Newcomers Alain Proulx and his daughter Julianne made a astonishing debut in Granby on February 22nd. Alain defeated experienced players Rod Bedard and Dany Lessard en route for his first senior tittle in his first appearance in a racketlon tournament. Alain is an amazing badminton player and his very steady tennis game is perfectly suited for racketlon play.
Julianne Proulx, a top junior badminton player trying racketlon for the first time, caused a major upset by defeating top player Line Bellerose to win the tittle. Her superior fitness and a good tennis game made her a tough contender. With the win of Oriana Giraud in Rochester (18) and Julianne (15) in Granby, one could believe that it is the beginning of a new era in women’s racketlon.
On the men’s side, youth prevailed as well. 17 years old Guillaume Blais defeated Jonathan Deschenes in the final while another 17 year old, Anthony Bédard finished 3rd. Guillaume is a real treat for players like Pat Laplante (injured in Granby) and Jeremy Easterbrook. Will we see a change at the top of the men’s game soon?
