Evans finally grabs glory after losing seven national finals

Good things come to those who wait.

After losing seven European circuit finals, Dublin’s Scott Evans was yesterday — finally and deservedly — crowned Irish Badminton Open champion.

The two time Olympian overcame French qualifier Lucas Corvee 21-19 21-18 after 37 minutes at the Baldoyle Badminton Centre to become the first home player to claim the crown since Colin Bell’s success in 1973.

“It was a big deal,” Evans admitted last night. “I had been in seven finals and lost all seven. To finally get over the line was a massive achievement.

“I have been playing well recently but given my record wasn’t overly confident coming into the final. On days like this it all comes down to the player who has the best tactic on court.”

Evans, who featured at the Beijing and London Olympics, believes a major lifestyle change is behind his overdue success.

“After the Olympics I felt I needed to change things. My confidence was down during the Games. I was living and playing in Denmark for seven years but now I am based in England, working and training with the top British players. It is a new start and it has brought back my confidence.

“I am still a full time player and will play league in Denmark when I can but my primary focus now is England.

Evans’ fellow national No 1 Chloe Magee failed to make it an Irish double when she came up short in the women’s singles final.

Magee headed into the match as the clear favourite, but the Danish player upset the odds, prevailing 23-21 18-21 21-18.