreal student in straight sets to secure the gold medal."
Guiffre also placed in the mixed doubles competition with partner Alexandra Bruce (Toronto)
In Women's singles, it was Jenn Lam (Toronto) who brought home a bronze medal for the Mustangs.
Lam also brought home a gold medal in women's doubles action with Bruce.
"The duo wasn't tested until the finals where they played two experiences national ranked players Roxanne Fraser and Amelie Felx. Lam and Bruce played a solid match winning in three close games," said Fowler.
Lam added another bronze medal in the mixed doubles with partner Allen Chee (Calgary).
Peter Butler (Toronto) and men's doubles partner Martin Giuffre fell just short of a gold medal, taking silver against the tough duo from the University of Montreal, Phillipe Charron and Pieric Laglais Gagne.
"All in all it was a great experience. All of the kids played so well throughout and I'm very happy that we could finally win the 4th edition of these Championships with 2 prior Bronze Medals and a Silver last year," said Fowler.
With his tournament success Giuffre will represent Canada and the University of Western Ontario at the 2011 World University games in Shenzhen, China from August 12-23, 2011. Giuffre will be joined by fellow gold medal winners Jenn Lam and Alexandra Bruce who will also be at the games representing their country and the Mustangs.
For more information on the 2011 World University games visit http://www.sz2011.org/eng/index.htm.
