On Sunday 5th February one of Etone’s own achieved ultimate glory by winning a national competition. Mr Kitching, one of our inspirational sport teachers travelled once again to Cardiff to compete in the Welsh National Badminton Tournament. Playing in the Mixed and Men’s Doubles Mr Kitching showed his potential with some convincing wins over his initial opponents. During the round of 16, along with team mate Daniel Font, they saw off the challenge of the first seeded player. It was inevitable then that for the Men’s Doubles the Champions were already crowned. In the final match the duo won in straight sets with a convincing lead and lifted the trophy. In the Mixed Doubles there was a tremendous effort with Mr Kitching and team mate Devi Tika Permatasari going all the way to the final and narrowly missing out in a three set epic.
We are so pleased and proud of Mr Kitching who always shows each and every one of our Etone Values and Employability Skills but in this achievement especially. It is amazing to have a national champion within the teaching staff and we know just how much this means to our pupils who can see that hard work, determination and dedication prove to be the ingredients for success.
Despite being more than qualified to take victory laps around the sports hall Mr Kitching remains very humble about his win however, we at the Etone News have to report this is not the FIRST time national success has been achieved by Mr Kitching. In total he now adds his Sixth title to the mix showing a dominance in Badminton.
His previous wins including:
Mens Singles 2016, 2017, 2020
Mixed Doubles 2019, 2021
Mens Doubles 2023
Whilst these may seem like monster success his career highlight remains winning the Staff vs Sixth Form Badminton Challenge last year, we’re glad to see it hasn’t gone to your head sir!
Please see attached the Mens doubles draw: https://badmintonwales.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament/draw?id=24B87935-98EF-4233-B255-4FD74CA3D1FE&draw=11