Siblings aim to be on same page
GOLD COAST: Oliver and Susannah LeydonDavis will put sibling rivalry on hold in the name of Commonwealth Games glory when they join forces for New Zealand on the Gold Coast.
As the only two Kiwis in the badminton stakes, the LeydonDavises will carry the nation’s medal hopes on their shoulders.
They will take part in the mixed doubles event.
Older brother Oliver (27) is based in Denmark, while 26yearold Susannah lives in the pair’s hometown of Hamilton.
Having finished 17th in the 2014 Glasgow Games, both expect a better outcome on the Gold Coast, where they took part in the badminton world championships last year.
Representing New Zealand, they came in 19th after a winless group stage involving Vietnam, Canada and Scotland.
Their bond as siblings could be an extra Games advantage.
‘‘We know each other pretty well so certainly it helps with the communication side of things as well, with that being so important in a doubles event,’’ Oliver said yesterday.
‘‘It’s definitely something we have going for us.
‘‘On good days, we feel we can think on the same page.’’
The LeydonDavises arrived on the Gold Coast via Melbourne, where they warmed up for the Games with their Australian counterparts.
With New Zealand not taking part in the team badminton event, they will not begin their mixed doubles campaign until next week.
They’ve also been handed a firstround bye.
Both considered their longer buildup beneficial.
‘‘In terms of where we sit, we’re keeping the focus mostly on ourselves and how we can find our highest level,’’ Oliver said.
‘‘If we can, we can compete with most.
‘‘If we can’t, it’s going to be more difficult, but we have seven more days to make sure we’re in the best possible shape to do that.’’ — NZN