baddersblog

2009-11-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

U15 Bronze Tournament, Macclesfield.

Ian started hesitantly and lost the first two games in his box. He won the rest of his games but the damage had already been done and he didn't progress to the quarter finals.

Ian and his partner did okay in the doubles, going out in the semi's to the eventual tournament winners.

2009-11-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Another weekend another tournament, this time in York.

The journey over was dreadful - torrential rain all the way. We got drenched running the 50 yards from the car to the sports hall.

Ian won all his matches in his box although he was playing a little carelessly. He won his quarter final comfortably, then had a tougher semi but made it through. One boy complained about Ian's serve and another kept him waiting between points to try and put him off. We must check his serve out - don't want this to happen again.

In the final he lost, well beaten by his friend and doubles partner. No tears, but Ian wasn't happy. It would have meant so much to him, winning his first tournament. He'd also have gone up a grade, from Bronze to Silver.

Still, I think it's only a matter of time before he does win.

West Cheshire Performance Centre Launch

2009-10-28T06:37:00.001-07:00

On Saturday 24 October, Ian took part in the launch party for the West Cheshire Performance Centre - badminton performance, that is - at the David Lloyd Centre, Cheshire Oaks.

Tracy Hallam (recently retired as British No. 1) and Steve Butler (ex-England international and now MD of Forza UK) were guests, along with two very good Malaysian players.

Ian lost 15-9 to Steve Butler, and came back with two new Forza tops - which he needed.

A good time was had by all...

Worcester U15 Bronze 17/10/2009

2009-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here we are, leaving home at 6:30 in the morning. At least my son can sleep on the way down - I just hope it's worth the effort.

The sports centre is good, although the banked seating isn't comfortable, it does give a good view of 3 of the 7 courts in use.

One lad in my son's box looks a bit good -not sure Ian will win it.

Needn't have worried, he won all 3 of his box matches very comfortably, 21-11, 21-12, 21-12, and looks as if he's playing well.

The next game is a real nail-biter. Ian starts off badly, making quite a few unforced errors. I lose count but am sure he's 4 or 5 points down shortly after the change of ends. The game seems to go on for ages - maybe he wasn't trailing badly. Somebody blocks my view and next sight I get the boys are shaking hands. I get ready to commiserate but he's smiling broadly (and very red in the face). I ask Ian what the score is and he says 25-23. So he's through to the Quarters, which will be tough as it's one of his friends, Peter. In a close fought game, played in a great spirit with some high quality badminton being played, Ian goes out 18-21. Peter wins his semi comfortably, and will meet another of Ian's friends - Jamie - in the final.

Jamie is playing very well and is too strong for Peter. there's some very good badminton being played but Jamie seems to have everything well in hand and wins 21-17.

Was it worth it -yes, but not sure my heart can take too many more 25-23s.