The Fermanagh Badminton Open took place recently in Castle Park Centre, Lisnaskea.

This tournament, organised by the new Fermanagh Badminton Association, was well supported with players coming in from local clubs alongside Monaghan, Cavan and Dungannon.

The night saw a total of 67 matches played and the main hall in Castle Park was filled with a fantastic buzz.

There were some great games on show with some very hard fought battles between old rivals. Robert Graham was the man in form on the night winning the Men’s Doubles competition with Clive McVitty in a very entertaining final against Brad Shepherd and Luke Simpson (24-22, 21-11).

Graham also won the Mixed competition alongside Nicola Hamilton in another good final against George Williamson and Tracy Hall.

The Men’s draw saw some fantastic games with 18 pairs entered, Andrew Hutchinson and Jack Wilson produced some very tight games which drew everyone’s attention.

Father son duo James and Robert Boyd also played some very impressive games on the night and were narrowly defeated by Jonathan Willis and Ian Elliott in the quarter finals.

The Mixed semi-finals did not disappoint either with Philip Elliott and Linda Morrison playing a fantastic semi final against Graham and Hamilton.

The Ladies’ final saw Tracy Hall making another appearance alongside her sister Gayle Graham. They defeated Hollie McWilliams and Linda Morrison in a wonderful final.

Overall it was a very entertaining night’s badminton with a lot of pairs only narrowly missing out on the knockout stages by a point or two. Those involved with Fermanagh Badminton and those behind organising the tournament would like to thank everyone who came along on Friday night and supported the event. They would also like to thank Castle Park Centre for being so accommodating to them throughout the evening.

Finally a massive thanks must go to the sponsors for the evening, Dowlers, Lisnaskea and Lakeland Recovery Service. Without the sponsorship of these businesses the tournament would not have been possible and Fermanagh Badminton would like to urge people to support these businesses.

It was wonderful to see so many faces both old and new down taking part and it is hopefully a sign of good things to come for badminton in Fermanagh next season.

RESULTS

Mens Winners - Robert Graham and Clive McVitty; Mens Runners Up Brad Shepherd and Luke Simpson

Ladies Winners - Tracy Hall and Gail Graham; Ladies Runners Up - Hollie McWilliams and Linda Morrison

Mixed Winners - Robert Graham and Nicola Hamilton; Mixed Runners Up George Williamson and Tracy Hall