The pinnacle yearly event for our region, the VICTOR Oceania Championships, brought players from across the Pacific to North Harbour for eight days of competition.
The action began with the Individual Championships from 8-12 February, followed by the Men’s and Women’s Team Championships between 13-15 February. With both individual glory and coveted spots at the BWF World Men’s and Women’s Team Championships at stake, players competed proudly for their countries.
Individual Championships
The standout match of the day belongs to the men’s singles. Over 78 gruelling minutes, Shrey Dhand (AUS) and Edward Lau (NZL) gritted their teeth in pursuit of the title.
Dhand ultimately stood atop the podium, winning 22-20, 21-17, 21-13.
While many players had their loved ones on the sidelines, Dhand dedicated his win to his biggest supporter back home.
“This one is for my mum, she’s been a bit sick, she’s in the hospital. This one is for you mum, thanks for the support.”
In the women’s singles, reigning champion Shaunna Li (NZL) faced a familiar opponent – last year’s runner-up, Tiffany Ho (AUS).
The Kiwi dictated the match from the first serve, leaving Ho little opportunity to settle. In a matter of less than 40 minutes, Shaunna Li secured the 2026 crown with a score of 21-14, 21-14.
Not only that, but to win another title at home with those she cares about in the stands made all the difference.
“My friends are so supportive of me and everyone is so busy, so I am so grateful that they were able to make their way here and watch me play,” Li said. “It means the world.”
Gronya Somerville/Angela Yu (AUS) showed their experience throughout the women’s doubles final. Dominating from start to finish, they completed a successful title defence. Berry Ng/Amanda Ting (NZL) fell short of what would have been a fairytale finish but defied expectations and made their country proud in the process. Final score 21-9, 21-9.
The men’s doubles match was a relentless display from Rizky Hidayat/Jack Yu (AUS). While the 21-17, 21-9 score didn’t reflect the quality of the rallies, the Australian pair ultimately proved too strong for Chris Benzie/Dylan Soedjasa (NZL). An Oceania debut for Hidayat, he felt proud to secure the title today.
“I feel so amazing,” Hidayat said. “I am very proud of my partner; he covered me a lot!”
Angela Yu returned to the court for the mixed doubles final. Alongside her partner, Andika Ramadiansyah (AUS), the pair battled Ricky Cheng/Natalie Ting (NZL). While the Australians stretched to a first game win, Cheng/Ting were willed on by support from the crowd, finding more energy with every point and every cheer. However, Ramadiansyah/Yu managed to hold on to close out the match 21-13, 21-16.
Men’s and Women’s Team Championships
On both the men’s and women’s side, the highly anticipated trans-Tasman clashes would decide the winner of the coveted Oceania spots at the BWF World Men’s and Women’s Team Championships later in the year.
On the women’s side, Australia edged out the Kiwis, winning 4‑1 in a tie that was closer than the scoreline suggests.
The win against New Zealand gave Australia their 8th consecutive women’s team title. New Zealand finished with the silver medal, while Tahiti rounded out the podium after a strong 5-0 performance over New Caledonia.
For the men’s gold medal tie, the contest stretched over five hours, delivering Australia their fourth consecutive men’s team title. New Zealand finished the tournament with the silver medal and Tahiti’s 5-0 win over Northern Mariana Islands earns them the bronze.
Australia’s gold medals also double as their tickets to the BWF World Men’s and Women’s Team Championships held in Denmark from 24 April – 3 May.