Nationals 2008

[Bigdog]

Anybody know how the seedings are done for the Nationals? By common sense or by rankings? The rankings are a bit of a mess in a couple of the events.

Mens doubles could be good this year.

[FutureChamp]

They are normally based on rankings, but hopefully common sense will be applied a little this year.

Oh hang on, we're talking about BE here!

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

All the names are pulled out of the Admirals hat !!

[Mark.C]

i've heard a nasty rumour that the admiral mite not b playing the nationals now due 2 injury??......anyone confirm this?

Think they do the seeding straight off the ranking list these days.......BA&common sense?????

[alansd]

What about you mark?
Heading across with Kimmy this year?
The admiral would need na zimmerframe to get about at the best of time so with an injury there is no chance!

[Mark.C]

yup will b nipping over the channel with my zimmer frame aswell....if they let me in the draw that is!!

[alansd]

Is there any reason why you shouldnt get in?

[Mark.C]

yeah a ranking in the 100's...haha

[alansd]

I would have thought winning the Jersey open would have been qualification enough to get into the all england never mind the nationals!

[LegendStatus]

The Admiral always pulls out with injury ....:rolleyes:

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Welcome to the forum Dandelion (the Chosen One has hereby christined you with a more apt name)

How many times have you beaten the Admiral as back up to to your covertly critical banter ??

[LegendStatus]

As you have a face like a Monkey you can call me what you like ...

I quoted that he always pulls out of tournaments ( plus county matches ) due to injury x 5 . I never questioned how good he used to be or mentioned that I could not beat him , although I have on the odd occasion.:p

Still it was good to touch a nerve .

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One does indeed have a few problems with some trapped nerves, old age he thinks is playing a factor, Dandelion.

:(

[myself]

The Chosen One does indeed have a few problems with some trapped nerves, old age he thinks is playing a factor, Dandelion.

:(

i myself can't disagree with you yourself this time.

[Bigdog]

Does Baxter qualify to play yet?

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Does Ghafoo ?

[LegendStatus]

Hey ... Monkey Mug ,

Did you ever grace us with your badminton skills at the Nationals ? :D , also who do you tip for the singles this year using your fountain of knowledge .

[richard murray]

Hey ... Monkey Mug ,

Did you ever grace us with your badminton skills at the Nationals ? :D , also who do you tip for the singles this year using your fountain of knowledge .


Didnt you mean to ask did you ever win the nationals and how many times, monkey mug

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One's 2008 resolution is that he believes the source of all knowledge be derived from polls !!

Once site support shake off the mulled wine, the Chosen One shall report back with his tips and remember Tricky, although as the Chosen One once believed that it's all about the winning its really all about the taking part.

Whipper snappers nowadays don't remember there is an ethos to the games !!

[AXC]

Surely

Ouseph, Kidd or Rice for mens singles; I back Nick Kidd.

Hallam, Cann or Pittard for ladies singels; I back Elizabeth Cann. If Rachel Howard is fit she would be my outside bet.

Not sure who will be playing with who in mens doubles but it will be Clark & partner v Blair & partner; I back Blair & partner at the moment. Anthony Clark has not had good results recently but, in my opinion, there are few better dobles players in England than him when he is on form. I hope he comes good for the nationals.

Emms & Kellog v Nicholas & Munt (Emms & Kellog won in 3 in Malaysia); I back Emms & Kellog

Mixed has to be Robertson & Emms even though Clark & Kellog beat them last year.

[Ben B123]

nick kidd isn't playing this year

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

I wonder if he's weighing up how being twice National Singles champion has helped his funding situation ...

[Bigdog]

nick kidd isn't playing this year

If Nick isn't playing and Carl still isn't eligible then the Mens singles rankings are (assuming Smith doesn't enter):
1. Ouseph
2. Marritt
3. White
4. Rice
5. Allinson
6. D'Cruz
7. Beckman
8. Wrigley

BAofE have to deviate from the rankings, surely?

[alansd]

Mark C is playing so should trouble quite a few of those boys and if the admiral were to throw in his hat it could be interesting.
Beckman Ouseph final??

oops, forgot about Ghaffar....

[Lefty]

Rice did very well last year so he's gotta be a good bet

Gwan Allinson sort em out! I remember you giving our team a proper spanking when you played for Warwick uni back in the day in the BUSA league

Cant wait to see Mark C in action too. What seed is he?

ps. howdy to forum folk, i've been a lurker for ages :rolleyes: i hope you welcome me into your warm bosoms

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One welcomes you into his warm voluptous bososms Lefty, welcome to the forum !!

