DEAF SPORTS Deaflympics Badminton

Men's doubles today with John Kelly and Jim Lawlor v Karpov & Efermov (Russia); the Irish men pretty much knew who the winners would be as the past record went in Russian favour. Some long rallies but the number 4 seeds had incredible power and defence that moved the shuttle about and duly won the game at 21-8, 21-9

The Irish rushed to a 21-8 and it looked bad making many mistakes, but the second game they came alive and caught the Russians off guards at times. Anything short, Kelly was driving back and taking total control of the net but the lack of team work and nerves got to Lawlor and Kelly as they lost in the second set.

The Russian duos are through the semi finals.

Disappointed Lawlor said "the Russians didn't let us play our game, they were too strong. Their standards are high as they only made two mistakes giving us points whereas we made a lot of errors giving away points-they got every shot- high, drop or back"
Coach Mark Topping said "the players listened to me and Coach Laura and did their best, I am delighted for them and I really enjoyed the games throughout the Deaflympics"

"The players worked hard over the last year and put huge efforts and commitment in it, especially the two young girls travelling from the north to Dublin every week, and they upped their games in the Deaflympics playing with top 8 players out of 59 players.

On the whole they did their best" says badminton coach Laura Higgins