New Zealand National Championships: Tjitte Weistra proves age is no barrier to winning
The veteran singles Kiwi shuttler Tjitte Weistra proved that age is no barrier to winning as he clinched the New Zealand National Championships title in Auckland on March 18, 2012.
The 36-year-old TJ Weistra surpassed his rival Luke Charlesworth in straight sets with final figures 21-17 and 21-14 on the score board.
The Dutch-born Kiwi player Weistra, who is also a coach at the senior level, used all his experience and brilliance to overcome his 16-year younger rival in a tussle which prolonged to 39 minutes.
The Men’s singles expert from Waikato also holds the honour of being first Kiwi player to win a Badminton World Federation title as he bagged the over-35 World Championships in Canada last year.
However, he showed a strong character in national event also where he was up against young opponents but he registered his mark by proving that his experience is irreplaceable.
While revealing his tactics after winning the title match, he was honest enough to admit that this win at national level does not give him the permit to race for the internationals.
The humble Weistra said, "I had to take away his attacking angles and move him around a lot. For me I might play some internationals and local tournaments, but I don't think Thomas Cup. Everyone keeps asking me about it."
In final match, he showed his intentions from the very first set as he buried his opponent Luke Charlesworth with a decisive margin of 21-17.
Later in the following set, he repeated his performance with even more conviction and blew away his rival with exhibition of his prime skills. He raised his hands in joy after scoring a significant margin 21-14 on score board.
The veteran shuttler Weistra is determined to swing his arms in future also as he considers himself well in shape to compete at the national level.
He said, ''At 36 there won't be any big international comeback. I just like competing and to keep feeling pretty young. As long as I am loving playing at this level I will keep going.''
Meanwhile, it’s not the end of festivity in Auckland with the completion of New Zealand National Championships as the badminton lovers will be enjoying the Kiwi Cup Masters International tournament from March 22, 2012.
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