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JAM | Oct 3, 2025

Wynter and Anglin crowned badminton singles champions

/ Our Today

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Kenneth Anglin and Joel Angus

The Jamaica Badminton Academy’s Shuttle Showdown continued its exciting run this past weekend, with former national champion Katherine Wynter and co-director Kenneth Anglin headlining the Week Two results by capturing the Open women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively.

Wynter produced a dominant performance in the women’s draw, sweeping aside Alexandra Beckford 21-12, 21-13 in the final after easing through her earlier rounds.

She later paired with Rihanna Rust to secure the women’s doubles crown, completing a strong outing on her return to competitive form. Reflecting on her victories, Wynter expressed both gratitude and joy.

Kenneth Anglin and Rihanna Rust

“The tournament met my expectations in most cases and exceeded in some. It’s always a good feeling to win, but even more than that, I felt really good on court, better than I have in a long time. So I’m just grateful I could translate that in my playing,” she said.

In the men’s category, Anglin sealed his singles title in a nail-biting clash with top seed Joel Angus, holding his nerve to win 21-16, 11-21, 21-12. He went on to sweep the doubles and mixed doubles events, partnering with Angus to the men’s doubles crown and teaming with Rust to claim the mixed doubles title.

Alexandra Beckford and Aaliyah Walker

“Hosting this tournament was a dream come true, but winning four events? That’s something I’ll never forget,” said Anglin, who also won the Player-Coach Doubles in Week One. “The singles final was a true showdown, playing with the large crowd around us, and the spotlight was new to me and added a lot of pressure, but thankfully, I was able to win in the end.

“In doubles, my partner and I were locked in from the first serve. We trusted each other, covered the court, and played to our opponents’ weaknesses. Mixed doubles was the perfect final; fast-paced, strategic, and full of finesse. To win these events in front of everyone, it’s surreal. I’m proud, humbled, and more motivated than ever.”

Amir Mcbean and Ms Cezanne Chin, Unilever Business Coordinator

The junior divisions also produced standout performances, further highlighting the depth of talent emerging through the Shuttle Showdown.

Justin Dillon continued his remarkable run by claiming the Boys’ U13 title with a decisive 21-7, 21-12 win over Zamani Allen, before adding the Boys’ U15 crown with a 21-7, 21-11 victory against Kieron Reid.

Dillon’s success did not end there, as he partnered with Ella Belle Palmer to secure the U15 mixed doubles championship. Palmer herself enjoyed an impressive tournament, lifting the Girls’ U13 title with a dominant 21-5, 21-13 win over Jillian Yap.

(L-R) Brianna Burke, JBA Tournament Director, alongside Sponsor Haven Beauty House owner, Stefani Dewar and Katherine Wynter, Coach at the Jamaica Badminton Academy.

Though she fell to top seed Najia Henry in the U15 final, Palmer still found success in doubles, collecting additional silverware alongside Dillon and Brea Grant.

At the older age groups, Amir McBean reaffirmed his dominance at both the U17 and U19 levels. He secured the U17 singles crown with a 21-6, 21-17 victory over Matheus Smith and later teamed up with Smith to capture the Boys’ U19 doubles title. Smith also reached the U19 singles final, ensuring the rivalry between the two remains one of the most exciting narratives of the tournament.

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