[Bigdog]

Rice did very well last year so he's gotta be a good bet

Gwan Allinson sort em out! I remember you giving our team a proper spanking when you played for Warwick uni back in the day in the BUSA league

Cant wait to see Mark C in action too. What seed is he?

ps. howdy to forum folk, i've been a lurker for ages :rolleyes: i hope you welcome me into your warm bosoms

That really is back in the day. Sadly studying for a Maths degree takes up rather less of my time then working full time and sitting Actuarial exams. So Badders training has taken a back seat the last 4 or 5 years. I think there will be about half the draw that could (and will) sort me out!

Ouseph, Rice, Constable, Ghaffer, Beckman, Honey would be my more sensible contenders for the title. Usually my prediction is enough to doom anyone so I won't take a pick out of them.

[Ben B123]

1. Ouseph
2. Rice
3. Beckman
4. Ghaffar
5. Constable
6. Marritt
7. Honey
8. Allinson


This is what I think the seedings could be-Just on what kind of results have been going on this year that I've heard and seen and also based on previous results(like Honey only just stopping and Ghaffar coming back). But Constable, Ghaffar and Honey possibly won't be seeded just because at the elite Constable wasn't seeded or was he at the york challenger because of his ranking.

Players who aren't in that 8 but could upset the seeds and who could do well are:-

Nathan D'Cruz
Harry Wright
Rob Kettle
Mark Sellwood

[alansd]

Is baxter still unable to play or is that just a rumour being started by James?

[Bigdog]

It was a rumour heard by me. I've no idea if its true.

I guess the seedings at Wimbledon will give a good indication as to what the BAofE are thinking.

Ben - I wouldn't put myself in a true top 8 (Harry probably deserves that), and i think you've missed Neil White off your list. Otherwise not unreasonable.

[Mark.C]

Its all going 2b very interesting this year,prob the most open nationals there has ever been....u got 2 look at raj as being the clear favourite but we all know nath rice has the game 2 trouble him.Is carl playing does anyone know 4 sure cos he's very strong has has the game 2 win aswell,particulary looking 4ward 2c how the young pups do,ben is playing some excellant stuff...but will b interesting 2c if any nerves come into play at a bigger event,i hope not!!
As 4 who'll b seeded what....who cares,if ur going to win the thing u've gotta beat everyone in it or else u dont deserve 2b national champion!!

[ObiWan]

Mark C is playing so should trouble quite a few of those boys and if the admiral were to throw in his hat it could be interesting.
Beckman Ouseph final??

oops, forgot about Ghaffar....

I'm very reliably informed that the Admiral is injured and had to abandon his 'secret' training camp.
Have seen Ghaffar training,don't think he can win it but might beat some contenders.
So is Baxter in or not,anyone know?

[alansd]

What about the other events?
WS, Tracey should take this
WD, Gail and Donna in 2
XD, Nath and Gail unless someone gets injured. (Will Rob play)
MD, Blair and Lindley, Adcock and Middleton,Adcock and Clark, Langridge and ......, Roebuck and Ellis, George and.... , Alllinson and Marritt.... ...

[Markymark]

What about the other events?
WS, Tracey should take this
WD, Gail and Donna in 2
XD, Nath and Gail unless someone gets injured. (Will Rob play)
MD, Blair and Lindley, Adcock and Middleton,Adcock and Clark, Langridge and ......, Roebuck and Ellis, George and.... , Alllinson and Marritt.... ...

Gail has just pulled out of WD and XD at the Korea Super SS! Maybe she won't make the nationals.

[Lefty]

I wonder how bearded Aamir Ghaffer will be this year?

It's almost worth the ticket price alone just to see whether he has an upside down Amy Winehouse nest or clean as a baby's bum!

Surely the former has to slow him down a bit ;)

[Mark.C]

Robertson&Clark 4 the mens doubles.......

[alansd]

have you heard something Mark?
If they were to play together then probably be a very good final but they should win it

[Mark.C]

That would b telling alan!!

[alansd]

No need to be so coy! Anymore of this and it's going to sound like flirting!

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Homos !! .

[alansd]

You wish....

[Frodo]

BigDog your right I wouldnt put Ben in the top 8 either, more like after Wrighty but before Ghaffar.

Will have to see what the Wimbledon Elite throws up.

:D:D:D:D

[Bigdog]

BigDog your right I wouldnt put Ben in the top 8 either, more like after Wrighty but before Ghaffar.

Will have to see what the Wimbledon Elite throws up.

:D:D:D:D

I think you may be deliberately misintupreting my quote but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Ben clearly is in the top 8, Allinson would drop out of the top 8 to give Wright or White the place.

