2 August, 2023
Rachel Choong and Jack Shephard kickstarted English interest at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International with an opening round robin win in Sheffield.
Choong and Shephard started their SH6 mixed doubles campaign with a confident victory over Chu Man Kai and Choi Wing Kei, beating the Hong Kong pairing 21-9 21-14.
“It was a great way for us to start the tournament. It was our first match and it was a nice way to bed ourselves in,” said Choong.
“It’s great coming away with a win in two games as well, just getting a better feel for the hall. I’m really pleased with how we played.
“It’s our home tournament so we want to do well and put in a great performance here as we do everywhere, but particularly here at our home venue.”
Shephard added: “I thought it was a great first match into the tournament for us. We’ve been training really hard up to this, hoping to put in some good performances.
“Every tournament we’re learning and getting better and better, we keep showing that and today was a great start to the tournament.
“I live not too far from here, so I’ve got friends and family supporting who don’t often see us. It’s amazing for them to come and see us. It’s just a pleasure to play in front of them.”
There was also a successful opening performance from SH6 singles star Krysten Coombs, who saw off Hector Jesus Salva Tunque 21-11 21-5 in his opening group stage encounter.
He said: “It’s a great start for my tournament – a comfortable win. Fair play to him, he’s a great opponent, but it’s a good scoreline to start with. I’m feeling comfortable and I’m ready to get into the latter stages.
“It’s important to just make myself comfortable. We’re on home turf here which is brilliant – we haven’t had to do much travelling to get here – but it’s just like every other tournament we go to, just relaxing and keeping on top of my game.”
In WH2 women’s singles action, Sharon Jones-Barnes was beaten 21-2 21-3 by South Korea’s Jung Gyeoul in her opening encounter.
While in WH1 men’s singles action, David Follet was beaten 21-6 21-6 by Japan’s Osamu Nagashima in his first round robin match.
Emma Louise Stoner also got her campaign underway as she was defeated 21-18 21-6 early in the day against Palak Kohli in the SL4 women’s singles event.
The 4 Nations is being held with special thanks to Yonex – the Official Equipment Partner of the 4 Nations Para Badminton International.
A full rundown of all English and international results can be found here.
