The Irish Para-Badminton International gets underway tomorrow, and while European medal hopes are slim, two classes show high promise of silverware in Dublin this week

The move towards acceptance of Badminton as a Paralympic sport undoubtedly changed the game for the better. The last 18 months have seen an increase in numbers at international events and a strength in depth throughout most of the Para-Badminton classes.

Naturally the fight becomes harder to win medals and much like the able bodied game, a domination by Asia is present in the medal tables. An international gold medal coming home to Europe in any event is no easy task and we have a handful of opportunities this week at the Irish International.

Niall McVeigh pumped after first SS6 win in 3 years

Host Countryman Niall McVeigh is fresh from lifting the Turkish International SS6 men’s singles title last month. The Irishman destroyed the competition in Konya, without dropping a single game to take his first international titles since his home event in 2015. Back on home soil this week, he had this to say 

“I was delighted to win my first trophy in 3 years, and very proud of how I played last month. It’s always special for me playing at home, and I’m hoping to retain the same form this week. I feel ready for the fight!”

The world number 5 will have his work cut out for him this week, with the 4 best players on the planet in the field. Leading the way, World Champion Jack Shephard (ENG) will be aiming to make it 5 internationals in a row. 

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Karin Suter-Erath defends WH1 women’s singles title

Last year’s WH1 women’s singles final was one of the closely anticipated matches on the circuit, and the performance of both players that day lived up to the hype. 

The current world number 1 Sujirat Pookkham (THA) was up against Europe’s golden girl, former World Champion Karin Suter-Erath (SUI). In a thrilling 3 game match it took a performance of a lifetime for the Swiss player to take the title 16,21, 22-20, 21-19. 

With the absence of Chinese and Thai WH1 players this week, Suter-Erath is the clear favourite and looking forward to the challenge:

“I’ve great memories of last year here, it was a good match and great atmosphere. She (Pookkham) is not here this year but things have been going well for me lately and I’m really motivated to perform well this week”

For a full list of the Irish Para-Badminton International draws and results this week click here