Badminton: England stave off threat of drop
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CIRO CINIGLIO, who almost resigned as England's manager after the row which split the famous Gill Clark/Gillian Gowers partnership, changed his mind to watch the home country produce a sensational recovery from 0-2 down to beat the European champions Sweden 3-2 and unexpectedly avoid relegation from the top group of the World Championships at the National Indoor Arena here yesterday.
Ciniglio also dramatically changed his team - and the pair which had only played together once before in tournaments, Chris Hunt and Nick Ponting, won 18-13, 15-7 in the deciding contest against Par-Gunnar Jonsson and Peter Axelsson, who together clinched the Swedes the European title last year.
'Some of the players doubted I had picked the right team. But I had to put in some fresh legs, ' said Ciniglio. He added: 'Some friends persuaded me not to resign - and I'm glad they did.'
The astounding comeback began when, with England already two down, Jo Muggeridge lost the first game of the women's singles 11-0 against Christine Magnusson and was 2-0 down in the second. An inspired spell of attacking with fast flat clears and brilliantly disguised round-the-head smashes helped her to 0-11, 11-7, 11-4 victory, and then Clark, playing with her new partner, the 20-year-old Joanne Wright, produced another startling recovery.
They were a game down, 8-13 down in the second and 5-10 down in the third before winning 11-15, 18-14, 18-16 against Maria and Catrine Bengtsson. 'I was not surprised by the selection,' Clark said. 'I was told by the selectors they wanted me to change partners and I don't argue with selectors'.
Later, Indonesia went through to today's final with holders South Korea, beating China 3-2, despite a defeat for their All England champion Heryanto Arbi in straight games to the former World Cup winner Wu Wenkai.
Results, Sport in Short, page 27
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments