The World Badminton Team Championships kicked off today in Warsaw, Poland, with both Badminton Wales Mens Team and Womens Team playing their first matches. The Welsh mens team took on the Ukraine, and the Welsh Womens team played Slovakia a team they would hope to beat.

The Badminton Wales mens team were first up at 1000 this morning against the Ukraine at the Polish National Badminton Stadium at Arena Ursynow.
Ukraine shot off to a good start with Zavardsky beating Popat in straight sets, before Irwansyah defeated the Ukraine No2 in three game. Wales then took a 2-1 lead with Joe Morgan and James Phillips taking the 1st mens doubles.
Leading talent Jamie Van Hooijdonk lost the 3rd singles which saw the match levelled at 2-2.
In the decisive mens doubles Ukraine came out on top 3-2.

In the Badminton Wales womens team match Wales shot off to a great start with the RVBA's Sarah Thomas beating Fasungova in a long three set match. Wales then went two up with Carissa Turner also winning in three. The match was then finished off by the RVBA's Vikki Jones who again won in three games giving Wales a 3-0 lead.
In the doubles rubbers Sarah and Rachel Thomas lost in two close sets, while Harvey and Turner won in two close sets.

Final Score Wales 4, Slovakia 1.

So a mixed first day for the Welsh Team. Full results on the Badminton Wales Teams can be found here.