Masters Games badminton and table tennis wrap up after successful competitions

Graham Feist has been organising badminton at Whanganui's Masters Games since the first event in 1989. Photo / Bevan Conley

The sound of the ball going through the basketball net was replaced by the swinging of racquets and bats as the 2021 Downer New Zealand Masters Games wrapped up badminton and table tennis yesterday.

Playing in the Springvale Stadium extension, the final rounds of badminton wrapped up mid-afternoon.

Starting the action on Saturday, there were two full days of games across the weekend. In total 414 games were played across numerous grades including social, over-35s and over-55s.

"We've had 110 people play this year," organiser Graham Feist said.

"We always get a good turnout, we have been very consistent over the years."

The final two games of badminton for the Masters Games, some 414 games into the three day competition. Photo / Bevan Conley

Feist, who has been organising badminton for the Masters in Whanganui since the first event in 1989, said it's always a great event.

"People love coming here to play. We get people from all over New Zealand.

"We had very full days on Saturday and Sunday. We had mixed doubles and men and women's doubles. A lot of good games across the days."

The average age of competitors was 55, quite a high average for the Masters, he said.

"Our injury tally is zero. We have done it a couple of times, but it is pretty rare when you're playing so many games."

Just 100 metres away, table tennis was also wrapping up.

Kerry Martin made the long journey from the bottom of the South Island for his fifth Masters Games.

Kerry Martin from Gore is in Whanganui for his third Masters Games. Photo / Bevan Conley

"That's where I play. This is my third one up here and my fifth overall. I always enjoy it. Good people, well organised, a lot of fun with friends. Always good."

Martin said he was playing for a consolation prize after running into some stiff competition.

"I got a good hiding up here. These guys are good players, really great guys. A lot better than in Dunedin last year."