As Mark C said - it doesn't really matter who the seeds are. I just think it would be a shame if Ouseph and Rice end up in the same half as for me they are the two favorites.

[Woody]

In relation to Gaffurs beard when I was talking to him in Olso he stated that he does not notice it at all and has no effect on him.

Obviously it part of his religon and that should be respected.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Being able to keep a spare shuttle in it as well must also be respected !!

[Ben B123]

Ok Bigdog maybe you are right. White hasn't been doing too well either so he wouldn't be in there but fair point with Harry.

Wimbledon elite will be stronger than the nationals I reckon. I know Raj isnt playing but with Carl, Nathan, Mark C, danish players, a dutch player, Gordon T, Stuart G and Callum M of scotland playing along with me,rob k, bigdog, marritt, harry and a few others. It will be a very strong tournament.

[FutureChamp]

Robertson & Clark for the doubles, but just who is Simon Archer playing with this year.........??

[kimboshay]

When does the draw come out???

[FutureChamp]

BE will release on Tuesday

[alansd]

Robertson and Clark are playing together... Archer is playing with ponting.....Blair and Lindley
Archer is playing mixed with bok..

Did both robertson and clark retire froim levels to get away from blair and now are going to start playing togetehr again......??? Something fishy going on here!

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

My money is on the Stumpy One ..

[Lefty]

Being able to keep a spare shuttle in it as well must also be respected !!

I'd say a can of red bull would be far more useful for sneaky mid-game wings!

[Ben B123]

What are peoples start times. mine is 1:15pm on the friday. i think this year will be quite open now especially after Ghaffar winning the elite. i dont think he would beat nathan rice or raj as they have the right game to play him. plus i think i could beat him aswell. will the seeds be released tomorrow n then draw on tuesday?

[Ben B123]

After the Wimbledon I think this could be the seeding:-

1/Raj
2/Marritt
3/Rice
4/Ghaffar
5/White
6/Me
7/ and 8/-could be anyone-d'cruz and allinson are the ones in that ranking position but one of those spots could be given to mark c.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Come on SS, wheres the poll ?? Shortlist of 8 to win ... you decide the shortlist !!

[Lefty]

Woo, less than a week to go :D

I'm spectating the semis and the finals, what about everyone else? Am dragging my girlfriend up too along with another badminton chum!

Give me a wave if you're playing... i'll be the one shouting w000000paiiiiiii when you smash :cool:

[Bigdog]

http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/show_news.asp?section=0001000100110022&itemID=1314&monthinview=2008/01/1

Draw is out on Wednesday.

[Badboy]

Marrit has had a good season so being third seed isnt *that* suprising, but Neil White at fourth was a bit generous I thought.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

You know, realistically if the seeds 5/8 are drawn rather than set or placed ... you could have Ben, Nathan, Aamir and Raj all playing each other in the quarters. Anyone have thoughts on that ?

[Mark.C]

yeah my thought is good luck 2 them,ha!! luck of the draw&if if 1 off them is goin 2 win it they've got 2 beat them at some stage be it the qtr or the final....just got 2 get on with it..........

[alansd]

Toby honey is also playing which could make things very interesting. Nathan Toby in another 100 minute clash.. this time in the 1st round!

[FutureChamp]

Agreed, Honey is the one all the seeds will want to avoid early on

[David69]

You know, realistically if the seeds 5/8 are drawn rather than set or placed ... you could have Ben, Nathan, Aamir and Raj all playing each other in the quarters. Anyone have thoughts on that ?

I think i'd not bother going to watch if 90% of the superstars were lumped in one half of the draw and most out by the semis, with the other half full of poor quality matches.:mad:

I'm not going anyway, but.........keep placing em.

[Markymark]

You know, realistically if the seeds 5/8 are drawn rather than set or placed ... you could have Ben, Nathan, Aamir and Raj all playing each other in the quarters. Anyone have thoughts on that ?

I think i'd not bother going to watch if 90% of the superstars were lumped in one half of the draw and most out by the semis, with the other half full of poor quality matches.:mad:

I'm not going anyway, but.........keep placing em.

Superstars? Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The only players we have who are vaguely known outside of the badminton world are doubles players.

[Lefty]

well each to their own but i find most games county standard and above very entertaining! World class stuff is just unreal!

i agree with Marky that whatever the draw, if you want to come out on top, you have to be prepared to beat everyone that gets thrown at you. and anyway, it gives a few lesser known players a chance of a big break and some high profile on court action, which can only be a good thing for sponsorship deals etc.

ps. I think we might be looking at an Ouseph / Rice final, draw permitting

[Ben B123]

I am personally pleased with my seeding. I will either get Raj, Rice, Marritt or White in my quarter. Apart from Raj I have beaten the others. well not neil but havent played him in a couple of years. i will gladly play anyone out of the seeds or the draw. i am looking forward to it. i think i am in the bottom half with my start time of 1:15pm so probs not got raj so one of the the other three which gives me more belief in winning.

