European Junior Champion

Matthew Nottingham has completed his junior badminton career in some style. Following on from the two National U19 titles he won last month, he and partner Chris Coles (Avon) have lifted the European Junior Doubles title in Vantaa, Finland.

The joint third seeds put out the top Russian pair in the second round before beating a Swiss pair in the third round and a French pair in the quarter finals, setting themselves up a semi final match against the number one seeded Danes, Astrup-Sorenson and Fladberg, whom they had not beaten in four meetings. They took control of the match early on however and never allowed their much fancied opponents back in, winning 21-17, 21-17, to march into the final and ultimately win a three set duel with the German second seeds, Schwenger and Holzer.

Not content with one medal, Matthew also achieved a silver medal in the mixed doubles with Helena Lewczynska (Herts). The joint third seeds did it the hard way and showed considerable fighting spirit to prevent an early exit against the Swedes Myhren and Wan in the second round, saving 4 match points before closing the game out 25-23 in the third set.  More convincing wins against Spanish, German and French opposition set up a semi final against ninth seeded Dutch pair Middleburg and De Visch Eijbergen, which they won 21-14, 21-17. The final against the Danes, Astrup-Sorenson and Kjaersfelt was close, with Matt and Helena taking the first game, but ultimately they had to settle for a silver medal.