Lee, Kaminsky look forward to matchup

Undefeated Winston Lee of Great Neck South will face off with Dan Kaminsky of Mepham Monday in what is shaping into a good rivalry in boys badminton.

Kaminsky defeated Lee twice during the regular season last year and again in the county final to become the champion at second singles.

"Ever since he beat me three times last year, it motivated me to train harder so I won't lose the same way again," Lee said Saturday. "I consider this a rivalry and I really want to win."

Now competing at first singles, Lee got the better of Kaminsky in their first meeting this season, 21-17, 21-15 on Sept. 23. Lee has a 9-0 record for South (6-3) and Kaminsky is 7-2 for Mepham (3-5).

Despite not sharing a personal relationship outside the sport, the two share a mutual respect for each other.

"He is the biggest competition I've ever played and I like that challenge," Kaminsky said. "I can tell he really studies the game by the way he plays."

"I respect him as a player and I look forward to playing against him," Lee said.

Lee said he is focused on one goal this season. "My main goal is to become first singles champion, so I've been training hard for every matchup," he said. "I analyze my opponent before each game so I can get a feel for how he plays and come up with a game plan and figure out how to beat him."

Both players wished each other good luck and expressed a strong desire to face each other again in the county finals.