ENGLISH NATIONALS: HALL TAKES HIS NINTH TITLE

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February 1, 1998 (NEW SHUTTLENWS) - 32-year old Darren Hall continued his mastery over England's badminton men's singles players by capturing his ninth national title today at the Badminton Association of England championships in Haywards Heath. Hall overcame a bad cold and a slow start in the championship match today against first-time finalist Colin Haughton to win at 15-12 and 15-6.

In women's singles, Julia Mann took the championship, easily beating Rebecca Pantaney 11-5 and 11-1.

The men's doubles crown was won by the top English pairing of Simon Archer and Chris Hunt. Archer and Hunt defeated the unrelated Robertsons, Julian and Nathan, 15-7 and 15-10, in today's finals.

Joanne Goode (nee Wright), who is making a comeback after a 9-month layoff to have a baby, teamed up with Donna Kellogg to take the women's doubles title. Goode and Kellogg beat Nicola Beck and Joanne Davies in a down-to-the-wire final, 13-15, 15-8 and 17-15.

In the mixed doubles final, Archer and Goode defeated Hunt and Kellogg in two games, 18-13 and 15-7.

(angel/dsimmons)