03 August 2009

ASHAWAY PLAYERS FLY THE RED DRAGON


Ashaway's Welsh internationals Joe Morgan and James Phillips (world rank 59) recently competed in the US Open Grand Prix, their first tournament of the 2010 Commonwealth Games qualification campaign. In the first round they comprehensively defeated Tuan La and Ba Su(USA) before pulling off a fine three set victory against former World no 1 and Olympic medallist Rudi Gunawan and former Indonesian international Ignatius Rusli. Unfortunately 2005 world champions Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach proved too strong in the quarter finals before going on to secure the title.

After the match Morgan said "Overall we can be pleased with a quarter final result in a grand prix tournament and its a good start to the Commonwealth qualification campaign". Phillips added "Its was a great experience to play such a quality doubles pair, it was a good match".

Morgan also teamed up with Ashaway's newly signed Kerry Ann Shepperd in the mixed doubles (World rank 67) but were defeated by Canada's Alvin Lau and former World semi finalist Xuelian Jiang of China.

We wish Joe, James and Kerry the very best with their commonwealth qualification campaign!