Sydney Smith was the first
All England Badminton Men's Singles champion in 1900. He reached his first Wimbledon singles final in 1899, beating
Herbert Roper Barrett in an epic five set semi final before losing the all comers final to
Arthur Gore in four sets. In 1900 Smith beat Gore in the all comers final at Wimbledon, before losing to
Reginald Doherty in the challenge round in four sets. In 1905, Smith beat
Holcombe Ward,
Wilberforce Eaves,
William Larned and
Major Ritchie before losing the all comers final in five sets to
Norman Brookes. The Mixed Doubles Trophy, a silver challenge cup and cover presented to the winners of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, was gifted to the All England Club by Smith's family. == Grand Slam finals ==