Jenny Wallwork is Nathan Robertson's New Mixed Doubles Partner

[mirko]

Emms turning matchmaker for Robertson

GAIL EMMS has vowed to turn matchmaker in a bid to find Nathan Robertson a new badminton mixed doubles partner.

Athens mixed doubles silver medalist Emms quit after Beijing, leaving Robertson – her partner of seven years – all alone.

“There are three girls coming through the ranks, Jenny Wallwork, Gabby White and Imogen Bankier, who are all worth considering,” she revealed.


“Nathan says he is missing me already but he needs a new challenge and a fresh race. It’s going to be a shock for him working with someone new after all these years with me.

“He’s joked he might hold some X-Factor style auditions to find the right girl but it’s great that we’ve got some much talent coming through.

“But it’s not always the best player, it’s the person who has the right chemistry with Nathan that will get the chance.”

Robertson and Emms have enjoyed one of sport’s closest partnerships but failed to match their Athens success in China – losing in the quarter- finals to Korea’s Yongdae Lee and Hyojung Lee.

“We’ve played together for seven years so it will be tough for whoever comes in,” added Emms. “I’m going to be available to help the new partner, probably as a therapist because Nathan is an incredibly gifted player but also very demanding.

“I found him incredibly easy to play with from the start but it will be very scary for whoever steps in.

“I won’t be a coach but I’ll be there to help with the chemistry of the pair.

“In 2012 I’ll probably feel like a jealous ex-girlfriend but I’m going to be there for them all the way.”

Emms will finish her 13- year professional career in Denmark’s competitive badminton league and has signed up to run next year’s London Marathon.

But the 31-year old admits watching the 2012 Olympics from the stands will be hard.

“Rebecca Romero is such an inspiration, winning two medals in two different disciplines.

I’m looking what medal I could compete in and for 2012 see what sport I could pick up,” she joked.

“I need an active sport I am looking at wrestling, women wrestling, I didn’t even know it existed until I saw it on TV!”


http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/3614266.Emms_turning_matchmaker_for_Robertson/

[jamesd20]

I Vote for Wallwork (not that there is a vote)

White is too young really, and Bankier will probably stay with fellow scot Blair, as they are at similar player level relatively.

Wallwork had experience with Blair and did OK (Reached Dutch open Final?), so she is tailor made IMO.

[metalmon1188]

yea agreed, gabby white is a good player but shes too young, imogen, well better stick to blair :P
so JENNY WALLWORK IT IS!

[LazyBuddy]

I have to admit that I don't know all 3 players very well.

However, with 2012 is 4 yrs away, don't you think give younger players a chance with top world level player is a good shot for the future? Sure, she might fail, or the pair does not work out well, but you still has a chance to go with the more experienced player later.

If you play safe and go with the more established player, if things don't turn out good, it might be too late to get to the young guns later? :rolleyes:

[tommy_bun]

Jenny Wallaork or Gabriel White

[jamesd20]

yea agreed, gabby white is a good player but shes too young, imogen, well better stick to blair :P
so JENNY WALLWORK IT IS!

Of course, we don't decide, someone infinitely more qualified does.


I have to admit that I don't know all 3 players very well.

However, with 2012 is 4 yrs away, don't you think give younger players a chance with top world level player is a good shot for the future? Sure, she might fail, or the pair does not work out well, but you still has a chance to go with the more experienced player later.

If you play safe and go with the more established player, if things don't turn out good, it might be too late to get to the young guns later? :rolleyes:

White is 18 and Wallwork is 21, so both are still fairly young.

White has a regular XD & WD partner, Wallwork doesn't. And with Wallwork having history of good results with solid partner (Dutch open win, China Open QF). She could not be classed as regular either, she has not entered a lot of tournaments. With White, you would split her up with a partner with potential and you don't know how she will perform when put into grandprix events - so could waste valuable time if need to change back.

