5 Nov 2014
Loughborough Sport denied victory in National Badminton League opener
Loughborough Sport were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Team Derby in their opening fixture in the new National Badminton League.
In front of a packed crowd, and a live television audience, Loughborough clawed their way back in to the match to level at 2-2, before Derby’s men’s doubles pair Chris Coles & Andy Ellis defeated Peter Briggs & Harley Towler to claim the victory.
Loughborough started brightly with Marcus Ellis & Jenny Wallwork looking on course to win the mixed doubles. However a fight back by Martin Campbell and Helena Lewcynska saw Derby claim the first point.
In the women’s singles Karin Schnaase defeated Linda Zetchiri to put Derby 2-0 ahead. However the Loughborough fight back began through Swedish number 1 Henri Hurskainen who claimed a fine 3-0 victory over Rajiv Ouseph in the men’s singles.
Henri, who described his match as one of ‘the best atmospheres I’ve played in’, showed no signs of tiredness having arrived in Loughborough on the day of the match from Sao Paulo.
The momentum was now with Loughborough who levelled the match through a victory by Commonwealth Games medallist Lauren Smith and Loughborough Sport Scholar Chloe Birch in the women’s doubles over Gail Emms and Kate Robertshaw.
But in the deciding match of the night Loughborough were to be denied victory as Team Derby claimed the men’s doubles.
After their victory in the women’s doubles Lauren Smith said:
“The atmosphere in here is amazing and absolutely bouncing! After Henri’s really good win being 2-0 down it’s lifted the whole team again, and everybody’s really fighting. The crowd have been awesome, it’s really good.”
Women’s double player Chloe Birch added:
“There are loads of people in Loughborough hoodies jumping around and getting really excited when we win points. For us that’s amazing, we don’t get that in a lot of tournaments. So having so much support it really helps us.”
Loughborough Sport are back in action on Monday 1 December away against Surrey Smashers.
Tickets for the home fixture against MK Badminton on 27th April 2015 are now sale and available here.