Home pair prosper as team MAS*H fight off Kath and Kim to clinch annual Albany badminton tournament crown

Albany’s Vincent Phan and Shannen Higginson joined teammates from Perth and Bunbury to win the annual Great Southern Badminton Association tournament at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre at the weekend. A record field of 96 took part with entrants split into teams of six for the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles event. Phan and Higginson were assigned to division one team M*A*S*H who were triumphant only after the last round of matches. Their teammates hailed from Bunbury and Perth while their 65.5 wins held off team Kath and Kim, who registered 63 wins. Fawlty Towers were third with 62.5 wins. Albany competitor Will Emery contributed to the division two champions The Simpsons. His teammates hailed from Collie, Perth and Esperance as they notched 65.5 victories to hold off Family Guy, who closed with 62.5. In third were Some Mothers Do Have ‘Em on 57.5. GSBA chair Michelle Watson said the event had received great feedback and would be bigger and better in 2026. “The top division was very close, and it came down to the last round to decide the winner,” she said. “We hope to replicate it next year and make it the tournament to play in regionally.” The event was backed by Rio Tinto, Southern Ports, Perth Badminton Arena and Metamorph Shuttles. The next major tournaments on the GSBA calendar will be their first State-graded event, the Albany Bicentenary Tournament in March 2026, and the Great Southern Invitational the following month.

Home pair prosper as team M*A*S*H fight off Kath and Kim to clinch annual Albany badminton tournament crown

Home pair prosper as team MAS*H fight off Kath and Kim to clinch annual Albany badminton tournament crown