[David69]

Superstars? Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The only players we have who are vaguely known outside of the badminton world are doubles players.

Relatively speaking you dipstick. I didn't mean in terms of competing with world class players, it is our national champs we're talking about after all.:rolleyes:

[Lefty]

Relatively speaking you dipstick. I didn't mean in terms of competing with world class players, it is our national champs we're talking about after all.:rolleyes:

dipstick...now there's a word which isn't used enough these days! i also have a fondness for pillock but alas, i digress

[Markymark]

Relatively speaking you dipstick. I didn't mean in terms of competing with world class players, it is our national champs we're talking about after all.:rolleyes:

I guess people seem like superstars to you when you're crocked ;)

[alansd]

I guess people seem like superstars to you when you're cocked ;)

No need for that kind of filth mark, This is a family place!

[Markymark]

No need for that kind of filth mark, This is a family place!

Lol. Nice work, Alan. For a minute I actually thought I had written that! :rolleyes:

[FutureChamp]

Mr C must be loving that singles draw!!!!

[Badboy]

http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/results/horizon/The%20English%20National%20Championships%202008/110290605108ibzz01main.htm

[Mark.C]

hmmmmmmm......wouldnt say having toby 2nd round would be loving the draw!!

will have a crack at them tho&see wot happens!!

some interesting match's,ben v nath qtr could b good...plus toby v harry 1st round? anyone seen either of these 2 play this year?

[alansd]

Ponting and Archer Eidesdt and Langridge could be a surprising one as well.
Harry can either be brilliant or not too hot. Toby has seemingly been hitting even though he's not playing tournaments, so I hear, could be rubbish though

[Badboy]

I think to say he would be rubbish would be a bit harsh Alan! He certainly has his work cut out in that section though.

[Mark.C]

oh well...bring it on i say&lets get this thing started!!

[Bigdog]

Mixed looks like the event to watch early doors. A lot of high quality pairs in the mixed.

I can't imagine Toby would enter if he thought he was playing 'Rubbish'. Wright then Mark C a tough draw for him (and for Mark) - although Wright pulled out last week with a back injury (it didn't stop him whooping me and Slick in the doubles later though!).

[alansd]

I meant what I heard could be rubbish not him!!
Am sure he will run anyone in the draw close

[Ben B123]

I played Toby earlier in january at wimbledon before he went back to bristol and me and rob beat him both in 2 sets but he did say he wld be back as a different player so maybe hes done some training. iv heard he's beaten carl,harry, etc at bath so he must of kept to his word. im reasonlably pleased with the draw but i cant see how you can put the 7th and 8th seed in the same half??!!

[Markymark]

I played Toby earlier in january at wimbledon before he went back to bristol and me and rob beat him both in 2 sets but he did say he wld be back as a different player so maybe hes done some training. iv heard he's beaten carl,harry, etc at bath so he must of kept to his word. im reasonlably pleased with the draw but i cant see how you can put the 7th and 8th seed in the same half??!!

It's done randomly. 1 at the top and 2 at the bottom. Then 3 and 4 drawn into a half (at random). And then 5-8 drawn into a quarter (at random). So you could have the no. 2, 3, 5 and 6 all in the same half.

[KevinStangoe]

Is the reason Robert Blair is not playing mixed down to the fact he no longer has an English partner?

[Markymark]

Is the reason Robert Blair is not playing mixed down to the fact he no longer has an English partner?

Well if you look at the Scottish National draw, almost everyone is playing with a partner that they no longer play international events with!

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Can't believe your saying Toby is rubbish Alan, he's a loveable chap !!

[alansd]

re read the message and stop trying to stir it up.... see you still got your phone.....

[Powerplay]

Never underestimate Toby - it wouldn't surprise me if he reached the semis again...Aamir is playing very well and could upset Nathan in the semis!

Raj v Aamir or Nathan - with Raj to win. Aamir played excellently at the elite and could be the dark horse.

[Lefty]

Never underestimate Toby - it wouldn't surprise me if he reached the semis again...Aamir is playing very well and could upset Nathan in the semis!

Raj v Aamir or Nathan - with Raj to win. Aamir played excellently at the elite and could be the dark horse.

no pun intended? :rolleyes:

[David69]

dipstick...now there's a word which isn't used enough these days! i also have a fondness for pillock but alas, i digress

Well I usually call him a **** but they won't allow that one on here.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

no pun intended? :rolleyes:

quote of the day !!

