European Junior Silver for the Grimleys, Belgian International silver for Hall and MacPherson

Christopher and Matthew Grimley have won men’s doubles silver at the European Junior Championships in Tallinn, Estonia.

A quarter-final win over England’s William Jones and Ethan van Leeuwen 21-15 21-8 in Friday night’s quarter-final guaranteed them at least a bronze medal.

A comfortable 21-14 21-16 victory yesterday over French pair Maxime Briot and Kenji Lovang turned bronze into at least silver, but gold proved to be a step too far.

In today’s final they came up against more French resistance, this time in the shape of second seeds Fabien Delrue and William Villeger, who ran out 21-18 21-15 winners to give Delrue his third gold of the championships, having already won the mixed doubles earlier today and the team event last week.

Although disappointed not to have made it to the top spot on the podium, speaking afterwards Matthew confirmed he was happy with his silver medal and his performances throughout the event:

“I’m really happy with the silver medal, obviously gold would have been nicer but we are happy with our performance throughout the tournament” he said

“It’s a great feeling that I was able to win the silver so soon after my injury because it shows that all the work I did throughout my rehab program was worth it.”

Christopher continued: “Really happy with the silver medal as it was one of our goals for the season to medal at this European Juniors.

“We have played well throughout the tournament which makes me feel good coming up to the Youth Olympics that I can do my best and keep in good form.”

In Belgium, Adam Hall and Julie MacPherson despatched French fourth seeds Thorn Gicquel and Delphine Delrue 21-15 21-17 in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles in only their second tournament together since teaming up once again as a pairing.

But top seeds Jacco Arends and Selena Piek of the Netherlands took the top spot on the podium, winning 21-11 21-13 in the final.

In the women’s doubles Eleanor O’Donnell and Ciara Torrance reached the semi-finals where they were stopped by Delrue and Lea Palermo, who also went on to win the final.

Full results from Estonia and Belgium at www.tournamentsoftware.com