Plaidt, Germany – The SV Unkel badminton team, affectionately known as “Oldies but Goldies,” demonstrated remarkable skill and determination at the Southwest German Championships in Plaidt, securing berths for the German Championships in Herrenberg this May. The team’s six competitors – Sandra Schreiber, Claudia Bauch, Hildegard O’Neill, Brigitte and Dieter Prax and Claus Schulte – collectively earned three titles and numerous podium finishes, guaranteeing their participation in the national event.
The Southwest German Championships, encompassing age groups from O 35 to O 80, weren’t just about claiming titles; they were a qualifying event for the prestigious German Championships. The Unkel team rose to the occasion, showcasing a level of play that belied their age classifications. The success was particularly notable for three players with ties to Erpel – Hildegard O’Neill, Brigitte and Dieter Prax – each securing a championship title.
The competition began with mixed doubles play. Brigitte and Dieter Prax, seasoned competitors, entered as defending champions in the O 75 age group. While Dieter is now eligible to compete in the O 80 category, regulations require him to partner with his wife in the younger division. The pair easily defeated the Thuringian duo of Berendt, but faced a tough challenge in the final against Klaus-Peter Woitas and Christine Krüll (Hessen). Despite a nearly hour-long battle, Woitas and Krüll ultimately prevailed, taking the title.
Hildegard O’Neill teamed up with Paul Bösl, a Bendorf native now residing in Hessen, rekindling a partnership that proved successful the previous year. Their chemistry was evident as they advanced to the final in the O 65 mixed doubles, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a close three-set match against a Pfälzischen mixed team.
In the O 60 mixed doubles, Claudia Bauch and Claus Schulte, already a successful pairing in team competitions, secured a third-place finish. They navigated their way to the semi-finals before being stopped by Angelika Lang and Karsten Großgebauer of Thuringia, a dominant team with a history of German Championship titles.
Sandra Schreiber, partnering with Andi Schmitz from BC Niederlützingen in the O 45 category, finished fifth in a highly competitive field.
The second day of the championships featured individual events. Dieter Prax, competing in the O 80 division for the first time, reached the semi-finals and delivered a surprising victory over top-seeded Dieter Behrendt. He ultimately fell to Gerd Jacobi, another accomplished Thuringian player, in the final.
Claus Schulte lived up to his second seeding in the O 60 singles, reaching the final where he faced Karsten Großgebauer, a multiple-time German champion. Schulte pushed Großgebauer to a deciding set, winning one game, but ultimately finished as the runner-up.
Hildegard O’Neill, after initially hesitating to compete in the O 65 singles, made a late decision that proved fruitful. She exceeded expectations, defeating top seed Petra Knacker (Hessen) in the semi-finals and then convincingly defeating Gabi Fischer (Pfalz) in the final to become the Southwest German Champion. This victory was a surprise to many, showcasing O’Neill’s exceptional form.
Sandra Schreiber also enjoyed a successful run in the O 45 singles, reaching the semi-finals before losing to the highly-regarded Stefanie Zubek (Hessen). Despite the loss, Schreiber secured her spot in the German Championships.
The third day of competition focused on doubles play, and the Unkel team continued to perform well. Dieter Prax, the oldest member of the team at 80, successfully defended his O 75 title (won the previous year with a different partner) alongside Hanjo Hickethier (Hessen), winning a close match against Merkelbach/Wipprich of Pfalz 21:19 in the third set.
Brigitte Prax, the reigning German champion, had a relatively simple path to victory in the O 80 women’s doubles, partnering with Christine Krüll (Hessen) to defeat Elvira Richter (a former world champion) and Monika Krück (Saarland) in the final.
Hildegard O’Neill, also a current German champion, teamed up with Claudia Bauch in the O 60 doubles. The unseeded pair reached the semi-finals, upsetting the top-seeded team of Angelika Lang (Thuringia) and Sigrid Bleymehl-Schley (Saarland) in a three-set thriller. They fought hard in the final against Doris Reiche/Maren Schröder (Hessen), winning a set before ultimately finishing as runners-up.
Hildegard O’Neill proved to be the busiest player from SV Unkel, competing in eight matches to achieve her three podium finishes.
Sandra Schreiber and her Nassau partner, Sara Abbas, faced a difficult draw in their first match against a strong Pfälzischen duo, but managed to win a set.
Claus Schulte, partnering with Jürgen Wilhelm (BSC Güls) in the O 55 division, had a less successful day.
the weekend was a resounding success for the SV Unkel “Oldies,” with a total of three gold medals, five silver medals, and two bronze medals. All six players have now qualified for the German Championships, which will be held in Herrenberg near Stuttgart in mid-May. The German Championships will also serve as a qualifying event for the European Championships.
The SV Unkel team’s performance is a testament to their dedication, skill, and enduring passion for badminton. Their success at the Southwest German Championships demonstrates that age is no barrier to athletic achievement.
What’s Next: The SV Unkel team will now prepare for the German Championships in Herrenberg, Germany, in mid-May, where they will compete for national titles and a chance to qualify for the European Championships.
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