All England Open Premier Super Series: Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier are in deep trouble
England’s Chris Adcock and Scotland’s Imogen Bankier found a horrible Mixed Doubles draw as they are set to face top seeds Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei as early as in the first round of All England Open Premier Super Series 2012, which is set to take place in Birmingham, England, from March 6-11.
Adcock and Bankier, who are currently World Number 14 in Mixed Doubles world rankings, stunned everyone by winning a silver medal at the Badminton World Championships 2011 in London, England.
They defeated many top pairs in their way towards the final of mega event and made their nation proud by finishing as finalists.
However, they are in deep trouble now as they have been handed over the worst possible draw in Mixed Doubles category as they will face the same Chinese opponents in the opening round of All England who defeated them in the final of World Championships last year.
Adcock and Bankier are well aware that this home event is quite important as it is the qualifying round for 2012 Olympic Games and every tournament matter a lot because it awards precious ranking points which will help in securing a berth in Olympics.
The qualifying round for Olympics will be ended in the first week of May and All England Open will play a crucial role in the rankings of shuttlers from around the world.
Another problem for Adcock and Bankier is that World Number 18 Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork are also close to them in the world rankings and only one form these two pairs will get a seat in Olympic Games.
Robertson and Wallwork stand a chance to get good points in this home championship as they have found a good draw and are expected to reach at least in the top-16 positions.
However, it will be an uphill task for Adcock and Bankier to beat Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei, who are currently placed at number one in the Mixed Doubles world placements.
The Chinese couple is better on paper and Adcock and Bankier need to play to their maximum potential to make an upset in the tournament.
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