Bernard, Saunders claim top badminton titles

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

FORMER NATIONAL junior representatives Kashif Bernard and Nigella Saunders captured the men's and women's singles titles at Racketeers/Mayberry Badminton Championships at the Constant Spring Golf Club on Monday night.

Bernard fought his way back from a set down to beat Garon Palmer 19-21, 21-15, 21-19. Saunders, who represented Jamaica at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, easily dispatched Alya Lewis 21-8, 21-5.

Saunders then paired with Lewis to capture the female A Division doubles title with a 21-16, 21-17 victory over Christine Mayne and Debra O'Connor.

Paul Leyow and Kingsley Ford won the men's 'A' Division doubles crown with a 21-11, 21-15 victory over Chadwick Parsons and Gareth Henry.

Anthony McNee and Alecia Lewis won the C Division mixed-doubles title by beating Jordon Roberts and Shauna-Gaye Campbell 15-21, 21-12, 21-18. John-Andrew Neita defeated Michael Evans 21-23, 21-18, 21-17 to cop the men's 'C' Division title. Simone James stopped Ann-Marie Watson 21-12, 21-19 for the women's 'D' crown.

Jade Clarke and Samuel Ricketts captured triple crowns in the beginners' division.