Badminton: England secure bronze in Leuven; Russians to pose semi-final test
Last Updated: 13/02/15 9:30pm
England are one step away from their first European Mixed Team Championships final since 2009 after beating the Netherlands in Friday's quarter-finals in Leuven, Belgium.
After two convincing 5-0 wins in the group stages against Ireland and Belgium respectively on Thursday, head coach Jakob Hoi's team defeated a tough Dutch outfit 3-1 in the last eight.
Having guaranteed a bronze, they will now meet Russia for a place in Sunday's final of the biennial event. Both nations have finished with bronze medals at the last two European Mixed Championships.
Chris and Gabby Adcock got England off to the perfect start on Friday, but the world No 6 pair were made to work hard before beating Jacco Arends and Selena Piek 21-15 21-18.
Rajiv Ouseph, who revels in the team environment, defeated Eric Pang in the men's singles before Fontaine Chapman lost a gruelling clash against Soraya de Visch Eijbergen 15-21 21-16 21-11.
It meant that England needed a men's doubles victory by Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge to progress, with the English national champions eventually winning 21-13 17-21 21-13 against Arends and Jelle Maas.
The remaining quarter-finals were being played later on Friday evening; Denmark v Ireland and France v Germany, the defending champions.
The 105th YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships brings badminton heroes from across the globe to compete for the sport’s most coveted title. With an electric atmosphere and fast-paced action, you're guaranteed a great experience! Adult tickets from £14 with Sky Tickets.
