The Isle of Man Badminton Association Senior Restricted Championships were held on the recently at the Roundhouse in Braddan and saw a good display of talent with an excellent entry in all five events. In the open singles event, players were drawn in four groups. Defending champion Tobey Cheng (McKenzie Fox Fencibles) dominated a strong Group A.
Group B was topped by former champion Alex Buck (Chillphase Vikings), while Steven Quayle (Chillphase Vikings) claimed victory in Group C. Rounding off the group winners, top junior player Martin Cheung (McKenzie Fox Fencibles) emerged victorious in Group D, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase. In the semi-finals, Cheng faced Cheung, where the former secured his place in the final with a 21/12, 21/10 victory.
The other semi, however, was much closer encounter between Buck and Quayle. Both players pushed each other to the limit, but Alex triumphed in straight sets, winning 21/19, 21/18. The final saw a magnificent showdown between Cheng and Buck, both players putting on a masterclass of badminton.
Cheng clinched the first game 21/12, but Buck responded fiercely, taking the second game 21/9. In a thrilling third and final set, it was Cheng who held his nerve, edging out Alex 21/18 to defend his title in a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the event. In the Open Singles plate event, which included all players who didn’t win their group, competitors were put into a knockout tournament for the consolation event.
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