Forza Ulster U15 & U19 Open

The Ulster U15 & U19 Open was held at the National Badminton Centre on 11-12th March with a number of great performances across both age groups.

Forza Ulster U15 open 

There was a strong Ulster contingent across all events in the U15 event and some strong performance across the board with a number of Titles, silver medals and Bronze Medals.

Jeffery Rong had a fantastic tournament winning all 3 events. In the Boys singles Jeffery had a smooth progression to the final without dropping a set. There he faced fellow Ulster player Corey Chambers, who had to fight hard during all 3 of his previous rounds, winning in 3 sets to reach the final. Jeffery’s maintained his strong performances in the early rounds to win 21-6, 21-12. In the Boys doubles Jeffery Partnered Robert Cowman and with a bye and 2 wins reached the final. Ulster pair Corey Chambers and Conor Blakeman also reached the final after a 3 set win in the earlier rounds and a comprehensive win in the Semi Finals. It was Jeffery & Robert who took control of the final against the young pair and went on to win 21-13, 21-13.

The Mixed Doubles event was a strong one for Ulster, with Ulster players playing out both Semi finals. Top seeds Jeffery &  partner Amira Pender reaching the Semi finals to face Corey Chambers and Hannah Shochan. It was the top seeds who came through 21-12, 21-12, to reach the final. In the other Semi Final, Conor Blakeman and partner Carol Joy faced 2nd Seeds Robert Cowman and Ella Cheung. It was Cowman & Cheung who came out on top with a 21-16, 21-11 win. In the final it was Robert & Ella who came out strong taking the opening Game 21-11. Jeffery & Amira came back strong to take the second game 21-9. They kept the momentum in the 3rd set, taking it 21-17 &  the title.

Raphoe's Emily Maxwell and Amy Moore claimed a silver medal in the Girls Doubles. After a strong win over the 2nd seeds of Cheung & Gopinath in their opening match they progressed to the final after a comfortable win in the semi finals. It was a tough final for the girls up against the No.1 seeds Amira Pender & Hannah Shochan, with the top seeds taking it 21-8, 21-9. Overall a good competition for the Raphoe pair. 

Ella Cheung had a good run in the Girls Singles reaching the Semi Finals but lost out to eventual winner Hannah Shochan. Kaden Tang and his partner Eoin Evans played well in the Boys Doubles to reach the semi final but lost out to the strong Ulster pair of Chambers and Blakeman.

For full results click here

For event photos click here

Forza Ulster U19 Open

Matthew Cheung maintain his great form this season by winning  2 events at the Ulster U19 Open. Paige woods had a great Girls Doubles event, taking home the title along with a Runner up position in the Mixed Doubles and a Semi Final position in the Girls Singles. Rory Comer also reached the final of the Boys Doubles and a semi Final of the Boys Singles.

Matthew Cheung was seeded 2 for the boys singles event and had a dominate performance within the event. After 2 single figures wins in his opening rounds he faced fellow Ulster player Rory Comer, Who played well to come through a tough 3 set win in the Quarter Finals. Matthew maintained his good form to progress to the final 21-7, 21-11. In the final he faced Robbie Frost & again Matthew proved too strong for his opponent winning 21-8, 21-11 to take the title.

Matthew & partner Siofra Flynn were unseeded for the Mixed Doubles event but played well in the early rounds to progress to the Final. Top seeds Robbie Frost & Paige Woods played some tough opponents in the opening rounds and played well to overcome them to reach the final. Matthew & Siofra started strong in the final taking the opening set 21-10, but Paige and Robbie battled hard in the 2nd set and took it 23-21 to force a decider. Matthew & Siofra regained control in the 3rd Game to win 21-8 and take the title.

Paige Woods & Partner Michelle Shochan had a great performance in the Girls Doubles defeating the Top seeds in the final. After a good wins in the earlier round over Ulster pair Laura Bell & Roisin McKenna and a solid win over Raphoe’s Ceria Kennedy & partner Sarah Barry in the Semi Finals, they faced the sister partnership of Neasa & Siofra Flynn. Paige & Michelle started strong and taking the opening Game 21-14, it was tighter in the 2nd game but the Ulster/Dublin pair came through 21-18 to take gold. 

Rory Comer had another solid U19 event and reached the Final of the Boys Doubles with Partner Karl McLoughlin. Seeded 2 for the event they had a tough first round against Ulster pair Christopher Chee and Callum Laird, coming out on top 2019, 21-17. After a comfortable 21-14, 21-14 win in the Semi finals they faced Fionn Dowling & Senan O’Rourke in the Final. Dowling & O’Rourke came out strong winning the first set 21-13. They maintained their momentum in the second set winning 21-17.

In the women’s Singles Paige Woods and Laura bell progressed well to the Semi Finals but lost out to the 1st & 2nd seeds respectfully.

For full results click here

For event photos click here

Well done to all competitors in both age groups!

Big thank you to the Volunteers and Officials for running a great event.