English players of all ages were in action recently at the 2024 European Senior Championship in Belgium, returning home with a remarkable 10 titles.
Leading the way was Rajeev Bagga, who claimed two Gold medals, winning the over 55s mixed doubles title alongside compatriot Liz Austin (their opponents Jan-Eric Antonsson and Hanne Bertelsen sadly had to retire during the match through injury), then going on to win the over 55s men’s doubles title with Henrik Lykke of Denmark.
Bagga was the only player to come away with multiple titles, but there were plenty of others who excelled across multiple events.
In the younger age groups, England players faced strong competition from across Europe, with an increasing number of ex-pro tour players playing, but still managed to achieve some great results. Of particular note is Alex Marritt, who came home with Silver medals in the over 45 men’s singles and the mixed doubles, alongside Rebecca Pantaney, as well a bronze in the over 40 men’s doubles with Paul Le Tocq.
In the over 35s mixed doubles, Nick Hodgson and Sarah Burgess had a great run to the semi-finals, before losing 21-10 22-20 to the second seeds to finish with a well-deserved Bronze.
England’s upper age groups are always strong, and didn’t disappoint in Belgium.
In a particularly strong age group for England, the over 55s brought home multiple medals. In addition to Bagga and Austin’s Gold in the mixed doubles, Gold medals also went to Caroline Hale in the women’s singles in a close 3-setter against Germany’s Tanya Eberl, and to Jane Ashfold and Sara Foster in the women’s doubles, beating compatriots Julie Bradbury and Debbie Miller. To complete the medal haul, Bronzes also went to Hale and Austin in the women’s doubles, Jon Austin and Mark Golds in the men’s doubles, Ashfold and Betty Blair in the women’s singles, and Jon Austin and Sue Crompton in the mixed doubles.
2024 Senior European Championships
Elsewhere, in her first time playing in the European Seniors, Elizabeth MacTaggart won the over 60s women’s doubles alongside scratch partner Maureen Oskam of the Netherlands, which is a remarkable achievement.
In the over 70s, another strong age group for England, Christine Crossley came from behind to be crowned women’s singles over 70 champion, while Betty Bartlett and Brenda Creasey took the women’s doubles title and Peter Emptage and Graham Holt completed the trio of Golds in the men’s doubles. English players also triumphed in the over 75s mixed and women’s doubles, with Michael Cox and Linda Coombes coming out on top in an all-English affair in the mixed doubles, beating Jim Garrett and Mary Jenner, with Sue Awcock and Sylvia Gill triumphing in the women’s doubles.
If you’re over 35 years of age and interested in playing Masters Badminton, there are lots of tournaments and county competitions available. Find out more here: https://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/on-court/masters-competition