Cottrell and Odgers team up for Hong Kong gong
St Johns Park’s Kelsey Cottrell claims her third Hong Kong International Pairs title, this time teaming with Lalor’s Carla Odgers. For the second successive year, Australia have taken a gold medal away from the prestigious pairs event at the Hong Kong International with Kelsey Cottrell and Carla Odgers winning the pairs final 9-5, 12-8 against New Zealand.
Just twelve months ago, Barrie Lester and Matthew Baus took out the men’s pairs title in Hong Kong and both were on hand again in 2013 to cheer on Cottrell and Odgers to take out the women’s division of this years event.
In only the fifth year of the event for the women, it is the third title for St Johns Park’s Cottrell who won the event in 2009 and 2010 partnering Julie Keegan on both occasions while it is Odgers’ first title.
As preparations continue for Commonwealth Games selection, the result has put a smile on the face of National Coach Steve Glasson.
“It is a deserving result for both girls given their recent form and their commitment to being successful in these international events.”
“For Kelsey, to win her third pairs event in five years in Hong Kong is an exceptional performance.
“Only a year ago Australia was celebrating the pairs win of Barrie Lester and Matt Baus and the singles victory of Barrie over Matt in an all Aussie final and now we are doing the same for Kelsey and Carla so as National Coach, I’m delighted with how our players have approached and performed at the Hong Kong International over recent years,” Glasson said.
Cottrell and Odgers advanced to the final with a strong semi final victory over England’s Annalisa Bellamy and Sandy Hazell 5-7, 10-4, 5-1 before overhauling the powerful combination of New Zealand’s Val Smith and Mandy Boyd 9-5, 12-8 in the decider.
For full results of the Hong Kong International, click here