:D

[PeteG]

It's done randomly. 1 at the top and 2 at the bottom. Then 3 and 4 drawn into a half (at random). And then 5-8 drawn into a quarter (at random). So you could have the no. 2, 3, 5 and 6 all in the same half.

I know it's a pedantic point, but aren't seeds 3 and 4 supposed to be drawn as 3/4 and seeds 5 to 8 supposed to be drawn as 5/8 in order for the draw to be properly random. By numbering seeds 3-8 in the draw they should be drawn in number order 1v8, 2v7, 3v6 and 4v5.
Having said all that, as mentioned it's pedantic and there are players outside the seeding who could upset seeds!

[FutureChamp]

Robertson & Emms have withdrawn from the mixed but both are still in their respective level doubles events - whats going on???

[Markymark]

I know it's a pedantic point, but aren't seeds 3 and 4 supposed to be drawn as 3/4 and seeds 5 to 8 supposed to be drawn as 5/8 in order for the draw to be properly random. By numbering seeds 3-8 in the draw they should be drawn in number order 1v8, 2v7, 3v6 and 4v5.
Having said all that, as mentioned it's pedantic and there are players outside the seeding who could upset seeds!

Nope. That's how seeding used to work, but it was boring cos you could work out who would play who in the quarters etc. Grand slam tennis changed their system of seeding to be totally random few years back.

[Markymark]

Robertson & Emms have withdrawn from the mixed but both are still in their respective level doubles events - whats going on???

Emms is still sick, so has pulled out of both events.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Nope. That's how seeding used to work, but it was boring cos you could work out who would play who in the quarters etc. Grand slam tennis changed their system of seeding to be totally random few years back.

It's at the events discretion. There have beens some events out there that still employ the old 1v8 2v7 system, and Im talking International.

[Lefty]

Emms is still sick, so has pulled out of both events.

aww poor gail..she never gets any luck around nationals time. nathan must have been working her too hard in training!

pfff was looking forward to the Nathan/Gail vs. Anthony/Donna rematch

[alansd]

I am very curious about ponting and archer. After last year we know archer still has it but what about nick ponting, I reckon he will either be sh1t hot, or could end up getting shat on

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Depends if Chunt is playing Alan !!

[coops241180]

whatever happened to Allinson?

not surprised Harry Wright retired after retiring from the Wimbledon Elite...

Honey vs Constable could be a good game..

[alansd]

Allinson has never beaten Chris and said he wouldnt be surprised if he lost that one. They have a rematch in the doubles later on
Can see 2 more seeds going out by the end of the next round

[coops241180]

Chris is always a bit of a dark horse.. he's been at the nationals for the last 4 years, and he's always in the quarters..

hmm.. i don't know enough about the players to guess..

but i'd say (based on my limited experience) Marrit could lose to Plant, Constable could lose to Honey, after that i'd guess either Ghaffar or White could lose their's...

sound about right?

[alansd]

I dont think Chris has ever made the quarters but I might be wrong.
I cant see Neil white loosing to Ben Witham but Dan could beat Alex, likewise Toby with Mark C. Mark S could turn it on and it all depends what Ghaffer turns up
I know Chris Hotchen played very well last weekend so could surprise Dakin as well

[alansd]

Bok and Archer just slapped lindley and Rayappan in 2
Roebuck and wallwork to beat Middleton and Parker and then its a toss up for the final between them and hurrell and cerfontyne....

Can anyone guess that I am off work today and am killing time till I go to the pub...??

[Markymark]

Bok and Archer just slapped lindley and Rayappan in 2
Roebuck and wallwork to beat Middleton and Parker and then its a toss up for the final between them and hurrell and cerfontyne....

Can anyone guess that I am off work today and am killing time till I go to the pub...??

Hurrell and cerfontyne for the final? Are you drunk?

[alansd]

with the draw the way it is its a definate possibility..

[Markymark]

with the draw the way it is its a definate possibility..

Semis yes, but both the other pairs are some way ahead I would think (which, of course is the kiss of death from me and Hurrell and Cerfontyne will probably win the whole thing now).

[coops241180]

so who do you guys think is going to win the singles? marrit, allinson and honey all out.. dakin out as well..

i reckon the semi's will be ouseph vs constable and ghaffar vs rice..

mixed doubles is wide open - clarky and kellog should win it - but as for who they'll face in the final, who knows.

semis: archer/bok vs kellog/clark and i'm going to go out on a limb and say: hanson/westley vs roebuck/wallwork

[Michael Banks]

FRIDAY

YOU CAN'T keep a good man down. At least that's Simon Archer's view after springing the first shock of this year's English National Championships at Manchester Velodrome today.

