Samantha Barning emerged from the 2012 Carlton Irish Open as the unlikely heroine after claiming two titles in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles but the most emotional win of the day came as Scott Evans claimed his first International title after seven final appearances.
Barning
(pictured second from left) took to the court in the very opening match of today’s finals and along with partner Eefje Muskens blew away the challenge of second seeded French duo Audrey Fontaine and Emilie Lefel. The Dutch were too strong for the French and took the game 21-12 21-8. Barning double up on her doubles success with victory as top seeds in the mixed doubles final alongside partner Jorrit De Ruiter. The number one seeds were pushed hard by compatriots Ilse Vaessen and Jacco Arends but a superb serving display by Barning took the top seeds to the title and Barnings personal double.
“It is such a good feeling to win two titles here in Ireland. I love to come here and compete and always feel at home on court here. We had a good week and to win without dropping a set all week has made the success extra special” said a happy Samantha Barning in her post match interview.
Jacco Arends gained some success alongside doubles partner Jelle Maas. The Dutch duo had a faultless week in Dublin and their two set win over Schöttler and Zurwonne in today’s finals was richly deserved. In his post match interview Arends was obviously over the moon with his victory.
“This week Jelle and I played good consistent and aggressive badminton. Losing the mixed was not on the plan but obviously winning alongside Jelle in the men’s doubles was fantastic. Beating Blair and Tan in the semi finals followed by two very good established Germans in the final was a big success for us”
The most emotional victory of the day came as Scott Evans, Seven times the bridesmaid in International finals, final broke the sequence to lift his Maiden title. The Dundrum man for once in his career was stuck for words after his victory and the on court celebration with his mum brought tears to a full house at the Baldoyle Badminton Centre. “This was the one I always wanted to win. What a relief to finally do it after so many finals. It’s impossible to put into words how I feel” said a tearful Evans after his victory.
There was disappointment for Chloe Magee in the women’s singles as the Irish number one went down to the talented Dane Line Kjaersfeldt. “I had a bad start to the season so this has been a good win for me and hopefully I can move on from here and use this as the base to get better” commented Kjaersfeldt.
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Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Dublin)