[mirko]

Who’s the “next Gail ?” (http://badzine.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1247:whos-the-next-gail-&catid=8:international&Itemid=39)
http://www.badzine.info/images/stories/News_bzi/EMMSretiring_headline.jpg
Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson have played their last match under the British flag as a pair, losing to the future Olympic Gold Medalist in China. Now, Gail has announced her retirement from International Badminton while Nathan Robertson is still hungry for more.. but needs a new partner.

Raphael Sachetat. Photos : Badmintonphoto (archives)

http://www.badzine.info/images/stories/News_bzi/BANKIERsmall.jpg
“"In 2012 I'll probably feel like a jealous ex-girlfriend but I'm going to be there for Nathan and his new partner." These were the words of Gail Emms quoted in the daily newspaper “the Milton Keynes Citizen” after she kept her word by retiring from the National team. The Blond hard working girl from Milton Keynes has vowed to help her long time partner to get a new face for upcoming challenges.

http://www.badzine.info/images/stories/News_bzi/White-small.jpg
Three Names are pending according to Emms, who knows her team mates by heart : Jenny Wallwork (right, below), Gabby White (left) and Imogen Bankier (right), the latter being from Scotland but a promising young player as well. Emms however warns whoever will take her spot : "I'm going to be available to help the new partner, probably as a therapist because Nathan is an incredibly gifted player but also very demanding. I found him incredibly easy to play with from the start but it will be very scary for whoever steps in” laughed the Athens Silver medalist.

If Emms will probably keep on playing for her Danish club for at least
http://www.badzine.info/images/stories/News_bzi/wallwork-small.jpg

another year, Nathan Roberston indeed faces a new challenge as his partner was known as one of the most reliable player of the old continent, and replacing her will not be easy.


Ahead, for whoever takes Gail’s spot, are many important tournaments, starting with Super Series events this fall, but most of all, the European Championships in 2009, held in Liverpool.


http://badzine.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1247:whos-the-next-gail-&catid=8:international&Itemid=39

[madbad]

Errr... I vote for the cutest one :D:D. But seriously, it'll probably be Wallwork. Remember, the person stepping in has to put up with Robertson's demanding personaity, so...

[Oldhand]

Errr... I vote for the cutest one :D:D. But seriously, it'll probably be Wallwork. Remember, the person stepping in has to put up with Robertson's demanding personaity, so...

If looks were the decider, Imogen Bankier would take that slot (although someone here has something going for Wallwork) :p
But, as LazyBuddy pointed out, the next OG is a long leap away.
That should give Gabby White enough time to fill Emms' (um, large) shoes.

After all, what England is aiming for is gold at the 2012 Games, and not the title at the, er, Sudan Open 2009 :rolleyes:

[mirko]

Imogen Bankier plays with robert blair, isn´t she?

[AlanY]

If looks were the decider, Imogen Bankier would take that slot (although someone here has something going for Wallwork) :p
But, as LazyBuddy pointed out, the next OG is a long leap away.
That should give Gabby White enough time to fill Emms' (um, large) shoes.

After all, what England is aiming for is gold at the 2012 Games, and not the title at the, er, Sudan Open 2009 :rolleyes:
shouldn't we be looking for the new younger pairs for the OG 2012, NR will be in his 30s then and too old for the modern game!

[fishmilk]

Two words: Zhang Ning

[mirko]

Tony Gunawan was 30 when he won the 2005 IBF World Championships (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_IBF_World_Championships) with his partner Howard Bach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Bach)

[AlanY]

Tony Gunawan was 30 when he won the 2005 IBF World Championships (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_IBF_World_Championships) with his partner Howard Bach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Bach)

it's much more physical demanding for the man in XD than MD. praticularly as NR's game is mainly rely on speed and powerplay and being on the wrong side of the 30 definitely not good.


Two words: Zhang Ning
one word: exactly.

you are not saying them two are in the same league, are you? there are so many things that the 2 times olympic champion, world champion can do and the others can't!

