Adcocks aiming for national gold

Adcock, alongside new wife Gabby, became just the second English pairing to win on the Superseries circuit when they claimed the mixed doubles title at November’s Hong Kong Open – beating Olympic champions Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China en route.

That result means the duo now sit fifth in the world rankings as they gear up for a busy 2014 that includes next month’s All England Championships as well as this summer’s Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Before all that though they head to this weekend’s National Championships as the team to beat in the mixed doubles.

And despite admitting that they have bigger fish to fry this year, Chris isn’t content at just making up the numbers this weekend.

“We have a career high ranking of five in the world and we have had some great results and great performances which was capped off with a Superseries win in Hong Kong in November,” he said.

“It was obviously such a good achievement but we are wanting to build on that for the future and put ourselves in that mix every time and it is an exciting time.

“To win the Superseries we beat the Olympic champions quite comfortably and we have shown this level before so we know we can get there and that we are there now.

“We just have to make sure we are consistently achieving and performing like that and hopefully more will follow.

“We are not just happy with one, in fact it has driven us more and when we get to a semi or quarter-final now we still want more and it has whetted our appetite and we want more and more.

“And that includes the Nationals. It is a stepping stone along the way to the bigger events and it is nice to play well and if you don’t play well then there are bigger things to focus on.

“But we want to play well and we want to win it son we will play it by ear and seen how it goes.”

Chris also has his sights set on reclaiming his 2012 men’s doubles title this weekend as he teams up with Marcus Ellis once again – the duo losing out Chris Langridge and Peter Mills in the final last year.

And with this year’s tournament moving from Manchester to Chris’ current home of Milton Keynes, he believes that could make all the difference.

“It is really nice that we don’t have to travel up to Manchester and that we can go home after training,” the 24-year-old added.

“I have not actually seen the venue but I am sure it will be good and they have brought it down here for a reason and it is nice to have it in Milton Keynes as it is the home of badminton.

“And I think it makes it easier for the players and the profile of badminton is big down here with a lot of kids and coaches so I am sure it will be a good move.”

You can watch live coverage of the finals on Sunday, 9th February, from noon to 5pm at www.badmintonengland.co.uk/tv and tickets are still available to buy at www.nationalbadmintonchamps.co.uk.