Liam Smith on the world stage

Liam (and partner Thomas Vesty from Canterbury) have completed their campaign at the U-19 World Beach Championships in China.

The team earned a spot at the event at the age group Asian Championships earlier this year, with Liam and Thomas teaming up to represent Poirewa Aotearoa in Shangluo.

The duo opened their Pool F campaign with a loss to Uruguay’s Rodriguez/Rubio pairing 21-19, 21-13.

Smith and Vesty’s second match was a tight three-set tussle with Italians Zoeschg/Iurisci which saw the Kiwis take the second set 21-19 before falling 15-9 in the third. The Italians finished top of the pool with an unbeaten record.

The pair then backed up later in the day, facing the Chilean pair Brain/Brain and falling 21-16, 21-14 to finish their campaign at the event.

Hillcrest High is very proud to recognise Liam’s efforts on the world stage and look forward to more success in the near future!