On Monday, a city around 70 kilometers from the Spanish capital, Madrid, was in the spotlight: The European Senior Championships got underway in Guadalajara. From 24-30 September, 35 to 75 years old players are coming together to compete against each other.
The European Senior Championships 2018 in Spain run under one motto: A tough time schedule. Around 1200 players from all over Europe are participating in the BEC tournament. Former top players, referees, mothers and further family members are competing in different age groups.
More of 12 hours of badminton
Thus, Day 1 in Guadalajara can be considered a long one. The round of 64 started at 9:00 AM, the last matches will take place at 21.40. One who already played and is still going to play, is Daniel Bates. The Englishman won the mixed double with his partner Michelle Brothers:
- We’re delighted to get the competition started with a win in our mixed this morning. As the first English pair into the arena, we really wanted to come out with a positive result.
The English pair won against the French pair Fabio Maleyran and Tatiana Vattier in three matches, 19-21, 21-18 and 21-18.
- We were concerned that the opposition would be strong, as we knew Tatiana had represented France in the Olympics. But we just concentrated on playing our game, and although we lost the first end, it was very close and we still felt like the match could be won if we held our nerve. As the match closed, all four players seemed to get quite tense, so we were delighted to win.
No time to relax
But double’s player Bates does not have much time to celebrate his first victory of the tournament. He is playing in the men’s double at 9:00 PM (CET).
- After the match, I’ve returned to our hotel because we have a very cold swimming pool. So, I’ve been in there to aid over and prepare for the match tonight.
Find the schedule of the European Senior Championships here
Daniel Bates is playing in the age category of 40-years-old. He has set up some personal goals for his participation in Spain:
- I don’t have specific goals for the tournament, I’m just delighted to be here representing England. I want to do my best and go home having played as I can. We have very much enjoyed Guadalajara so far. The temperature is beautiful, and the venue is excellent.