• European Badminton Championships

Adcock and Bankier bow out

ESPN staff
April 20, 2012
Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier were beaten in the semi-finals © PA Photos
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Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier's bid for glory at the European Badminton Championships ended at the semi-final stage, as they were beaten in three games by Robert Mateusiak and Nadiezda Zieba.

The British pair got the better of their rivals for Olympic qualification, Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork, 24 hours previous but they came unstuck against the Polish seventh seeds - losing 21-17 17-21 21-19.

Adcock and Bankier often start slowly and it was the case again as Mateusiak and Zieba took the opening game. The Brits rallied to force a decider, but could not peg back their opponents who sealed the win after passing up a couple of match points.

Despite bowing out at the semi-final stage, they are favourites for the one place at London 2012 and Robertson expects Adcock and Bankier to get the nod.

"'We expect them to pick the other pair," Robertson told BBC Sport. "We gave it a great shot, but now we'll probably just leave it.

"We knew this week was another great chance for us [to catch up] and we gave it a great shot. There's nothing more frustrating than putting yourself in the position and not converting. I will happily be heading into retirement if I'm not selected for the Games."

Adcock returned to the court later in the day to partner Andrew Ellis in the men's doubles, but they were no match for No. 1 seeds Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen - losing 21-11 21-14.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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