Ravenshead badminton star refuses to be downbeat after frustrating time at English National Badminton Championships

The 23-year-old was hoping to add to his 2012 titles but unfortunately fell at the final hurdle in the men’s doubles alongside Marcus Ellis, losing in the final to Chris Langridge and Peter Mills 21-13, 16-21, 20-22.

There was also frustration for Adcock in the mixed doubles, where playing alongside Gabby White, he lost in the semi-finals to Marcus Ellis and Alyssa Lim.

Despite his obvious disappointment – Ellis opted to draw on the positives from his Manchester performances.

“It was a tight game and was nice for Marcus to step in at such short notice because of my regular partner’s injury,” said Adcock, who was without his regular men’s doubles partner Andy Ellis.

“It was a good game but unfortunately we were on the losing end of a few tight points at the end.

“It does make it difficult playing with a new partner, there are set pieces that you work on with regular partner for years and get used to.

“We obviously had to start from scratch this tournament but we played ok.

“If we had a little bit more time to prepare for it then it might have been very different, but we’re not usually partners and that’s how it goes.

“I can definitely use this as a stepping-stone for other things.

“It’s the nationals, very nice for the public, but in terms of the world stage it’s a hard tournament to come and play, there’s nothing really to gain.

“It’s always nice to come and win it, unfortunately I haven’t done this year – very different to last year when I won both doubles titles – but as I said there’s bigger fish to fry coming up.

“I think Andy‘s injury is progressing OK, the European Champs the week after next are his target.

“But there’s no point in rushing him back because we want him fit and ready for when we can do well at the All England.”

Next up, come & experience the world’s best players and London 2012 Olympians at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships. For more information visit www.allenglandbadminton.com