17 April, 2023
Multiple champions were crowned at the 105th Masters All England following a busy weekend of action at the Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield.
Events were taking place across age classes ranging from 35 to 75 in singles, men and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with hundreds of players in action across the weekend.
Among the victors were Scottish pairing Jody Barral and Frances McLure, who triumphed in the WD35 competition with a 21-19 21-13 win over Kelly Fairey and Natalie Taylor on Saturday.
“We’re really excited, and really surprised as well,” said McLure.
“We were quite far behind in the beginning. It was a bit unsettling but I think we were just getting used to it. Once we got our tactics sorted we got a little more momentum.
“We didn’t really know a lot of the players here. I’m just really thankful because Jodie nearly didn’t play at this tournament – so I’m just so grateful that she did!
“It’s our first time playing the All England, and then we only did two tournaments in Scotland before. We’re quite a new partnership. I think we work quite well together – we have a similar style.”
There was strong English and British representation in an event which has international standing and recognition, with players representing nations from across the globe.
Irish, Swiss and Danish players were all in action, while countries from further afield such as Sri Lanka and Australia were also represented.
Danish duo Morten Eilby Rasmussen and Claus Vagner were triumphant in the MD40 event, beating compatriots Søren Sørensen and Jan Stobberup 21-10 21-10 in the final.
Vagner had had off-court complications throughout the week with some of his luggage going missing, though was thrilled with the partnership’s on court displays.
He added: “We played better and better throughout the tournament. I think the first game we had, we were lucky in that, but I think we played really well after that.
“We’re both left handed and we’re both used to playing with right-handers, which was a little strange for both of us to begin with. We didn’t give up a single set, so that was nice!”
More information about the event winners and draws can be found here.
