COLOGNE, Germany (CMC) – Barbadian Karen Meakins stormed into the final of the World Masters Championships yesterday when she beat number two seed Yoriko Michishita in the semi-finals.
The 38-year-old survived a minor hiccup before emerging victorious with 11-3, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6 in just over half an hour in the Ladies’ Over-35 competition.
In today’s final, Meakins will face the top seed, former 17-time German national champion and former World number six Sabine Schoene who beat Samantha Herbert 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 in the other semi-final.
“I can’t believe I’ve made the final. After everything I have worked so hard for all year long, this is like icing on the cake,” Meakins said.
“Win or lose tomorrow I am so proud of what I have achieved so far this year, and I am especially pleased with what I have accomplished here in Germany because I am here just by myself, with no teammates or coach to cheer for me or to offer me advice.
“But I am proudly flying the Barbados flag all the time I am here and I hope to do well in the final tomorrow,” she added.
Playing against the Japanese Michishita, Meakins made a great start winning the first game for the loss of only three points.
However, Michishita countered in the second game to take the second game handsomely and set up a compelling encounter.
Meakins put the contest to bed in the next two games producing a dominant performance to cruise to victory.