Joy as Niall strikes Gold

Going into the championships in Dortmund, Niall was the player to beat, and he certainly lived up to expectations as he successfully retained his Singles title.

Seeded Number 1 in the Mens Singles SS6 (Short Stature) class, there was no way the 23-year-old was going to relinquish his title easily. That proved to be the case as the World and European champion successfully defended the title he won back in 2009 beating Andrew Martin of England 21-18 21-14.

Niall said he was delighted to retain his title.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” he commented on his win. “I was over the moon. After all the build up and the training, it was good to know that the training paid off.

“When I went out there I wanted to return with the title I held, so it makes it extra special to have achieved that.

“As a team we all did well and when we weren’t playing we had good craic, so it makes the trip better.

“I was pretty nervous a couple of days before I went over, I started to feel the butterflies in my stomach, but once I got started it eased,” he said.

Niall was keen to thank those who support him, saying: “I would like to thank my coaches Andy and Leslie, my dad and the team, as well as Sport NI for their funding and FZ Forza.”

Niall has already returned to training and will take part in the 4 Nations Para Championships at Lisburn Racquets Club this weekend.

“This was probably one of the best tournaments of my life and I hope for even better in the future,” he added.

Niall’s coach Andrew Stewart spoke of his pride in the badminton star’s achievement.

Andrew, praised Niall’s performances, commenting: ”It was an outstanding performance from Niall. His playing level was extremely high in the semi final and final. I’m so proud of him.”