HB&O sponsored Rhys Walker makes impression on senior badminton stage

Nov. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Walker, a former Higham Lane School pupil who now attends Hinckley and North Warwickshire College, has won the Staffordshire Open title, a national satellite tournament which is usually reserved for the top 60 players in the country.
During the competition in Burton-upon-Trent, Walker defeated the number three and seven seeds as well as the number two seed Daryl Jacobs from Middlesex in the semi-final 21:10, 21:05 before progressing to the final.
Walker lined up against Gloucestershire’s Chris Hotchens in the final where he won the first set 21:17 before conceding the second 17:21. But he bounced back to win the match and claim the Sentinel Cup with a 21:19 win in the final set.
The victory gave Walker his first trophy at senior level as well as elevating his senior ranking to number 39 in the country. He will now go on to compete at the Portuguese Open senior international tournament in December.
He said: “I was absolutely ecstatic to win the tournament, to see all the hard work and effort I put in throughout the day rewarded when I hit that final shot, it was the greatest feeling.
“It was my first adult senior win and I hope I can now go on to prove myself on this circuit, compete more and continue progressing. Hopefully this will be the first of many wins.”
Walker recently suffered a set-back in his development when his funding was cut and he is searching for new sponsors as he aims to continue his progression and fulfil his dream of competing at an Olympic Games.
One organisation which has stepped in to offer its support is Coventry and Leamington-based financial experts and chartered accountants Harrison Beale and Owen (HB&O) which has made a donation to contribute towards funding some of Walker’s personal coaching and fitness costs.
Rob Kendall, managing director at HB&O, said: “We have a proud history of supporting local teams and talented sports people and we are delighted to support Rhys as he continues to fulfil his enormous potential.”
For more information on Rhys, sponsorship opportunities or to keep up-to-date with his achievements visit www.rhyswalker.com.
ENDS

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