Matt’s out to make amends for final miss

HE MAY have failed to make the final at the recent National Badminton Championships but Macclesfield’s Matthew Nottingham is a man desperate to right those wrongs in Birmingham next month.

Nottingham, who was playing alongside his partner Harley Towler in the men’s doubles, was dumped out at the semi-final stage of the National Badminton Championships earlier this month by Peter Briggs and Tom Wolfenden.

But all is not lost for the 23-year-old as next up is the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships, with the world’s best players descend on Birmingham between March 8-13.

And despite still needing to qualify for the main draw, Nottingham is determined to make his mark.

“We were both a little bit disappointed with the Nationals,” said Nottingham. “It was our second tournament back since Harley Towler has come back from injury.

“We definitely wanted to make the final for sure and win a title like last year but it just didn’t go our way.

“In training it’s gradually getting better when we’re on court together. It’s about getting as many tournaments in as we can and getting to know each other again.

“I’ve played at the YONEX All England before and it’s such as great tournament to be involved in – we want to be playing at the event again.

“It’s great to play in that sort of arena and get the opportunity to play against top pairs. We played the top Chinese pair last year, and in the normal tournaments we play we are better than anyone. It’s a chance to play the top pairs and really test ourselves. We want to get some big wins.

“This year we’re qualifying again so the aim is to get through into the main draw and get a shot at another top pair.”

Despite his recent disappointments at the National Championships, Nottingham insists he won’t be taking his eye off the ball in the coming weeks.

The young British star is determined to take his place in the main draw and admits the motivation to compete alongside the world’s best players and play in front of a partisan crowd is a huge carrot to succeed.

“The crowd definitely makes a big difference, but also having your friends and family there and everyone cheering for you,” he added.

“There’s not just a select few, it’s every single person that wants you to win. It spurs you on a lot more and it’s a great feeling.”

Watch the world’s best players at the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena from 8-13 March. For tickets visit allenglandbadminton. com