The birdie went flying quickly through the air as the Yukon Badminton Association - 2019 Open Championships got underway at Takhini Elementary School on the weekend.

The Championships featured players 19 and older and there were five different categories played. On Saturday, the Men’s Singles final was held between Angus Harden and John Kremer.

The game was a battle between two talented badminton players as both players had their full arsenal of shots, smashes, drop shots, working. Matching the offence was the two competitors defence, as all in attendance were treated to long rallies as each player refused to let the birdie touch the court.

Kremer was the first to 21 to win the first game of the match. The matches were best of three.

In the second game, Harden was able to put the loss behind him. He dominated play, making Kremer move all over the court and forcing him into mistakes. Visibly frustrated, Kremer began talking to himself and Harden continued to roll as he was able to take the second game to set up a third and deciding game.

Kremer dictated the play early in the final game jumping out the lead. He was the first player to make it to 11 points.

The two players switched sides of the court after.

Harden found his form after the switch and the game remained within one point or tied as the two approached 21.

Harden forced Kremer deep and Kremer’s return fell narrowly out of bounds. With the match on the line, the two got into another rally. The match ended when Kremer sent the birdie into the net.

Having recently moved to Whitehorse from Calgary, Harden said he was surprised by the level of play.

“I didn’t know what to expect with the skill level,” said Harden. “It was a wide range of skills but by the end, I was fighting really tough people so it was very challenging.”

Harden said Kremer gave him everything he could handle.

“I was definitely feeling the fatigue and he is a really fit guy,” said Harden. “So I think that was the big difference, him keeping the energy going and me trying to keep up.”

The win, Harden said, was really rewarding, especially coming from Calgary.

“Coming from Calgary there is a huge scene there and obviously Whitehorse has a smaller population,” said Harden.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience to be one of the finishers in a tournament, I’ve never had that experience before.

“It really gives me perspective on how hard I was working in Calgary and here I really feel the reward of it.”

Harden said even though Whitehorse has a smaller population than his hometown the top end talent is still comparable.

The Women’s Singles was won by Caroline Thibault who defeated Anastasiya Matlashevska.

Erin Johnston teamed up with Matlashevska in the Women’s Doubles.

The duo defeated Thibault and Nicole Jacques for the title.

Harden and Kremer teamed up to win the Men’s Doubles defeating Wayne Coghill and Jonathan Gauthier.

Kremer and Thibault were the last team standing in the Mixed Doubles after beating Coghill and Johnston.

The Junior Championships are next and will be held at Porter Creek Secondary on May 3.