U.S. OPEN: CANADIANS RULE IN QUALIFYING

** This NEW SHUTTLENWS REPORT is presented by badminton world champions YANG YANG (1987 and 1989) and ZHAO JIAN HUA (1991) and by YANG YANG BADMINTON PRODUCTS **

September 9, 1997 (NEW SHUTTLEMWS) - Canadian players grabbed all four available spots in the main draw of the U.S. Open badminton championships in the city of Orange, California. William Milroy, Pierre Toulouse, Patrice Ritchie and Jonathan Bolduc won all their matches in the qualifying rounds that were played yesterday.

Milroy demolished Nishii Sangani of the USA 15-0 and 15-1 and then beat Michael Lee, also of the USA, 15-6 and 15-4 to make it through to the main rounds.

Pierre Toulouse trounced Mohammed Qureshi of the USA 15-0 and 15-1 and then battled compatriot Andrew Dabeka, winning 12-15, 15-6 and 15-10.

Patrice Ritchie survived a tough first game against James Young of the USA 18-17 and won the second 15-10. Ritchie then made it through to the main draw when scheduled opponent Francisco Mesch of the USA failed to make it to the court on time.

Jonathan Bolduc disposed of Rohith Stanislaus of the USA 15-4 and 15-3 and then walloped Jerome Alimbuyuguen, also of the USA, 15-0 and 15-2.

There were no qualifying rounds held in the other four events.

(mcoe)