Photo Credit: Badminton New Zealand
North Harbour’s Chris Benzie is about to embark on a badminton experience of a lifetime. As part of the New Zealand team traveling to Spokane, USA for the BWF World Junior Championships (25 September – 8 October), Benzie will compete alongside the best junior badminton players in the world.
Leaving New Zealand next week, the team consists of ten players from five associations. Four of these players are from North Harbour; Chris Benzie, Jaden Mingoa, Josephine Zhao and Berry Ng.
Let’s find out a little more about Chris and his thought about his upcoming international tournament.
When did you start playing badminton and why?
”I started playing badminton when I was four, because of the influence my parents had, as they were both players.”
At what age did you make your first representative team?
”I made my first representative team at the age of eight and it was the North Harbour u13 team.”
What has been your best individual result so far in your career?
”My current best individual result was coming runner up in the boy’s doubles at the 2023 Oceania Junior Championships 2023.”
What has been the highlight of your badminton career?
”Currently, the highlight of my career was playing at the Oceania Junior & Team Championships 2023. This is because I felt it was when I played my best and enjoyed the sport the most.”
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s BWF World Junior Championships?
”Experiencing the difference in levels and the calibre of players from other countries compared to myself. Also travelling and playing with a team and as an individual.”
What are your goals for the BWF World Junior Championships?
”A couple of the goals I have for the BWF World Junior Championships are:”
– Beating Denmark in the pool play
– Reaching the round of 32 in both singles and doubles in individual events
How do you rate the other teams in your pool box?
”I think that we should win against both Tahiti and Slovakia, however, Denmark and Chinese Taipei will be tougher. Denmark We may have a possible chance against Denmark, but Chinese Taipei will definitely be the hardest.”
Do you have a favourite Badminton player?
”I don’t have a favourite badminton player, however I enjoy watching badminton and am trying to base my game off players like Lakshya Sen and Victor Axelsen as they play a quick game that is more attacking.”
Badminton North Harbour wish the North Harbour players and the New Zealand team all the best for their upcoming adventure.
Draws & Results via Tournament Software
