US Open: Terrific Teens Ignite American Dream
On Friday, the host nation snapped an 11-year blip in mixed doubles at the YONEX US Open 2023 thanks to a pair of teens – Presley Smith, 19, and Allison Lee, 18.
· PREM KUMAR
The kids are alright.
The start to their quarterfinal match however, was far from ideal. Facing experienced Australians Kenneth Choo/Gronya Somerville, Smith and Lee wobbled and lost 21-9, and needed a pep talk from coach Shlok Ramchandran to jolt them into life. They kept their nerve at 20-19 down in the second game to eventually win 22-20 and then sealed the decider 21-15.
It was their second victory in four weeks over Choo and Somerville, having also won in three games at the Saipan International last month.