The former England international, nine times men's doubles champion and six times mixed champion, is back on the title trail in partnership with 1991 men's doubles winner Nick Ponting, who is now in his 40s, and in the mixed with Sarah Bok.

And it was Archer and Bok who caused today's first upset of the Championships when they beat third seeds and world No 17 pair David Lindley and Suzanne Rayappan 21-11 21-17.

Archer, 35 in June, and Bok had started off with a first-round win over Yorkshire's Edward Foster and Jessica Fletcher 21-7 21-19.

Now they face world junior silver medallists Chris Adcock and Gabby White in tomorrow's quarter finals.

Donna Kellogg was in doubles action later today despite losing her partner Gail Emms through illness. On the morning of the Championships Kellogg announced that she was teaming up with Tracey Hallam to enable Kellogg the chance to defend the title she has won with Emms for the previous three years.

In the men's singles seven of the eight seeds are safely through to the second round with top seed Rajiv Ouseph bidding for his first title. He began by beating Handal Suryaputra of Warwickshire 21-6 21-10.

Seventh seed Mark Constable, the 32-year-old 1992 winner, is one of only two former champions in the men's draw. The Jersey player went through to the second round 21-11 21-14 against Daryl Jacobs of Middlesex while 2004 and 2005 title-holder Aamir Ghaffar of Middlesex beat Thomas Monk of Lancashire 21-9 21-7.

Second seed and 2007 runner-up Nathan Rice overcame Jack Molyneux of Surrey 21-13 21-17.

The one seed to fall was No 8 James Allinson who went down in a nail-biter with Chris Dakin 16-21 21-18 22-20 in 47 minutes in one of the longest matches of the first round.. It took fourth seed Neil White just as long to overcome Nathan D'Cruz 11-21 21-11 21-16.

[andy_69911]

Hurrell and Cerfontyne to make the mixed final!! (but obviously to loose to clark and kellogg) still all good for Dorset badminton, which doesnt tend to produce that many players :-(

[Badboy]

Great calls on the mixed Alan!

Now without even mentioning the flood of god awful line calls that were made all day, some of the umpiring decisions were a bit strange. For instance in the one mens doubles match the shuttle quite obviously hit the front player and then his partner behind hit the shuttle. The other side stopped playing and then when the umpire didn't call it and was asked why he answered "I saw it but didn't hear it".

And then we get today's shenanigans.

Adcock and White, the world junior silver medallists, thought they had reached the turn at 11-7 but with Bok walking off court and picking up her bag to change sides, the umpired faulted an astonished White for touching the net.

[Markymark]

Great calls on the mixed Alan!

Now without even mentioning the flood of god awful line calls that were made all day, some of the umpiring decisions were a bit strange. For instance in the one mens doubles match the shuttle quite obviously hit the front player and then his partner behind hit the shuttle. The other side stopped playing and then when the umpire didn't call it and was asked why he answered "I saw it but didn't hear it".

And then we get today's shenanigans.

Adcock and White, the world junior silver medallists, thought they had reached the turn at 11-7 but with Bok walking off court and picking up her bag to change sides, the umpired faulted an astonished White for touching the net.

If those were the only 'errors' made all day, that's not bad going. There was a fairly controversial point at 18-18.

[afrayn]

Constable vs Honey was probably the standout men's match of yesterday, and Mark C was very impressive in what was in the end a pretty comfortable victory. I'd have MC down as a dark horse after seeing that. Having beaten D'Cruz, White was in much better form in seeing off Witham with plenty to spare.

Men's doubles: Archer and Ponting too the first against Eidestedt and Langridge pretty easily, but then Ponting looked like he ran out of steam a bit unfortunately. Can't see past a Lindley / Blair vs Robertson / Clark final, really.

Kellogg and Hallam looked like a pretty decent pair in beating Burgess and Pantaney yesterday evening, will be interesting to see how they get on against the other elite pairs though...

There were some pretty terrible line decisions / umpiring calls, the incident with the "touch" was a total farce, and in the Mixed Rob Adcock received two appalling calls whcih clearly upset their rhythm in the match. On the flip side of that, I twice heard players swear audibly on court, and no cards were shown? I'm not one for sanitised sport, but there were plenty of kids in the crowd etc.

Friday was a good day's play in all, though!

[Michael Banks]

SATURDAY

Simon Archer and Sarah Bok hit back from 10-6 down in the deciding game to beat Chris Adcock and Gabby White in an entertaining mixed doubles quarter-final at the English National Championships.

