Winning one event in a tournament is a tough task for most players and to win two gold’s is a feat that most professional badminton players do not ever achieve in their badminton careers. Today at the Thwack Czech International finals in Brno, both Chris Langridge and Heather Olver managed to achieve that unique feat in badminton and do the double in both mixed and their respective doubles event.

It has been a tough year for both Langridge and Olver with injury issues and partner changes a plenty at different times throughout the past twelve months but today the pair put all that behind them with double gold the first of which came in the mixed doubles final.

In what was a repeat of the final in Belgium only two weeks ago Olver and Langridge overturned their defeat to Marcus Ellis and Gabby White to claim the title. The all English battle was tense at time with some gamesmanship back and forward over the net. In the end Marcus Ellis was forced to retire with injury early in the second game after Olver and Langridge took the opening game.

“It was obviously not the best way to win a title but we will take it for sure” commented Olver. Speaking about the tension on court Chris Langridge was somewhat philosophical about the antics of both pairs: “We know each other so well but when we are on court it is a battle to win and of course some tactics will come into play. It’s about maintaining concentration at these times”

Heather Olver was back out on court with only a minimum break in another all GB final this time with women’s doubles partner Kate Robertshaw against Kirsty Gilmour and Jillie Cooper of Scotland. The English duo look most comfortable on court in what was an entertaining battle but the doubles nievity of Gilmour was the difference between both pairs and Olver lifted her second title alongside Robertshaw.

Langridge was next to try and achieve the double and he duly delivered alongside the player that has so long been the tournament bridesmaid, Peter Mills. In yet another all English final Langridge and Mills came through in two sets against new boys to the tour Harley Towler and Peter Briggs.

“This is great for me personally as I have been in finals and lost and never managed to get over the line. So it is great to finally win one with Chris and I will enjoy the feeling and hopefully there will be more” said a delighted Peter Mills to Badminton Europe.

Speaking of his unique double Langridge was clearly overjoyed to be heading back to England with both titles. “After a year of injury and many ups and downs it’s finally great to win not one but two titles here in Brno. I have had many partners and finally it looks like I am settling with Peter so all in all it has been a very productive week for me, for us and of course English Badminton”

In the men’s singles final Joachim Persson sent a definite message to everyone who has doubted him over the recent past. The now veteran Dane destroyed pretender to the throne Kim Bruun in two sets to take his first title in many years and more importantly show that he still has what it takes to win tournaments.

“This has been a very positive week for me. I hopefully have shown people at home that I can still do this and play some intense matches is such a short period of time”

The women’s singles crown heads to Scotland as Kirsty Gilmour once again proved that she is one to watch for the future. The Scot, who took the Polish Open just a month ago, topped off a great week by beating the other form player on the circuit Sashina Vignes Waran of France.

“I had set myself a goal to win and International Challenge event before I turned 20. I have achieved this a year ahead of schedule so everything is progressing in the right direction for me” said an overjoyed Gilmour to Badminton Europe.

To re visit all the action on BE.tv just click HERE
For all results from today’s final action on Brno click HERE
To view full tournament gallery including podium photos follow Badminton Europe on facebook by clicking HERE

Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Brno)