The Dunlop British Junior Open Championships, held in Birmingham from January 3 – 7, are arguably equivalent to a World Championship, and this year attracted 620 players players in the 10 age groups. The winners came from Egypt – 4(18 semi-finalists), Malaysia -4(7 semi-finalists), and England 2(5 semi-finalists).
In this world class field, Iman Shaheen (Barrhaven) excelled with the best result of the 22 Canadian entrants, coming 13th in the Girls Under 13 draw of 32. She beat both of the top US players before succumbing to two Malaysians (Malaysians took 4 of the 5 Girls events). Dominic Wren (La Sportheque), facing a strong draw of 87 in the Boys Under 19 event, lost to the US 5th ranked player, before recovering to win three of his next four matches.
Hearty congratulations from the ODSA population to Iman and Dominic, who will have undoubtedly gained invaluable international experience.