Rio 2016: Britain defeat China to take surprise bronze in Olympic badminton doubles

Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge were rank outsiders heading into the bronze medal match 

Ian Ransom
Thursday 18 August 2016 16:24 BST
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Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge seconds after securing their bronze medal
Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge seconds after securing their bronze medal (Getty)

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Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge capped a brilliant tournament for Britain by stunning China's Chai Biao and Hong Wei to clinch the men's doubles bronze at the Olympics on Thursday.

The rank outsiders were thrilled to have just made the knockout rounds but showed they belonged at the business end of the tournament with a composed 21-18 19-21 21-10 victory at the Riocentro.

Charging away in the decisive game, the world number 22 pair ruled the back of the court, repeatedly smashing through the Chinese defences to grab Team GB's first medal in the event.

Ellis and Langridge's triumph secured Britain's third Olympic badminton medal and first since Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson took mixed doubles silver at the 2004 Athens Games.

More to follow.

Press Association.

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