In just two weeks, the English doubles player is expected to stand up to Europe’s top stars on the path to the gold both in women and mixed doubles.
Lauren Smith is no stranger to European Championships’ key final games. Having reached the semi-finals in previous years, both in 2017 and 2018, Smith is eyeing up the medals as she prepares to prove that she can take gold.
The mixed doubles, a clash of titans
The mixed doubles category is set to provide an exciting round, as with the still startling absence of Chris and Gabby Adcock, who despite a series of unfortunate results were still the king and queen of the category, the category features some of the best duos not just in Europe but in the world. Smith feels confident about the 2021 European Championships as she has been preparing to face the finest players in the rankings.
-I’m excited to play in Kiev. I had a good few weeks of training to prepare, and I’m happy with the form I’m in, Smith affirmed.
Marcus Ellis/ Lauren Smith have been delivering some truly awe-inspiring performances. The top seeds could be facing the equally powerful duos Thom Gicquel/ Delphine Delrue and Mathias Christiansen/ Alexandra Bøje, both of which have impressed the crowds in the latest events of the year. It seems like the road to the first spot will be a bit bumpy for Ellis and Smith, but there’s a high chance they might make it.
Birch and Smith are ready to take the crown
With all her attention focused on qualifying for Tokyo 2021, Smith has managed to maintain a rather excellent position in rankings. Birch and Smith are a force to be reckoned, standing strong at the 14th place in the world ranking and ruling the European as runner-ups. Smith clearly has her head in the game and knows how important it is to prepare in order to overtake her biggest rivals.
-As with the tournament I just focus on my performance, I hope I can play some consistent badminton and step in the key moments, Smith stated.
Succeeding in those key moments is what her and Birch might need to defeat reigning champions Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva, who she lost to back in 2017, getting bronze with Sarah Walker. But with a new partner, renewed energies and plenty of ambition, Smith might have what it takes this time to finally get her hands on the women’s doubles top prize.
The 2021 European Championships will take place in Kyiv, Ukraine from
27 April to 2 May. For more information about the 2021 European Championships, click
here.