Babolat Dunfermline Badminton Championships

Christopher Grimley retained his Men’s Singles title with an easy final win over second seed Joshua Apiliga, although he was tested in his semi final, when Callum Smith took the second game and forced him to a decider.

Although not seeded in the Women’s Singles due to a drop in ranking, Holly Newall reached the final by knocking out second seed Lauren Middleton in a close semi final. Top Seed, Rachel Sugden, strolled through to the final and ended Holly’s run in a close fought match.

The biggest shock of the tournament came in the Men’s Doubles, where Edinburgh’s Oliver Morris and Dimitris Kyprianou knocked out second seeds, Jack MacGregor & Joshua Apiligia in the first round and then advanced right through to the final where Christopher Grimley and Alex Dunn were just too fast and strong for them.

The Women’s Doubles went true to form, Holly teamed up with Julie MacPherson to take the title with an easy win over Lauren Middleton & Sarah Sidebottom. Let’s hope we see Julie back on the singles court in the coming National Championships!

The seeding was upset again in the Mixed Doubles when second seeds Jack Macgregor and Sarah Sidebottom went out in the first round to Robert Dunn & Holly Newall. They progressed to the final where they lost to top seeds Alex Dunn & Eleanor O’Donnell.

One consolation for Jack was that he almost recovered his entry fees by winning both Consolation Doubles events.

Special mention should be made of 51 year old Craig Young who won his consolation event, beating three players many years his junior on the way.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors Babolat and to Susan Addison, President of Dunfermline Badminton Association, for presenting the prizes.

Report courtesy of Joanna Flockhart

Full results available here