Badminton 24 November 2003
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| Mens doubles winners |
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| Ladies doubles winners |
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| Mixed doubles winners |
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The London Region badminton Championships played at the Squash & Badminton
Centre Wimbledon produced the highest entry since 1992. 48 of the
53 players entered, participated in the Competition It was nice
to see so many new players (around twenty in all) and we welcomed
back several others after a few years of absence.
Because of the high entry, time constraints forced the organisers
to revert to the Knockout format, with a plate competition for
first round losers.
The Mens Doubles, as usual, was a high quality competition, with
all of the Semi-finalists, having played at County level at some
time. The scratch pairing of Keith Goodey and Ian Volvana, joined
the usual three pairs in the Semi-Finals. The winners of the last
two years Alan Alexander & Bhanu Sisupalan proved too strong
for John Gardner & Felix Afum beating them 15-5 15-3; and Daniel
Eghan & Rob Hemmings beat Keith Goodey & Ian Valvona.
The
Final was a wonderful match (worthy of a National Final) with Daniel & Rob
taking the first 15-8. The second was more evenly matched, but
with a combination of Bhanu lacking strength, following
a bout of tonsillitis; Rob’s steady play and Daniel’s
smashing, Eghan & Hemmings took the game 15-13 to take the
title for the first time. Commiserations to Alan Alexander, an
ex Barbados international – this was the one he really wanted
to win! The Plate Competition was won by Neil Pujara and Matthew
Hilson.
It was pleasing to see nine pairs in the Ladies event. Donna Greene
returned after a two year absence, to partner Esther Hii. This
pair were seeded to meet last year’s winners, Jackie Greenhill & Fiona
Coton in the final. Both pairs had relatively easy passages to
the Final, with Donna & Esther emerging as comfortable winners
15-3 15-6.
The plate event was won by Fiona Shan and Amanda Bolger.
Even with a trip to Barbados already in the bag, Rob Hemmings & Donna
Greene, were not going to do the others any favours to gain remaining
seats on the plane. They won through to the Final with ease. Bhanu
Sisupalan was due to partner Ester Hii, but gave his place up to
Keith Goodey. Keith & Ester did well beating other opposition
with ease, but were not strong enough to overcome Rob & Donna
who took the title in two games 15-12 15-9.
We were pleased to welcome John Butterfield, the London Manager
to the Championships, also Mick Evans and Nigel Harris who presented
the prizes.
It is hoped that in future years we can maintain the interest,
as this was an event thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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