The 2012 Irish National Championships Kicked off In Baldoyle badminton Centre at 10 am and with the Olympic hopeful’s home along with some of Ireland’s finest young players, spectators enjoyed some top class badminton so far……………..

Men’s Singles: In the Men’s singles Scott Evan’s world number 65 stayed on course to retain his National title on his quest for a 7^th consecutive win at this event. Scott will meet Tony Stephenson in the semi-final as both players fulfilled their seeding to reach the semis. On the other side of the draw 17 year old Joshua Magee seeded 3/4 also booked his place in the semi-final. Stuart Lightbody created one of the big upsets of the day taking out number 2 seed Scott Burnside in a tough 3 set match. Lightbody continued his good form beating Conor Hickland in the quarter final to book his place in the semi-final to play Magee.

Ladies Singles: In the Ladies singles Chloe Magee world ranked 46 showed her class as she worked her way into the semi-final beating Claire Flood in the quarter final in a comprehensive two set victory. Chloe is now on course for 6^th Consecutive national title. The main contenders to Chloe in this event will be number 2 seed Jennie King and Sinead Chambers who make up the semi on the bottom half of the draw. On the top side 15 year old Alannah Stephenson played some great badminton in her Quarter Final against Catherine Coyle winning  21-11 21-13 to secure a semi-final against Magee.

Men’s Doubles: In the men’s doubles Ireland’s number one ranked doubles player Sam Magee world number 81 with his partner Ian Macbeth confirmed their number one seeding as they secured their semi-final spot. There are a number of partnerships looking to Challenge the one seeds for the title. Number two seeds Niall Tierney and Daniel Magee will meet Number 3/4 seeds Tony Stephenson World ranked number 88 with his partner Tony Murphy in what should be another exciting affair. These pairs have met a number of times this season and each time it has been a nip and tuck encounter. On the top side Scott Burnside and Conor Hickland make up the last of the semi-final spots as they challenge Magee and Macbeth for a place in the National men’s Doubles final.

Ladies Doubles: In the ladies Doubles Number one seeds defending Champions Sinead Chambers and Jennie King ranked 37 in Europe remain favourite to defend their title. King and Chambers took out Keelin Fox and Sonia Dunne to secure the first of the semi-final spot. King and Chambers will Meet Laura Butler and Kirsty Kelly who have continued their good form this season by securing their place in the semis. On the Other side of the draw Number two seeds Fiona and Pauline Glennon will meet another Sister partnership Norma Mcintyre and Caryn Elmes in what should be an exciting match up.

Mixed Doubles: In the Mixed Doubles world number 40 Sam and Chloe Magee try to take a 5^th consecutive national title as they once again make the semi-final of the Nationals. The main contenders will be number 2 seeds Daniel Magee and Fiona Glennon and 3/4 seeds another brother and sister combination of Ciaran and Sinead Chambers who meet on the bottom side of the draw. Stuart Lightbody and Caroline Black make up the other semi-final spot as they face number one seeds Sam and Chloe.

The nationals has always been one of the most exciting dates on the Irish calendar and with a strong field including all Olympic hopefuls at home competing in the semi-finals this weekend it will provide a great spectacle for any badminton spectators in attendance. With the cold snap here the semi-final and finals should provide some hot competition as the players go for the coveted prize of being crowned National Champion.

Irish National Badminton Championships Results.