It was a successful week for the tall Dieter Domke of Germany. After the semi-final at the Yonex Dutch Open one week ago, he showed another good performance in the city of Yverdon-les-Bains by winning the 2012 Swiss International. But he had to work hard against the left-handed Toby Penty of England and in the rubber-set, it was only three points, which separated the two men.

For Dieter it was the last funny moment for the next two months. As he is serving at the military of the German Bundeswehr and has to join an 8-weeks army course which starts in one week. Dieter: « Until now, as a sport soldier, I had every year one of this courses in last years. But the next one will be the last and from middle December on, I can really focus on badminton 100% until 2016 beside my studies of business law.

In ladies singles, the tournament saw some upsets. Karin Schnaase of Germany lost to the 19 years old Indonesian girl Millicent Wiranto, who came to Europe to get some more experience in World Class Badminton. But in the final versus the powerfull Kirsty Gilmour (SCO) she could keep the match close only in the first set before loosing 22-24/17-21.

The men's doubles competition saw a victory of Adam Cwalina/ Przemyslaw Wacha of Poland over the English duo of Christopher Coles/Matthew Nottingham. Normally the final should have been played at last match on Sunday, but the Polish players had problems with the flight back to Poland. So the final in ladies and mens doubles were played at the same time to save around one hour.

While the english boys all lost, the English girls did better. In the women's doubles, Heather Olver/Kate Robertshaw won in a very close match over the Germans Isabel Herttrich/Carla Nelte. It was the second final for Isabel, who had won before the mixed-doubles with Peter Käsbauer against Ben Stawski/Alyssa Lim from England.

It was a pity, that the draw had not been the friend of the number one seeded pair in the mixed competition, Anthony Dumartheray/Sabrina Jaquet (SUI). They lost to the later winner in three sets. Due to the fact, that Peter Käsbauer had played only one tournament with his new partner Isabel Herttrich (finalist of 2012 Bulgarian International two weeks ago), they had not enough points to be seeded. Winning the first round meant for them a good chance to win the tournament.

The tournament was hold for the second time and it was the first time, that it was held in the city of Yverdon-les-Bains. I have doubt, whether the players had time to visit the « Hot Water Springs » of the famous Bain Thermal. Maybe they can do it next year, when the tournament will be held again in the same city.

Beside the Badminton Swiss Open, Switzerland has now a second international tournament, which is a very good platform for upcoming players. Or champions like Dieter Domke.

To view all results from Switzerland CLICK HERE.

Article and photo by Michael Dickhäuser.