November 7, 2022
Olympic bronze medallist Joanne Goode teamed up with former international Mark Constable to grab mixed double gold at the English National Masters Championships.
Goode, who won bronze at Athens 2000, and Constable were unstoppable as they cruised to a 21-17, 21-13 victory over Kenton Jones and Betty Blair in the final of the 45 years age group.
The third day of the Championships in Hatfield consisted solely of mixed doubles action, as Peter Emptage and Betty Bartlett took 70 years age group title with a 21-14, 21-11 victory over Graham Robinson and Avril Sloane.
Goode took to court earlier in the competition alongside women’s doubles partner Sarah Hardaker in the 45 years category, but the pair lost out on the title to Jenny Adrian and Tracey Parker.
Get Ready, Show Up and Don’t Blink. The YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2023. 14-19th March, Utilita Arena Birmingham.
Tickets on sale now!! https://t.co/GE37Gt0ZE8
Making History Since 1899 pic.twitter.com/7TtIhWlZ7f
— 🏆 Yonex All England Badminton Championships 🏆 (@YonexAllEngland) November 29, 2022
Elsewhere in the women’s doubles, Christine Crossley and Andi Stretch grabbed glory in the 65 years age category, winning all four of their round robin matches in the main draw.
Twin brothers James and Simon White took the title in the 40 years men’s doubles with a dramatic three-game final.
The men’s doubles saw several forced third games over the competition, but the Leicester battled back for the crown.
Mark Constable and Paul Le Tocq took a long-haul second game 27-25 but were unable to challenge in the third and had to settle for second.
The first day of competition took place on Friday, with singles action dominating the court.
Alan Plater was undefeated in the men’s 60 years age category, with a testing semi-final against Martin Staden before dropping coming from behind to win the final 16-21 21-16 21-15 against Mike Nevett
Simon Gihooly was victorious in the men’s 50 years singles, later heading all the way to the final in the men’s doubles alongside partner Justin Andrews.
In the women’s singles, Bartlett grabbed her first win of the competition in the 70 years age group, beating Sylvia Penn and Marguerite Butt for the victory.
