The countdown is on for the highly anticipated BARFOOT & THOMPSON New Zealand Badminton League Grand Final on Saturday May 1st at the SKYCITY Theatre. A hotly contested second season has produced two exciting teams, eager and ready to take out the lion's share of the $20,000 prize money on offer.
The TIGER BROKERS Tigers were the first to book their Grand Final position, with an impressive undefeated season. Edward Lau will headline the Tigers side, bringing his proven dominance across all disciplines to the theatre court. Lau accompanies this season's breakout talent, newcomer Jack Wang, who's first season has shown his ability to match experienced players across the men's and mixed doubles disciplines.
Coach Bjorn Siegemund will be flushed for choices, with all of his players putting on strong and consistent performances throughout the season.
"My team showed incredible mental strength in every match and I'm confident we will maintain our focus and spirit to put on a great performance at the Grand Final."
The STARSHIP Rockets, powered by their mission to support the Starship Foundation, booked the remaining Grand Final position with their Round 5 victory over the Mighty JAZZ™ Apples. Rockets Alyssa Tagle and Catelyn Rozario have grown from strength to strength throughout the season, asserting their mark on the competition within their respective disciplines. Tagle boasts a stellar record in both the 3v3 and mixed doubles, as the Rockets head into the Grand Final. It’s likely she’ll join Dylan Soedjasa to round out the tie, as the pair have shown that they thrive under the spotlight – a truly perfect combination for a nail-biting Grand Final on centre court at the SKYCITY Theatre.
Rockets coach, Fanny Megahwati, backs her team ahead of the Grand Final.
“We lost a close Golden Game to the Tigers previously, so I know we are very evenly matched. I believe if the Grand Final goes to a Golden Game again, our team will be ready to perform.”
Catch an unmissable Grand Final between STARSHIP Rockets and TIGER BROKERS Tigers on centre stage, Saturday 1st May at the SKYCITY Theatre.
Tickets are now available for the Grand Final and an awesome afternoon of badminton action in the heart of Auckland.
Grand Final
Saturday 1st May
SKYCITY Theatre
Foyer activations from 2pm
Doors open 2:30pm
Matches from 3pm