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WH1-2 men's doubles Semi-Finalists at the 2018 Irish International
Rooke and Wandschneider in all European thriller
Date: 6/23/2018 12:30 AM
Published by : Bobby Griffin (BEC)

Every now and then the fans are treated to a classic, and Badminton Europe were there to witness the match of the week so far, which came in the WH1-2 men’s doubles semi-finals this afternoon



New pairing Martin Rooke (ENG) and Thomas Wandschneider (GER) put in the stand out performance of the day, with a very narrow victory over Amir Levi (ISR) and David Toupe (FRA) to claim a place in tomorrow’s Irish Para-Badminton International finals.


Opponents in the last European Championships men’s doubles final, and individually reining European Champions in men’s singles, WH2 Rooke and WH1 Wandschneider fought hard today to win the semi-final 19-21, 21-17, 25-23 in 69 minutes of nerve-jangling, sweat-wiping, tyre-squealing, shuttle-thwacking action.


“I feel amazing to be honest, I didn’t expect to get anywhere near the final tomorrow. It was an awesome game, and a nerve racking game to play in because I’ve been out for such a long time. I’m shaking I’m that excited!” (Rooke)


“I’m 55 years old! To win today with Martin Rooke was beautiful! Final tomorrow and we’re going to give everything to win” (Wandschneider)



See: Match Point in that epic semi-final on our facebook page here




Bedford through to 2 finals


Rebecca Bedford (ENG) and Robert Laing (SCO) were pushed right to the wire in the semi-final of the SS6 mixed doubles this morning. It was an exciting end to the third gaming, beating Niall McVeigh (IRE) and Carmen Giuliana Poveda Flores (PER) 21-11, 16-21, 23-21 to sneak into the final tomorrow. 


Bedford also eased passed Katherine Valli of the USA in the semi-final of the SS6 women’s singles 21-8, 21-9 to earn a chance to face her Peruvian rival Carmen Flores for a third time in the last 12 months. Bedford had this to say


“Bobby and I are excited to make the final in the mixed tomorrow, we’re fairly optimistic and can’t wait to get going. I played well in the singles, Katherine (15 years old) has definitely improved since last year but my experience came through. I think I’ve got enough to beat Flores this time in the final!”




Read : Europeans still going strong in Canada




English SS6 Trio aiming for the Double 


As well as Bedford, two other English SS6 players are through to two finals tomorrow. World Champion Jack Shephard caused another Hong Kong Chinese heart to break, following his quarter final win yesterday over Chu Man Kai. Today he defeated Wong Chun Yim in the first of the SS6 men’s singles semi-finals in straight games 21-18, 21-11. 


In the other semi-final Krysten Coombs began with a lot of nerves, and understandably so. The former world number 1 faced Malaysia’s Didin Taresoh, a man he has never beaten. The relief was clear to see on the Englishman’s face as he clinched the opening game 22-20, and he relaxed into the second game and took full control with a game score of 21-12. 


Coombs was delighted after the win, saying


“It’s been a tough 9 months. I’ve had a recent injury and glad to be back to full strength. It’s the first time I’ve beaten the Malaysian and perfect to be back to winning ways. I’ll be fighting hard to defend my title here in Ireland, the final will be exciting against my good friend Jack Shephard”


Together, Coombs and Shephard take on Wong and Chu of Hong Kong in the SS6 men’s doubles final tomorrow.




For a full list of the Irish Para-Badminton International draws and results this week click here

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