5 August, 2023
Dan Bethell’s fine 2023 form continued as he sailed into the 4 Nations Para Badminton International final on a hugely successful day of English action in Sheffield.
The SL3 men’s singles world No.1 eased his way into a final against great rival Pramod Bhagat, while Jack Shephard and Rachel Choong also reached Sunday’s finals line-up.
And elsewhere Krysten Coombs starred, as he battled his way into the SH6 men’s singles final with plenty of English interest to look forward to tomorrow.
Bethell had looked impressive throughout the early stages of his campaign, and was a significant favourite for his semi-final against Mongkhon Bunsun.
And he was in charge throughout, seeing off his Thai opponent 21-13 21-10 to set up a Paralympic Games final rematch versus Bhagat.
“I knew it was going to be a long one, Bunsun, he’s had a lot of matches over an hour this week and he’s just a really fit, really good athlete,” said Bethell.
“I knew the rallies were going to go on and on, so I had to stay solid, apply pressure when I could and hopefully he’d make the errors I needed him to make – and it went exactly as planned.”
Shephard and Choong will also go for gold at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International after progressing to Sunday’s final in Sheffield.
The English pairing had looked in scintillating form at the EIS throughout the tournament, not losing once on their way to a last four clash against Natthapong Meechai and Chai Saeyang.
The Thai pairing had received a quarter-final bye but an extra day of rest did not help them, with Shephard and Choong dominant throughout.
The duo prevailed 21-14 21-13 to reach the final, where they will take on Indonesia’s Subhan Subhan and Rina Marlina.
“To be in the final at a home tournament tomorrow, I haven’t got many words to say – we’re just over the moon,” commented Shephard.
“We’ve put in so much hard work in training, and to put in performance after performance like we have this week, we’re ready to put one more in tomorrow and come home victorious hopefully.”
Choong added: “I think we dominated that match there. We’re properly fired up, and we feel like we can go back out there and play them again, and play the final even.
“We’re very much on a high right now, we’ve had a really strong tournament so far and we’re ready to go one more and come back with the gold.”
However, Choong’s singles campaign did come to an end at the hands of Marlina on Saturday.
The Liverpudlian was outclassed by an in-form Marlina in their semi-final clash, the Indonesia triumphing 21-6 21-13, though Choong will take home a bronze medal for her efforts.
But Coombs kept his quest for singles gold alive in dramatic fashion, fending off young gun Miles Krajewski 20-22 21-16 21-19 to set up a final against Krishna Nagar.
“I’m a bit lost for words at the moment really,” said Coombs.
“I’m really pleased with that, there was a lot of running point wise and to get my first final this year is massive, with what’s on the line point wise.
“The build up to this has been great, I’ve been playing some fantastic badminton in training and it feels so good when you can put it into your game on the day and get through to the final, which is even better in England with this home crowd.”
The 4 Nations is being held with special thanks to Yonex – the Official Equipment Partner of the 4 Nations Para Badminton International.
