The only European representation at the Australian Open in Sydney, Chris and Gabrielle Adcock have progressed to the next round.
The English pair fought a tricky match against Chinese opposition, Lu Kai/Chen Lu to reach the next round in a match which went the distance.
A well-managed match
The number seven seeds lead in the match after the first game, winning it 21-17 before an immediate reply from the Chinese duo in a close second game which ended 21-23.
The third match was well controlled by the Adcocks, who managed to take the game without many scares, to win 21-19.
The pair will now face Indonesians Akbar Bintang Cahyono/Annisa Saufika in the next round of the tournament.
A fresh comeback
The Adcocks managed to win today after a break from individual competitive badminton, giving them the chance to train ahead of a busy year.
Gabrielle Adcock has explained her feeling after winning a tough match following the comeback onto court.
- It felt really good to be back competing, we knew the tournament would be strong with it being Olympic qualifying year and to get through a tricky first round feels great, Gabrielle Adcock said.
- We are feeling very fresh and excited with the year ahead after a good training block back home.
Step by step
The 28-year old is in full belief that the pair can play to their potential in the remainder of the tournament but is not looking any further ahead than the next round.
- We are really happy with how we managed our expectations throughout the match we know he is an experienced player and cheap points didn’t come easy, she commented.
- We haven’t really thought about who else is in the tournament we are just focusing on the match ahead as we always have done.
- We are just hoping to play our level and do as best as we believe we can, Gabrielle Adcock continued.