Following a strong showing from seeded players at the recent English National Badminton Championships in Manchester, the top domestic players will be looking to carry that form into the competition, which features Europe’s top players as they bid to step up preparations ahead of the World Championships in 2011 and ultimately, the London 2012 Olympics.
Rajiv Ouseph was unbeatable in his run to take a third back-to-back men’s singles title at the Nationals and Anthony Clark was also in fine form taking a record ninth consecutive men’s doubles with partner Nathan Robertson. Nathan Robertson & Jenny Wallwork took top prize in the mixed doubles, Jenny Wallwork combined with Gabby White to win the women’s doubles, whilst Elizabeth Cann rounded off the winners with her victory in the women’s singles.
It is these English National Champions who will carry much of the expectation of medal glory to the Yonex European Championships, whilst young talent Chris Adcock will also be a threat alongside men’s doubles team-mate Robert Blair and mixed doubles partner, Gabby White.
With expectations high in men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles categories, as well as the men's singles, a four medal target is a tough but achievable target for the Team England contingent.
Ian Moss, BADMINTON England Performance Director, commented, “We have set ourselves this target as an achievable but difficult challenge. I was really pleased with the quality on display throughout the National Championships and that can only bode well for the future of the sport in this country.
“I’m confident that if we can get our top players playing at the best of their ability then the Europeans will be a very successful tournament for us. Playing events of this magnitude on home soil is a great boost for the players as well as the country’s badminton fans and I hope we will have a lot to be happy about come April.”
Tickets for the Yonex European Badminton Championships, which are set to feature many of Europe’s top players and stars from Team England, are on sale at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ 0844 847 8000 and at www.theticketfactory.com / 0844 581 0758. Prices start at just £12 (+ booking fee) for adults and £5 (+ booking fee) for children.
For more information on the Yonex European Badminton Championships, high resolution photography and interview opportunities with the players, please contact:
Leigh Ireland - Capitalize
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7545 503 579