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(Photo: Badminton Europe)
Good friends, great memories
Date: 3/24/2021 2:45 PM
Published by : Alan Raftery
While many across Europe are still awaiting courts to be reopened to play the sport we love, the elite players are returning to our screens, and they are mightily excited. Especially two friends who will combine in the doubles at the ENEA Polish Open 21 by Victor. 

Badminton Europe’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) training facility brings together many different nations on court. Naturally, this leads to building a great environment for sharing ideas, cultures and ultimately developing friendships. It is this that has come in handy for two young European stars.
 
Weronika Górniak, 19, is a young Polish talent who is itching to get back into competitive badminton. Having begun a transition from junior to senior badminton, the return of tournaments cannot come soon enough for her. 

-The last weeks of training have been really good. We have focused on the physical part of badminton, so they were also very tough but I'm sure this has improved and developed my game.

Górniak played only two circuit tournaments in 2020. Entering all three categories at the German Junior and playing singles at the Iceland International, however, the lack of playing time is not intimidating for her. 

-I don't feel nervous, I think I'm more excited and curious about the upcoming tournament. I would like to play some good games and use on the court some of the things I've been working on for the past few months, this is my main goal. 

In her home tournament, Górniak will partner with another young talent at the Centre of Excellence, Amy Tan of the Netherlands.  

-Sometimes I think I miss the fun part of playing badminton, that's why I came to the idea to play doubles with Amy. I hope we will not really look at the score and we will just enjoy time on the court, Górniak explains. 

Having fun playing badminton
Amy Tan, also 19, in November 2020 reached the quarterfinals of the European Junior Championships. She is keen to build on this platform now into senior badminton. 

-With little tournaments to play, the main focus of the training was on improving our physique and bringing new elements into our game. I hope I will be able to show my improved game at the Polish Open. 

With this being her first tournament back in 2021, Tan describes her mindset. 

-There are no nerves, just excitement. I do not want to put pressure on myself or have high expectations, I just want to enjoy it. 

Explaining how this surprise doubles entry in Poland came about, Tan states.
 
-We are training together at the CoE and we have become good friends. I wanted to make some great memories by playing doubles together. I also wanted to remind both of us to have fun playing badminton.

Watch the ENEA Polish Open 21 by Victor LIVE from 25 March here

Watch Orléans Masters NOW via Badminton Live.

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