4 August, 2023
Krysten Coombs saw off Jack Shephard in an all-English quarter-final at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International to reach the last four in Sheffield.
The quarter-final clash between Shephard and Coombs was among the pick of the matches on a thrilling day of action in Sheffield, with both men determined to reach a home tournament semi-final.
And it was the Paralympic bronze medallist who produced the best badminton on the day, beating his compatriot 21-17 21-19 to set up a last four clash against Miles Krajewski.
“It’s hard, me and Jack know that every time we get drawn against each other,” said Coombs.
“We’re sharing a room together at the hotel. Last night we were chatting away and we just know that as soon as it comes to the day, we just take our parts and just crack.
“I think that’s what’s so good about us too and why we push each other on. As soon as we got on the court we battle away, but we came off court and we’re best mates again – that’s the best thing about it.
“I really needed that. The last few tournaments I haven’t had the results I’ve wanted, and to be able to come here and get a semi-final is massive for me.
“I’m just feeling great and hopefully I’ll push through tomorrow and get through to the final.”
Earlier in the day, Shephard and Rachel Choong continued their fine form in the SH6 mixed doubles as they sealed their place in the final four.
Experience proved key for the English pairing, fending off the challenge of rising American duo Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon in a 21-16 21-16 triumph.
“We’ve played them a few times before and we know that they’re a tough partnership and a tough pair to play against, but we’ve been working so hard together,” said Choong.
“We can see what we’ve been working on in training is really coming together and we’re just ready to take on anyone that comes our way. We’re really pleased with the result there.
“Getting through this far, it means so much to us, especially with qualification points on the line for Paris 2024, it’s a big win for us and we’re ready for the next match now.”
Choong was also in singles action on Friday, reaching the last four thanks to a battling singles victory over Yasmina Eissa of Egypt.
The Liverpudlian edged past Eissa 21-18 16-21 21-19 in an enthralling encounter to book a semi-final date versus Rina Marlina.
She added: “I felt like Yasmina’s improved a lot – she definitely has. After the first game I was feeling good and I knew what the plan was, but she adapted quite well.
“I just struggled to keep up really, but in the third I was behind most, if not all the way. I’m relieved and glad that I came through that on the winning side.”
Meanwhile, Dan Bethell advanced to the SL3 men’s singles last four with a comfortable quarter-final victory.
The world No.1 beat Ukraine’s Oleksandr Chyrkov 21-12 21-10 to set up a semi-final meeting against Mongkhon Bunsun.
He said: “I’m really happy with how I played today – it was really solid. Oleksandr has got such a strong attack, he’s a really powerful opponent, so I knew I had to be really on it with my defence.
“It’s a big confidence boost for me heading into tomorrow, but we’ve also got the European Championships in a couple weeks. That could very well be the European final in a couple of weeks time, so for that as well it’s good to get some momentum going into that.
“I’m feeling really happy with how I’m playing. I’ve settled into the tournament well, so hopefully we’ll have a good performance over the weekend.”
The 4 Nations is being held with special thanks to Yonex – the Official Equipment Partner of the 4 Nations Para Badminton International.
