BADMINTON

FORMER Olympic silver medallist Nathan Robertson could be included in the England squad to face Poland at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

Robertson, who reached the mixed doubles final with partner Gail Emms in Athens four years ago, is now just nine caps short of a century of appearances for his country.

The 31-year-old is sure to be the centre of attention if he does take to the court on November 6 for the first ever friendly international between England and Poland.

The two nations met at the European Team Championship in April, when England won 3-0 on the way to the silver medal behind hosts Denmark.

The clash in Swindon could also see a rematch of the European Individual Championships’ mixed doubles final between gold medallists Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg, and world No 11 ranked Robert Mateusiak and Nadiezda Kostiuczyk.

The Polish squad also includes world No 12 men’s singles player Przemyslaw Wacha and women’s doubles star Kamilla Augustyn, who with Kostiuczyk is ranked No 17 in the world in women's doubles.

The international has been organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the Swindon & District Badminton Association, with the support of Swindon Borough Council and civil engineering company BAM Nuttall Ltd.

England head coach Ian Wright said: “This is a big season for England’s established and emerging players as we build towards the European Team Championship in Liverpool in February and the Sudirman Cup world team championship in China in May.

Darren Parks, Badminton England’s Head of Competitions and Events, added: “The Swindon match is a great way to mark the 50th anniversary and to remember the contribution to the English game of the late Tony Winslow, a Badminton England board member and for so long a driving force in Swindon badminton.

“It is marvellous to see that ‘Uncle Tone’s’ passion for badminton still exists among his Wiltshire county colleagues and we hope this match is a worthy reflection of the Swindon & District Association’s efforts over the years.”

Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation for Swindon Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be hosting such a prestigious badminton international at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

“The visit of Poland is of particular relevance to Swindon as a significant number of our residents are of Polish origin. We wish both teams all the best and look forward to a great night of top-class badminton.”

Tickets for the match are now on sale priced £10 for adults (£8 for Badminton England members) and £6 for under 16s and senior citizens, via the Oasis Centre or the Ticket Hotline on 01793 445401.