With two weeks to go before the European Mixed Team Championships, Badminton Europe is delighted to announce the squads heading to the Danish Capital.
The host, Denmark, is the favourite going into the tournament, but with the eight strongest teams in European badminton going head-to-head, the event is for sure one not to miss.
The stars among those set to grace the arena include Chris and Gabrielle Adcock, Rajiv Ouseph and Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith, all from England, as well as Viktor Axelsen, Christinna Pedersen, Mia Blichfeldt and Anders Antonsen from Denmark.
Other big names include Selena Piek from the Netherlands, Pablo Abian from Spain, as well as Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov from Russia, who will fly to Denmark for the team event.
Today, the team nominations have officially been announced. You can find those along with the schedule of the tournament here.
A different type of tournament
Now, as the BWF World Tour is beginning to hot up, it is a time for the continent’s best players to play in a different way, as a team, according to England’s Men’s Singles star Rajiv Ouseph.
"As players, we always enjoy the European team events and go to Denmark with the strongest possible squad which, due to injury, hasn’t always been the case in past seasons", he said.
"With the World Tour ramping up for many of us, and the YONEX All England being an event we looking that to peak for, the next 8 weeks are busy for us as players", he added.
"The European Mixed Team Champs and all the spirit that comes with it offers something different which as players we appreciate".
Ouseph also believes that going to Denmark with a full-strength squad gives England the best chance to impress, which has been different in recent years.
"We always enjoy the European team events and going to Denmark with the strongest possible squad, which, due to injury, has not always been the case in past seasons”.
Why should you attend the finals?
If you plan to spend your February holidays watching quality European badminton, then this is the event for you.
It will be an event for the whole family, with opportunities for a meet and greet with the players throughout the week and a fun fan zone for you, to spend your leisure time in the name of sport.
Besides, you get the chance to see some of the world’s best players to grace a badminton court. The best European players will play in Frederiksberg, such as Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and the English Mixed Doubles powerhouse, Chris and Gabrielle Adcock.
MATCHES (all times are CET)
Wednesday, 13 February at 14:00 ENGLAND - RUSSIA
IRELAND - GERMANY
Wednesday, 13 February at 18:00 DENMARK - FRANCE
NETHERLANDS - SPAIN
Thursday, 14 February at 14:00 ENGLAND - IRELAND
RUSSIA - GERMANY
Thursday, 14 February at 18:00 DENMARK - NETHERLANDS
FRANCE - SPAIN
Friday, 15 February at 14:00 ENGLAND - GERMANY
RUSSIA - IRELAND
Friday, 15 February at 18:00 DENMARK - SPAIN
FRANCE - NETHERLANDS
Saturday, 16 February at 10:00 SEMI-FINALS
Sunday, 17 February at 14:00 FINALS
Tickets for the prestigious event are still available here.
They can be purchased both online and at the venue on the days of the tournament in Copenhagen. The cheapest ticket is available for just 112 DKK (15 euro).