THE THIRD Welsh Masters Badminton Championships 2012 brought success for two local badminton players - Chris Short who plays for Cardiff Nomads and Dave Stopgate who plays for Holm View LC, with both taking a string of titles at the recent tournament.
Chris Short was invited to compete in the Over 40's Singles, which he subsequently won. He then went on to successfully defend both the Mixed Doubles title, playing with Sarah Debatista (Cardiff Nomads), and the Men's Doubles, partnered by Swansea athlete, Huw John.
This is only the second year Chris has been eligible for the Masters and consequently he remains unbeaten.
Dave Stopgate became National Champion in Singles in both the Over 50 and Over 55 categories, and was also runner up in two Men's Doubles finals.
Both Chris and Dave represent Wales at International level. Dave's upcoming commitments see him travel to Guernsey at Easter to play a veterans event, then it's on to the All England Championships on April 19. For Chris, it's a return to Club and County tournaments.
Speaking after the tournament, Chris and Dave both thanked the organisers for all the time and effort, adding: "It is great to see a tournament go from strength to strength, with players coming from all over to enter."
The next date the Welsh squad gets together is for a friendly against Ireland in Dublin on May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Come on Wales!
