Wong falters in singles, but team retains number one standing

MARK BOWMAN
SPORTS REPORTER

Although its ace placed second in his division, Humber’s badminton team is still the best in Ontario after this past weekend’s Humber Cup.
Humber’s No. 1-ranked badminton star, Raymond Wong, lost 21-13, 21-18 to George Brown’s second ranked Dayvon Reid in the men’s singles final.
Wong entered the tournament as the No. 1-seed and baffled opponents from four schools.
Reid had a similar path to the finals, including a win over Wong’s brother and defending Humber Cup champion, Mark, in the semifinals.
George Brown coach, Kim Ng, said the match-up between Reid and Wong was intense.
“Spectators are treated to something special when they play each other,” he said. “Raymond’s a terrific player, well-trained – a tremendous player. Very competitive.”
Wong’s frustration was visible throughout the championship match as Reid had an answer for everything.
Humber badminton coach Lam Trinh said Wong remains a special player despite the loss.
“It’s the teamwork he brings. He takes cares of the freshmen,” said Trinh.
Wong’s teammate, Leroy Stanisclaus, 22, said Wong continues to impress him after playing with him for two years.
“I play with him at clubs as well. We play at the Mandarin club and his skills get stronger and stronger every year,” said Stanisclaus, a court and tribunal agent student.
“It was no surprise at all that he was in the finals against Reid. They’re both great,” said Stanisclaus.
Wong, 22, a business management student, said winning the tournament isn’t everything.
“Obviously I wanted to win and I’d feel happy to win but for sure we can view this as team building,” said Wong. “There are good players from a lot of schools in this tournament.”
Wong, however, gained redemption in doubles play.
After defeating St. Clair 16-21, 21-15, 21-11 in a tough three set semi-final, Wong and his mixed doubles partner Renee Yip defeated Cambrian 21-16, 21-8 to win the gold medal.
Wong and his brother Mark then defeated Centennial 15-21, 23-21, 21-17 to capture another gold.
Yip defeated two-time OCAA champion Jodie Carruthers of Cambrian 21-10, 21-9 to capture gold on the women’s side.
As one of the top recruits in the nation, Yip cruised through the women’s bracket.
Humber won five medals – three golds and two silvers – maintaining its No. 1 OCAA ranking.

Photo by Jennifer Conley
Raymond Wong’s teammate Renee Yip won gold in women’s singles and mixed doubles.