Paul E Whetnall (19 February 1947 – 1 May 2014)[1] was an English badminton player who won national and international titles between 1968 and 1980. He was married to Susan Pound Whetnall who was an outstanding player of the same era.

Paul Whetnall
Personal information
CountryEngland
Born19 February 1947
Birmingham, West Midlands, England
Died1 May 2014(2014-05-01) (aged 67)
Medal record
Men's badminton
Representing  England
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 1970 Edinburgh Men's singles
Silver medal – second place 1974 Christchurch Mixed doubles
European Championships
Bronze medal – third place 1970 Port Talbot Men's singles
Bronze medal – third place 1976 Dublin Men's singles
European Mixed Team Championships
Silver medal – second place 1976 Dublin Mixed team

Career

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Whetnall was noted for his shot-making accuracy and tactical astuteness. In his most successful season, 1975–1976, Whetnall won the open men's singles crowns of South Africa, Scotland, Germany, and the USA,[2] as well as his third and last English National singles title.[3] In 1970 Whetnall was a men's singles runner-up in the quadrennial British Commonwealth Games, losing a close final to Canada's Jamie Paulson.[4] Shortly after this, his tournament career suffered a 2 12-year hiatus due to a badminton pro-tour venture which folded in 1973. Whetnall represented England in Thomas Cup (men's international team) competition in the 1969–1970 and 1975–1976 campaigns.

He represented England and won a silver medal in the singles, at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland.[5][6] Four years later he won a second silver medal (in the mixed doubles) at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games, Christchurch, New Zealand.[7]

He coached badminton in Kent for many years [1]

Personal life

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He married fellow international Sue Pound in 1968.

References

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  1. ^ badmintonengland.co.uk
  2. ^ "Open Championships," Badminton USA, May 1976, 6.
  3. ^ Pat Davis, The Guinness Book of Badminton (Enfield, Middlesex, England: Guinness Superlatives Ltd., 1983) 86.
  4. ^ Davis, 113.
  5. ^ "1970 Athletes". Team England.
  6. ^ "Edinburgh, 1970 Team". Team England.
  7. ^ "Athletes and results". Commonwealth Games Federation.