With this victory and Duinwijck’s 8-0 victory over Roosterse, both clubs have now distanced themselves from DKC and Dropshot in the battle for the final of the national championship.
Coach Dave Khodabux was happy that the team had done what it had to do, despite the loss of concentration in some games.
In the men’s doubles between Dennis Koppen and Dyon van Wijlick against Rens Lagrouw and Arjen Albers, Dennis and Dyon quickly led and easily won the first game 21-8. The second game clearly slowed down, but without encountering any problems this game was also won 21-16 and the score was 1-0.
In the women’s doubles, Kirsten de Wit and Diede Odijk had to compete against Myke Halkema and Milou Lugters. In the past this opponent was a formidable one, but Kirsten and Diede have now reached such a level that they no longer run into problems against this double. A strong start (9-0) led to an easy 21-9 win. Kirsten and Diede also played the second game with a constant 2 to 5 point lead and eventually won 21-15.
First gentleman Dennis Koppen was allowed to take office against Mees Janssen. While Mees was able to provide reasonable resistance in the first leg, Dennis was really a size too big for his own audience. With 21-7 in the first game and a solid 21-13 in the second game (this is the wrong way around on tournament.nl), Dennis took a very big victory.
First lady Alida Chen was allowed to compete against Amy Tan, just like in the first match.
Alida lost the away match 22-24 in the third game, so that promised to be an exciting encounter in advance. Once again it was a fascinating battle. In the first game, Amy took an 11-5 lead, but at 13-13 the score was level again. Alida even took an 18-15 lead, but still had to watch Amy win 19-21. After a 21-15 for Alida, it became another blood-curdling third game. The initiative always lay with Alida, but Amy always managed to come alongside. Despite 1 match point for Alida at 20-19, it was Amy who came out on top with 20-22 and again decided the match in extra time of the third game.
Second man Noah Haase had a very simple afternoon against Dutch Under-15 champion Boris Vermaas, who made his debut in the premier league. The big Boris for his age was still a few sizes too small for the very calmly playing Noah who made the difference in strength clear at 6 and 5.
Second lady Diede Odijk was once again against Veda Diemel. Diede immediately took the bull by the horns and, as usual, played a solid match. A comfortable 11-5 lead eventually became 21-13. The second game was the same, this time the 11-5 was expanded to a 21-10 final score and with this Diede put the 5-1 on the scoreboard.
First mix double Dyon van Wijlick and Kirsten de Wit were allowed to compete against Rens Lagrouw and Myke Halkema. Dyon and Kirsten always played the first game with a 2 or 3 point lead and won 21-17. In the second game they immediately took a big lead of 10-3, but failed to extend further. The lead remains slightly more limited and with 21-17 Dyon and Kirsten eventually took the sixth point of the day.
The second mixed double of Alex Vlaar and Alida Chen against Mees Janssen and Eline Eversdijk had a somewhat surprising course in the first game. The Almeers, playing in too low a gear, gave the Wateringers hope. But a 14-18 lead for Mees and Eline also turned out not to be an insurmountable deficit, although it took some effort for Alex and Alida (25-23). The second game was a bit faster and led to an easier 21-10 victory.
After Dropshot’s 5-3 victory over DKC and Duinwijck’s 8-0 victory, FIT Almere is still in the lead after this weekend with 1 point ahead of Duinwijck. Dropshot and DKC are now 8 and 10 points behind respectively.
The next match is again a home match, on Sunday December 1, Smashing from Wijchen will visit. Starts at 2:00 PM.
For all results and standings, see here toernooi.nl.
You can view the photos of this competition at badmintonenzo.net.
