Allowed to Compete, Allowed to Dominate: Beginner and Novice Champion
Is it really okay for one player to join two different skill categories in the same tournament?
One player joined Women’s Doubles Beginner and also Women’s Doubles Novice. The concern is, she really plays well. This is not to insult her because clearly, she is a good player. But after a protest was already raised, the organizer still allowed her to continue playing in both categories.
And guess what? She reached the championship in both Beginner and Novice and became champion in both.
Honestly, it feels disappointing. Not because she won, but because the purpose of having categories seems to lose its meaning.
Beginner is supposed to be for beginners. Novice is supposed to be another level. If one player can dominate both, then maybe the category placement should have been reviewed more carefully.
This kind of situation can discourage other players, especially those who joined in good faith, hoping for a fair and balanced competition. Players prepare, pay, travel, and give their best. The least they deserve is a category that is properly screened and fairly implemented.
Again, this is not about hating on a player. Good players deserve recognition. But tournament rules and protest decisions should also protect fairness for everyone.
Hopefully, organizers will take concerns like this seriously next time.