Raphael Deloy (Waikato) and Markis Tew (North Harbour) have been taking the badminton scene in Malaysia over the past month.
Participating in three tournaments, the pair not only reached the finals each time but have emerged victorious for two out of the three. An exceptional accomplishment, showcasing their talent and determination.
Reflecting on their experiences, Markis shares insights gained from facing stronger opponents.
"Even against tough competition, particularly the tournament's top seeds, we approached the games with the mindset of giving our best without the expectation of winning. This approach, coupled with reduced pressure, allowed us to elevate our performance and secure victories." Markis Tew - North Harbour.
Looking ahead, Markis expresses his intention to maintain a relaxed mindset in future matches, recognising its positive impact on his gameplay.
Beyond competitions, their stint in Malaysia includes intensive training at the Rommy Badminton Club, contributing to their development.
Raphael Deloy highlights "the part I enjoy the most about this trip is all the friends I have made and how they make all the training sessions more enjoyable". Inspired by their training abroad, Raphael is keen to bring back the intensity of drills and fast-paced movements to elevate the training regime in New Zealand.
As the boys kick-start the year on a high note, Raphael is gearing up for the Oceania Individual and Team Championships in February, setting a promising tone for the upcoming tournaments.
Congratulations to both Raphael and Markis! We are excited and thrilled to see what they have in store for the rest of the year!