McGinn ready for Welsh test

After their Triangular international series against Wales and Scotland ended in a three-way tie at the National Sports Centre…

After their Triangular international series against Wales and Scotland ended in a three-way tie at the National Sports Centre in Cardiff this week, the Irish badminton team will now take part in this weekend's Welsh Open.

Sonya McGinn's confidence should be on a high after winning both her singles matches, as well as her two doubles games, with partner Jayne Plunkett. The Dubliner has risen to joint 23rd in the European rankings this season and 48th in the world following her recent good form. In the past month she has reached the singles semi-finals of the Spanish International in Seville and the quarterfinals at the Toulouse Open.

Bruce Topping will also hope to maintain his form this weekend after producing a superb win over Geraint Lewis which clinched a 32 victory for Ireland over the Welsh. Defeat by Scotland, who themselves went down to Wales in the final match, left all three nations with one win apiece.

Irish Squad: Sonya McGinn, Elaine Kiely, Donie O'Halloran, Jayne Plunkett, Bruce Topping, Lesley Dewart, Mark Topping, Keelin Fox.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times