[jamesd20]

Imogen Bankier plays with robert blair, isn´t she?

Yes

Incidentally Wallwork may be partnered with White in the Womens Doubles (remember Kellogg has no partner now either)

[d65up2]

How bout Suzane Rayapan or Liza Parker

[huangkwokhau]

I think Rayapan may be a better choice for Nathan

[huangkwokhau]

I managed to yalk to Tan Kim Her and he confirmed that Jenny Walwork is more likely to be partner of NR

[jamesd20]

I managed to yalk to Tan Kim Her and he confirmed that Jenny Walwork is more likely to be partner of NR

You should have listened to us earlier............Rayapann?!:confused::confused:

:D:D

Good luck to them.

[huangkwokhau]

You should have listened to us earlier............Rayapann?!:confused::confused:

:D:D

Good luck to them.
:D I did ask that....but been told that Rayapan prefers Lindley........;) He thought that Rayapan would be better with NR.... my guess is not 100% wrong.......

[george@chongwei]

btw, whos this girl in the video?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvj-r3lPkJc&feature=related
she can become nathan robertson XD partners,

[Maz]

btw, whos this girl in the video?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvj-r3lPkJc&feature=related
she can become nathan robertson XD partners,

hahaha - that's Donna (Cranston) Halliday! She's from New Zealand. Not sure if a Kiwi-GB partnership would work at the Olympics. ;)

[george@chongwei]

hahaha - that's Donna (Cranston) Halliday! She's from New Zealand. Not sure if a Kiwi-GB partnership would work at the Olympics. ;)
yeah, it would be a great idea!:)

[mirko]

yeah, it would be a great idea!:)

Yeah, that would be a Commonwealth mixed ... :)

Somebody knows when Nathan will play again?

[mirko]

Denmark Open Super Series 2008

http://static.tournamentsoftware.com/images/flags/ENG.gif[ENG] (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=24828&c=ENG)Anthony Clark [Q] (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=24828&player=57)
http://static.tournamentsoftware.com/images/flags/ENG.gif[ENG] (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=24828&c=ENG)Nathan Robertson (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=24828&player=58)

and

http://static.tournamentsoftware.com/images/flags/ENG.gif[ENG] (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=24828&c=ENG)Nathan Robertson (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=24828&player=58)
http://static.tournamentsoftware.com/images/flags/ENG.gif[ENG] (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=24828&c=ENG)Jenny Wallwork (http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/player.aspx?id=24828&player=85)

that will be so great!!!

[jamesd20]

As we all (Except Huangkwokhau!:D) thought Jenny Wallwork has been chosen as Nathan Robertsons' partner.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/7667906.stm

Robertson pairs up with Wallwork

Robertson plans to play on until the 2012 Games in London
Athens Olympic badminton silver medallist Nathan Robertson will team up with rising star Jenny Wallwork following Gail Emms's retirement.

Wallwork, 21, was picked by head coach Ian Wright as the perfect partner for 31-year-old Robertson.

"It's a dream come true," she said. "It will be a hard job to fill Gail's shoes but I'm excited by the challenge."

Robertson and Emms won Olympic silver in 2004 before collecting Commonwealth and World gold medals in 2006.

Emms retired after the pair lost in the quarter-finals at the Beijing Games in August.

However, Robertson has set his sights on competing at the 2012 Games in London.

"It's going to be strange playing with a new partner after competing for so long with Gail but it's also a huge new opportunity," said Robertson.

"I want to recapture the European title and then round off with gold in London in four years.

"It's going to be a lot of hard work for both myself and Jenny but she has enormous talent and I know we can reach to the top."

The new pairing's first event will be the Denmark Open from 21 October, when Robertson will also team up with Anthony Clark in men's doubles.

Their major target will be the European Team Badminton Championship at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, which begins on 10 February.

Robertson, who has 91 caps for England, was part of the team which won silver behind hosts Denmark earlier this year.

