Alex Lane becomes first University student to win English Badminton men’s singles crown
University of Bath sporting scholar Alex Lane has taken his place in the history books after claiming his debut senior men’s singles title at the 2017 English National Badminton Championships.
Lane, who studies Sports Performance and is supported by a Trendell Sports Scholarship, became the first University student to win the coveted prize after producing a dominant display to beat top seed Toby Penty 21-11 21-15 in Sunday’s final.
It completed a memorable day for the Lane family – younger brother Ben partnered Jess Pugh to the mixed doubles crown in Wycombe as both siblings emulated the achievements of mum Suzanne Louis Lane, who won two national women’s singles in the 1990s.
“I came here believing I am the best player in the field and I have shown that,” said Lane, who is coached by Pete Bush at the Sports Training Village.
“I don’t play too many tournaments these days but the Nationals mean a lot to me. To become national champion is important to me and I think that showed in my performance.
“It’s not about proving a point, it’s just nice to go out there and do what I do. It is nice to win it in the same event as Ben as he would never let me forget it.”
Lane was in fantastic form throughout the National Championships and didn’t drop a game, beating Nathan Rossiter 21-16 21-16, Kit Clement-Dawson 21-10 21-5, Alex Marritt 21-15 21-12 and, in the semi-finals, Zach Russ 21-15 21-13.
He has played a big role in the University of Bath badminton squad’s success in British Universities & Colleges Sport [BUCS] competitions over the past couple of years.
Click here for more information about the thriving badminton programme at the University of Bath.
@alexlane29 @TeamBath men’s singles National Champ pic.twitter.com/GWsyeri6lv
— Jo Louis (@jolouis4) September 3, 2017