Adcock and White, the world junior silver medallists, thought they had reached the turn at 11-6 but with Bok walking off court and picking up her bag to change sides, the umpired faulted an astonished White for touching the net.

That made it 10-7 and then Archer and Bok produced a run of points to turn round 11-10 ahead.

There was more controversy at 18-17 when White served to Archer just as he started to lower his hand. The serve dropped short, White claimed he wasn't ready, Archer said he had lowered his hand and the umpired called it in his favour to make it 19-17.

With that the nine times men's doubles champion and six times mixed doubles champion went through with Bok 23-21 17-21 21-19 in 58 minutes - the longest match of the tournament to date.

In the semi-finals they will face defending champions Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg, two players that Archer has won titles with.

In the top half of the draw fourth seeds Robin Middleton and Liza Smith will meet Matt Hanson and Caroline Westley in tonight's semi-finals.

Middleton and Smith won a three-game battle with Kristian Roebuck and Jenny Wallwork 15-21 21-17 21-14 while Hanson and Westley beat Graham Hurrell and Nicola Cerfontyne 21-12 21-17.

[coops241180]

i shouldn't laugh - but it doesn't surprise me that lindley and blair lost..

blair is good - but he's not robertson or clark.. maybe he will be eventually.. but by then people like langdridge and middleton will be there..

everything else is as usual tho.

[coops241180]

hmmm - my predictions:
MS - Ouseph in three (sorry geebee)
MD - Clark / Robertson - i'd like to see these two at the olympics - but don't think Nathan will play MD internationally
XD - Clark/Kellog
WS - Tracey Hallam
WD - 50/50 kellogg is obviously incredibly good, but she's with hallam who isn't her normal partner or a singles player - but has huge experience on court.. Munt/Nicholas also aren't a regular pair, but both have plenty of experience at doubles.. probably a three gamers - but you could get a good return betting on kellogg/hallam

[Badboy]

Munt and Nicholas have been playing together for well over a year now?

[coops241180]

Munt and Nicholas have been playing together for well over a year now?

really? oh.. hadn't seen them at many of the international tournaments... altho that said - i don't tend to look at ladies doubles that much...

[Woody]

Having sat on the line for three days (yes it does hurt at times) I will give my verdict on what games I saw from both Courtside and ond in the stands.

Men's Singles

It was a game to far for Mark C. He was in good form to reach the semi's and won relatively comfortably to reach that stage. His legs I think ran out of steam despite the brain wanting the body to do more.

Raj played well most of the time but was patchy. I left half way through the second game of the final buthe was playing well and I understand he went on to win.

Gaffar played well all weekend and worked very hard for his win over Rice which was well deserved.

Most of the other seeded players in the men's were not up to beating the top two except possibly Rice.

Ladies Singles

Cann played very well throughout although she had a mighty scare against a relative unknown in Sarah Renton who played out of her skin. With a little more self belief Sarah could have won the match which would have been a big upset. Hallam looked strong thoughout but I can't understand her underperforming in the final. As for the rest there was not much to talk about.

Men's doubles

Outstanding match was Eidestdet/ Langridge win over Lindley/ Blair. They worked extremely hard and well deserved their win to reach the final. Other half of the draw was totally dominated by Clark/ Robertson who in the semi's made the two youngsters look like beginners. Didn't see the final but not surprised by the result.

Ladies doubles

Despite being a scratch pair Kellogg and Hallam were well worth the win. Donna was very dominent throughout the matches. Joanne and Natalie well deserved their place in the final of what is probably her last appearance before she gives up full time badminton. They were untroubled in their half of the draw.

Mixed

Hurrell and Cerfontayne getting to the final. You must be joking Nicloa has a long way to go before she is anyway near the class of some of the other teams. As for the controversies in the Adcock/ White game if you have seen Archer around the courts he plays the gamesmanship cards very well and there is no doubt he was doing so again, watch out for this pair in the future though. This putting the hand up saying your not ready is very open to abuse as many times you see players with their spare hand at face level and who is to say which way it should be interpreted.

There were only won pair ever going to win with Emms and Robertson pulling out. Kellogg and Clark were in a totally different class and made Middleton and Parker look like amateurs with the result never in doubt. Anthony definitely had not been eating too many sticky buns and moved around the courts with ease.

[Lefty]

What a great weekend!!

Highlight of the tournament for me was the Langride/Eidestedt win over Blair/Lindley. I was thoroughly impressed at their relentless offensive play and to win in two must have been a dream. Chris showed loads of emotion and the pair were both full of heart which is great to see. It was incredibly tense all the way through but especially after 17 all in the 2nd with the game and then going to set and a few match points being saved! Thoroughly deserved and an exciting prospect for future England badminton!