Wallwork, who plays for Yorkshire, has nine England caps.

Her mother played for England twice in the 1980s, while her father is a coach and recently won the men's singles and mixed doubles title at the European Senior Championships.

[ctjcad]

..hopefully Nathan will have enough energy to cover the back-court in 4 yrs time; he'll be 35 and she'll be 25..;)
Btw, congrats on the new partnership:cool:

[jamesd20]

..hopefully Nathan will have enough energy to cover the back-court in 4 yrs time; he'll be 35 and she'll be 25..;)
Btw, congrats on the new partnership:cool:

Some might say he doesn't have enough energy to cover the rear court now.......:D

[mirko]

so, yesterday they won!

[madbad]

Nathan and Jenny have had a good start. Nothing like playing a Chinese pair to kick things off. Hope they can forge a competitive partnership. Jenny has large shoes to fill in Gail's.

[george@chongwei]

unfortunately they lost to their own teammate today in the 2nd round:(

[madbad]

unfortunately they lost to their own teammate today in the 2nd round:(

Blair and Bankier are a decent pair so it was going to be tough anyway. Takes a while to understand how each other play so give them some breathing space to gel together

[mirko]

anybody knows, why thy didn´t play the mixed at the MALAYSIA OPEN?

[huangkwokhau]

anybody knows, why thy didn´t play the mixed at the MALAYSIA OPEN?
Read on my side news...Nathan complained that Jenny is not good enough...seriously...he asked Jenny totarin hard and they will play mix in All England...

JamesD..I am right!!!...Jenny is not good enough for Nathan yet...;)

[jamesd20]

JamesD..I am right!!!...Jenny is not good enough for Nathan yet...;)

haha the thread was who will be Robertsons' next partner - Not who is good enough to be NR's partner:)

The news doesn't surprise me - I was actually surprised they played any tournaments before December.

[OneToughBirdie]

..hopefully Nathan will have enough energy to cover the back-court in 4 yrs time; he'll be 35 and she'll be 25..;)
Btw, congrats on the new partnership:cool:

Younger partner makes an older guy play young and runs faster to catch up with the young chick:D:p


Nathan and Jenny have had a good start. Nothing like playing a Chinese pair to kick things off. Hope they can forge a competitive partnership. Jenny has large shoes to fill in Gail's.

What size shoes does Gail wear?:D:p

[ctjcad]

Read on my side news...Nathan complained that Jenny is not good enough...seriously...he asked Jenny totarin hard and they will play mix in All England...

JamesD..I am right!!!...Jenny is not good enough for Nathan yet...;)

Younger partner makes an older guy play young and runs faster to catch up with the young chick:D:p
...
...i think that's the main reason Nathan wants her to train more..It's not really "she's not good enough" but rather so she can cover more & he doesn't have to run and tire more....he surely needs it come London 2012........that clever Nathan!..;)

[madbad]

What size shoes does Gail wear?:D:p
Apparently too large for Jenny :D:D
(and so is NR's head)

[bad_fanatic]

I think they should hire Gao Ling and have her partner up with Nathan.

[madbad]

I think they should hire Gao Ling and have her partner up with Nathan.

Ha, then we'll see who wears the pants in this partnership ;):p

[huangkwokhau]

I think they should hire Gao Ling and have her partner up with Nathan.
:D:D Flandy had applied already...seriously Gao Ling cant accept any partner....all have to be approved by CBA...

[mirko]

:D:D Flandy had applied already...seriously Gao Ling cant accept any partner....all have to be approved by CBA...

why? she isn´t in the national team anymore, is she?

[Dokkie]

Anyone else noticed these 2 are partners off-court as well? Lucky Nathan :p

[george@chongwei]

I didn't know until u post that! Thanks for the info:D

[Dokkie]

Seems to be a trend btw, after ZN/ZYL, who are next? Tantowi/Lilyana? :D