O’Brien gears up for Nationals with Ulster title win
Jack O'Brien from Ballina impressed on his way to victory at the Ulster Open.
Badminton: Ballina native Jack O’Brien has geared up for next month’s National Badminton Championships in the best possible fashion, with overall victory at the Ulster Badminton Premier Open Singles Tournament.
The 28-year-old’s win on Saturday week last, January 10, came against a familiar opponent in fellow Connacht man, Karl McLoughlin, from Galway.
O’Brien, who is also reigning Connacht champion, played some scintillating badminton on the day, progressing to the semi-finals comfortably where he met a real rising star of the game in Ulsterman Jeffrey Rong.
Rong initially caused O’Brien a lot of problems and won the first set 21-19, showing great pace and power. However, in the second set Jack got on top and won that 21-9, playing a flatter style of play and dominating the net exchanges.
The third and deciding set was a real ding-dong affair but it was Jack's experience that shone through in the end as he went on to take that 21-18 to win the match.
The final turned out to be far more straightforward for the Mayo man against Galwegian Karl McLoughlin as he was really motoring now and won comfortably 21-13, 21-10 to win the championship.
The title win is a testament to O’Brien’s determination and resolve given not only his injury setbacks earlier in the season but the continued lack of financial funding. His Connacht and Ulster singles titles see him ranked number two in Ireland.
The nationals in February will take place in Dublin.
