Annual Albany Badminton Tournament attracts a capacity field for the two-day event

A capacity field will contest the annual Albany Badminton Tournament at the Albany PCYC this weekend.

The Amity Badminton Club, which has six members playing, will host the tournament on Saturday and Sunday featuring men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles games, with players from across the State making the trip down.

A field of 48 players has registered and will be split into eight teams of six, with three women and three men in each team.

Players from Albany, Nyabing, Manjimup, Pemberton, Bunbury, Mt Barker, Collie and Perth will take part.

Amity Badminton Club secretary-treasurer Michelle Watson said everyone was looking forward to the tournament and its theme this year of famous families.

“I think everyone looks forward to seeing people they haven’t seen, and visiting the town,” she said.

“It’s important for the sport of badminton that as many events as possible are run so the sport continues, friendships are made and reinforced, and competitors get to play against different styles.

“A lot of people are not attending the dinner at Ryan’s Restaurant because they like doing other activities in town or visiting friends and family.

“Most visiting competitors are staying at the Ace Motel, which is where dinner is held.

“I look forward to seeing people I haven’t seen for ages, seeing people having a good time and enjoying themselves, and seeing strong badminton being played.”

Games will be played for seven minutes, with the team that has the most points at the end of the weekend declared the winners.

Competition starts at 8.30am each day.