ENGLISH CHAMPS: Baxter down but not out after final loss

Posted: Thursday 9th February 2012 | 16:56

Carl Baxter admits trying to win the English National Badminton Championships is like banging his head against a brick wall - but yet another defeat in Bolton last weekend isn't going to knock him out of his stride.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Carl Baxter lost his fourth English National Championship final to Rajiv Ouseph

The 26-year-old former England number one arrived in Bolton seeded second and he eased his way into the final where he faced a familiar foe in four-time defending champion Rajiv Ouseph.

Baxter battled admirably but for the fourth year in a row he met his match in Ouseph, going down 21-18, 21-4 as his opponent made history by becoming the first person ever to win five titles in a row.

But, while settling for the runner-up spot on the domestic stage has become second nature for Baxter, he's not about to throw in the towel just yet.

"I gave it my best shot and I can't really do any more than that, it would be nice to play someone else one day but I can't really see that happening," said Baxter, who has never taken a set off Ouseph in their umpteen meetings.

"I'm not really getting closer but if I'm here next year then I'll try just as hard - in a one-off game you never know what's going to happen so I'll keep plugging away.

"I'm not really sure what I'll be doing next, I'm not sure about the All England Open, I don't really know if I'll make it but we'll see what happens."

Baxter would be forgiven for being sick of the sight of Ouseph, such is the hoodoo he has over him, but the Canadian-born player is adamant that couldn't be further from the truth.

And Baxter also revealed that the fact that he is losing to Ouseph is the one thing that softens the blow.

"We train with each other and room with each other and at tournaments we train together so we get on pretty well," he added.

"It doesn't make that much difference in the actual game but it's either you win or your friend wins so it's alright."

To experience the English athletes and worldwide Olympic hopefuls next in England, purchase tickets to the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships from 6-11 March 2012 www.allenglandbadminton.com