Exeter Badminton Performance Centre player takes double gold at Nationals

Mac progressed through a tough group of players in the opening round from Richard Huish College, Weston College and Yeovil College winning through to the knockout phase. Mac then defeated fellow Exeter College Student and Exeter Badminton Performance Centre player, Martin Porter 21-15. The semi-final saw Mac play Rhys Coates from Richard Huish College winning through 21-10 leaving a competitive final against Noah Semonin from Truro and Penwith College. Mac lost the first set in the final 18-21 but won the next two 21-13 and 21-6 to take the singles title. Mac’s superb performance means he will now compete in the National Finals in March played in Bath.

Mac followed up his singles win by partnering with Vicky Prouse to the Mixed Doubles title, which capped off a brilliant day for the Exeter Badminton Performance Centre. They won through the group stage coming up against pairs from Strode College, Truro and Penwith College and Bridgewater College then defeating fellow Exeter College pairing of Helliwell/Porter in the semi-final. The final was an extremely tight match and fantastic game, prevailing with a 22-20, 17-21, 21-18 victory against Luke/Cooper from Truro and Penwith College. Mac and Vicky progress as a pair to the National Finals.

Director of Badminton Helen Ward, who coaches Mac twice a week, said, “It is a great achievement for Mac to take both titles at the South West Nationals and qualify for the National Finals in March. Mac has been part of the Performance Centre here for 4 years and trains weekly with us making tremendous progress in his development.

“To come back to win after losing the first set in the singles and again coming back after losing the second set in the doubles shows his character, dedication and application. All the Exeter Badminton Performance Centre players were excellent and their performances show the strength of the programme.”

Helen Ward has recently been selected as a UK Sport Aspire Coach, one of only 22 in the country and she will have a significant impact in the talent pathways of aspiring badminton players. Helen also coaches the under 15 National age group for Badminton England.

The Exeter Badminton Performance Centre is the Badminton England recognised performance pathway in the South West, catering for talented individuals from the age of 8 upwards. If you would like more information on how you could become a member please contact Helen Ward via email: BadmintonPC@exeter.ac.uk

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For more information on this story contact Andrew Fry, Marketing Manager on 01392 724452 or a.g.fry@exeter.ac.uk