Newsday's top 10 boys badminton players in Nassau for the fall 2022 season
Great Neck's Justin Choi make a play during the Nassau boys badminton team championships on Wednesday April 21 2021 at Matlin Middle School. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Our annual look at the top boys badminton players in Nassau as the fall 2022 seasons unfolds. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
Justin Choi, Great Neck South, Senior
Choi was second singles as a ninth-, 10th- and 11th-grader. Last year, he had an 8-2 record powered behind his incredible court awareness and footwork. He is slated to play first singles this season.
Christopher Kim, Jericho, Senior
Kim is a fourth-year player with a competitive backdrop and has battled his way from an alternate position as a freshman to third or possibly second singles as a senior. Kim was 11-0 last season at third doubles and helped Jericho win the first Long Island championship last spring against Half Hollow Hills.
Allen Qian, Manhasset, Senior
He boasted a record of 12-0 in third doubles last season. He has a strong ability to clear and his sensitivity on certain shots is second to none.
Speed Shu, Manhasset, Senior
Shu's name matches his lightning-quick reflexes and agility. He knows how to use his power smash when needed. Shu was fourth doubles with an 11-1 record last year.
Great Neck North's Melvin Thu hits a shot during a Nassau boys singles badminton quarterfinal at Long Beach High School in Lido Beach, NY, on Saturday, Oct 23, 2021. Credit: Brad Penner
Melvin Thu, Great Neck North, Junior
He was the singles runner-up at the Nassau individual tournament last season. Thu was 11-1 and was the only player to beat Ryan Wu, who has won the county title the past three seasons. Thu has excellent footwork that allows him to cover the whole court. He makes the right shots at the right times.
Chris Tong, Manhasset, Senior
Tong posted a 12-0 record in second singles last year. He is slated to play first singles this season. He will be one of the captains of his team due to his excellent leadership skills and ability to communicate with his teammates.
Will Tsay, Manhasset, Junior
Tsay went 12-0 in third singles last year. He is slated to play second singles this season. Tsay has great all-around technique.
Randy Wickramasinghe, Calhoun, Senior
He was first singles last year and went 10-2. Wickramasinghe is slated to play first singles this season. He's a very smart player who adjusts well to whomever he is facing.
Tristen Wong, Syosset, Senior
Wong went 8-4 at second singles last year. He is slated to play first singles this season. His ability to hit drop shots, clears and drives go together with his ability to hit sharp-angled smash shots.
Jericho's Howard Zheng makes a play during the Nassau boys badminton team championships on Wednesday April 21 2021 at Matlin Middle School. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Howard Zheng, Jericho, Junior
Entering his third season at Jericho, Zheng takes the top spot as the first singles player. Last season as third singles starter, Zheng went 11-1 and was instrumental in the Long Island championship win over Half Hollow Hills.
