Sydney-based player Karono advanced to the finals at the tournament after overcoming a 10-4 deficit in the third game against Kim Dong Hun, Badminton Oceania reported.
The semifinal match began with a tight opening game that Karono won 24-22. Kim bounced back in the second game, securing a 21-14 victory to force a deciding third game. In the decider, Kim established a 10-4 lead before Karono staged a comeback, grinding out a 21-17 win to seal the match 24-22, 21-14, 21-17.
“I felt the court was a bit slippery, so I just wanted to stay calm and play safe,” Karono told Badminton Oceania, explaining his tactical adjustment to maintain control of his movement and body balance.
Following the demanding semifinal encounter, his immediate priority shifted toward physical recovery.
“I feel really happy to make a final, so I will prepare for the final and make sure I get more rest and get my body fit,” he told Badminton Oceania. He advances to face Choi Pyeong Gang of Korea in the final.
Karono’s advancement came on a day when the rest of Oceania’s title hopes concluded in the semifinals. Michael Owen and Nozomi Shimizu exited the mixed doubles draw after facing Korea’s Park Seung Min and Yeon Seo Yeon. Yeon, a two-time Asia Junior Championships silver medallist in the women’s doubles, utilized her experience to neutralize the Oceania pair. Owen and Shimizu fell 21-11, 21-14 after struggling to break down their opponents’ defense.
Shimizu returned to the court shortly after for the women’s doubles alongside Laudya Griselda of Australia. They faced Yeon and Kim So Hee in a match that lasted 65 minutes with frequent lead changes. Griselda and Shimizu claimed the opening game 23-21, but Kim and Yeon responded by taking the second game 21-17 and controlling the momentum in the decider to win 21-23, 21-17, 21-14.
Korea demonstrated depth across multiple brackets during the tournament’s semifinal slate. In the women’s singles, Lee Da Hyun defeated Sydney-based Indonesian player Kyla Legiana Agatha 21-19, 21-14. Meanwhile, Kim Do Yeon advanced past compatriot Boo Seo Yeon 21-19, 21-10.
The men’s doubles featured an all-Korean final four lineup.
Park Seung Min partnered with Cheon Ji Min to secure a 21-14, 21-16 victory over Kim Sung Un and Park Ji Won, earning Park his second final appearance of the day.
They will face Cho Moon Hee and Yong Hee Lee, who defeated Choi Se Young and Lee Chi Woo by identical 21-14, 21-16 margins. Jo Yoo Na advanced to two finals, competing in the mixed doubles with Kim Sung Un and the women's doubles with Hee Joo Ko.
Sydney-based Karono of Australia is the sole non-Korean finalist remaining in the tournament draw.
Karono plays against Choi Pyeong Gang of Korea in tomorrow’s final.
The match lasted 65 minutes, with Kim and Yeon ultimately winning 21-23, 21-17, 21-14.
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