BADMINTON
CHRIS Massey once again proved he was the king of the courts by retaining his men’s singles crown at the IW Badminton Championships at West Wight Sports Centre.
The men’s singles welcomed a record entry, and Massey — who is nationally ranked in singles — beat Kes Downer and Richard Gray on his way to the semi-final, where he beat the up and coming Matthew Honnor 21-14 21-5.
Chris faced Stuart Isaccs in the final, and again produced the goods to win 21-9, 21-18.
The ladies’ singles were also keenly contested with some good games played. The final was contested by the highly experienced Gill Bushell and young Katie Rawlinson and a close game was won by Gill 21-18 21-18. This was Gill’s first ever success in the singles event after over 30 years of competing and she was clearly delighted with her win.
Chris also competed in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles final, hoping to make a clean sweep of the titles. In the men’s event Chris and his partner Dom Afonso were beaten by Kes Downer and Stuart Isaccs 21-16, 24-22 in what was the game of the tournament with some excellent play by all players.
He and Debbie Honnor then lost to Kes and Denise Insley, 21-11, 21-18.
In the ladies’ doubles, Gill and Denise beat Ady White and Karin Murrant 21-12, 21-14.
• Full results in the Friday, October 12, County Press.