The other cracker for me was Ouseph vs Constable. Great effort Mark (yup, that was me shouting at you you left court :)), it's hard to fault the way you played. There was some stunning defense, powerful attacks but Rajiv just seemed to pick everything up and returned it with interest. All credit to Rajiv for standing strong against such experience and fitness (you're a bloody jumping bean!) but both players were playing great badminton. Can always rely on Mark to make it entertaining.... "I'm trying" to the crowd halfway through the 3rd haha!

Ladies singles final was a little disappointing considering it was a whitewash by Cann who kept edging forward until the dreaded 19 appeared and she ran away with it after some mistakes by Tracey.

Only thing missing from the tournament was the Robertson/Emms Vs. Clark/Kellogg final but I guess you can't have everything in life!

[FutureChamp]

I can also report that 'Bloke with the hair" is alive and well and was an avid spectator in the front row. He put me right off my game!!

[Mark.C]

That was u was it lefty shouting at me,ha nice one....but thanx 4 the support!!

Great weekend&was nice 2c alot of new& "old" faces thru 2 the later stages,some very impressive play seen over the weekend&i think it all went very smoothly by the organisers!!

Well done 2 raj on his 1st title,thought he played the best badminton all weekend&definately deserved his win,great prospect 4 the future if he knuckles down 2 some hard work this summer....best of luck 2 him!!

[Woody]

Some interesting photo's on the official site including Mark C on his knees.

www.nationalbadmintonchamps.co.uk/gallery.htm

[DaddyCoach]

Thought I'd just add my thoughts having seen the finals on Sunday.

It was good to see a number of younger players doing well ie Raj, Richard & Chris, Robin & Liza but it also brought home what still appears to be a massive gap between the top players Anthony, Nathan and Donna (and Gail had she been there) and the rest. Anthony & Nathan really did stroll the Men's despite Nathan not playing men's competitively for 3 years. Although I was impressed by Richard and Chris' forecourt play at the start of the start of the second set, once Anthony & Nathan started to move the shuttle around, the lads really had no answer. I did not see the semi but obviously Rob & David had no answer to Richard & Chris.

It was really the same in the mixed where Anthony & Donna really showed their world class. Robin & Lisa again had no real answer to the speed and power. What a pity we couldn't have a repeat of last year's final - I'm sure it would have been a cracker.

So it does appear that the top 4 are a long way ahead of the others as their world ranking would suggest.

With Anthony & Nathan playing so well, it must give the selectors a bit of a headache for the Thomas Cup selection. I have to say, there is no doubt in my mind that Anthony & Nathan are the two best doubles players and should play together in the Thomas Cup. And they should be the No 1 pair. However, their lack of ranking points together may mean that Rob & David have to play at no 1 (despite not being close to Anthony & Nathan in my view).

As Anthony, Donna, Nathan & Gail are all of similar age Bad Eng could lose all these great players in a short period of time. Unless there is a dramatic change, English badminton may well suffer for a number of years.

One final thought. I was searching yesterday for the news or even scores of the final but alas nothing. Not even the scores on teletext (although there was a report on the Scottish Nationals). The BE website was there and the Nationals website was good but when are Bad Eng going to to give this great sport the exposure it deserves.

[Lefty]

haha yeah guilty as charged! :D

my girlfriend wanted me to go up to you on finals day and start a conversation so she could do coochy-coo things with your cute baby! Sadly, I wasn't sure whether you were you... it's hard to recognise you with jeans instead of your short-shorts :p

blimey, weren't there a lot of player's offspring running around!? It's a sure sign of all the stars getting older as DaddyCoach said. I'm confident that our new breed are coming through though.. don't forget we have Andrew Smith as well as Raj for singles. Just hope middleton and the adcock boys can step it up a bit and develop over the next new years

[Markymark]

haha yeah guilty as charged! :D

my girlfriend wanted me to go up to you on finals day and start a conversation so she could do coochy-coo things with your cute baby! Sadly, I wasn't sure whether you were you... it's hard to recognise you with jeans instead of your short-shorts :p

blimey, weren't there a lot of player's offspring running around!? It's a sure sign of all the stars getting older as DaddyCoach said. I'm confident that our new breed are coming through though.. don't forget we have Andrew Smith as well as Raj for singles. Just hope middleton and the adcock boys can step it up a bit and develop over the next new years

And Gabby White will be as good as Gail Emms I reckon. She's still so young, but can play very well.