KEY POINTS:
New Zealand won the first test of the the bi-annual Whyte Trophy badminton competition in Melbourne on Monday, continuing their recent dominance over Australia.
The Cup holders won the first of three tests 4-1 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre .
Henry Tam and Donna Cranston gave New Zealand, who have held the trophy since 1995, a perfect start defeating Ben Walklate and Erin Carroll 21-10 21-12 in the mixed doubles.
Michelle Chan, ranked 86 in the world, then won the women's singles over Australian junior Erica Pong 21-17 21-11.
Australia's only success came in the men's singles where Ben Walklate beat Alan Chang in straight games 21-15 22-20.
The experienced duo of Rachel Hindley and Donna Cranston then restored New Zealand's momentum by cruising to a straight forward victory over their teenage counterparts, Leanne Choo and Louise McKenzie 21-12 21-14.
Tam and Nathan Hannam took the dead rubber, also in straight games, Chad Whitehead and Mark Prior 21-17 21-15.
The New Zealand squad return home for the North Shore City International starting on Thursday.
The Whyte Trophy continues in Melbourne on September 4 with the final test a day later in nearby Ballarat.
- NZPA
