IN the second of its four-match round robin, the Isle of Man Badminton team took on Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi yesterday (Monday).
After a 5–0 loss to the mighty Malaysians four hours earlier, hopes were high that the young Manx quartet could improve its score against Nigeria, recognised as one of the top African squads.
Despite the players best efforts and some really close games they were on the wrong end of a 4–1 result after a sweltering two hours on court at the Siri Fort Badminton venue.
The brightest spot was a hard-fought win for Josh Green, building on the fine form shown in his earlier game against the world number one.
Cristen Callow also improved and was unlucky to lose – taking her opponent to three games.
The mixed doubles started with a very close result, with the duo of Matt and Kim Clague just losing out by two points.
By both doubles matches, firstly Josh - and then Cristen - were both feeling the effects of their earlier three game sets.
MIXED DOUBLES
Matt Wilkinson and Kim Clague lost 2-0 to Olaoluwa Fagbemi and Maria Braimah: 22–20, 21–11
MEN’S SINGLES
Josh Green won 2–1 against Ifraimu Jinkam: 18-21, 21–18, 21-19
LADIES' SINGLES
Cristen Callow lost 2–1 against Susan Ideh 21–17, 18–21, 21–14
MEN'S DOUBLES
Matt Wilkinson and Josh Green lost 2-0 to Joseph Abah and Able Ocholi 21–15, 21–9
LADIES' DOUBLES
Cristen Callow and Kim Clague lost 2-0 to Susan Ideh and Maria Braimah 21–12, 21–16
Cristen Callow said: "This match was a lot closer than 4–1.
"The mixed doubles could have gone either way – if that first game had gone our way it might have been very different.
"I have been having a bit of trouble in both my matches gauging the speed of the shuttles.
"Against Malaysia I was hitting too long, but in this one I was too cautious and probably under-hitting a bit.
"The more people in the arena, the more heat that they generate and the faster the shuttles fly. We are all determined to win a match and I am determined to win my singles."
Josh Green said: "The Nigerian guy was really big and so fast - it was like playing Usain Bolt."
