Heidi Bender is the Senior Badminton Player of  the Year 2017. The German spoke with Badminton Europe about her participation and the chances of winning the European Senior Championships 2018 in Guadalajara. 

Two matches, two categories and two victories, that is the result for Heidi Bender on Day 4 in Guadalajara. The player from Germany reached the next round of the European Senior Championships in the women’s singles and doubles. 

- My goal is to win in the women’s singles at least. I think my chances of winning with Svetlana are also high. 

A successful day

On Thursday, the German player and first seeded of the tournament won her match against Natalia Patrikeeva clearly with 21-6 and 21-7. In the evening she played in the doubles with her partner, Svetlana Zilberman. 

Together with Heidi Bender, the mother of top player Misha Zilberman won the double’s match in the category of 55 years against English pair Lynda Beer and Kerry Mullen with 21-10 and 21-7. 

- I like the tournament very much so far. We play in a big hall. Of course it is my goal to win with Heidi, says Svetlana Zilberman. 

Participating in all categories

Heidi Bender is competing in three categories in Guadalajara: In the women’s singles, doubles as well as in the mixed competition where she has an approved partner. And the 60-year-old is ambitious: 

- As I am not usually playing with my mixed double partner, I would be happy to reach the semi-finals at least.

- I cannot see that much from the city right now as I am fully concentrated on the tournament. 

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