Topping graduated with a Business Studies degree at the University of Portsmouth in 1994 and represented Hampshire at county level.[2] He then represented Ulster at provincial level[3] and the all-Ireland team at international level, making his debut in the 1994 Thomas Cup.[4][5]
Topping specialised in doubles play and partners included his brother Bruce Topping in the men's doubles and Nikki Lane in mixed doubles.[6] He played for the Alpha Badminton Club in Lisburn[7] but later moved to Dublin.[8] In 2001 he was ranked number one in Ireland in doubles with his brother Bruce[9] and in 2003 won two titles in the Autumn Open Championships in Dublin, winning the men's and mixed doubles.[10]
Topping represented the 2006 Northern Irish team[11] at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, where he competed in doubles events.[12]
He was a five-time Irish champion at the Irish National Badminton Championships, winning the men's doubles in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005.[13][14]
