Macclesfield’s Matthew Nottingham is urging the Surrey Smashers fans to pack out the K2 in Crawley as he bids to write his name into the history books.
This year has seen the inaugural National Badminton League get underway, Nottingham turning out for Surrey Smashers.
And the 22-year-old has certainly played his part, helping his side finish top of the table with just one loss from five games.
The hard work is not over yet though as Nottingham will now prepare himself for June 7 and Finals Day, Surrey Smashers set to play fourth-placed Loughborough Sport for a spot in the showpiece later that day.
And Nottingham is hopeful the Surrey Smashers faithful flood to the K2 in Crawley in their numbers to help them turn top spot into silverware.
“It was always going to be tough this season,” said Nottingham. “My record has probably not been the best, I’ve won two out of the five matches.
“I’m just trying to do my best for the team. I’ve played a lot of top pairs as well so that can only help my game. It does put a little bit more pressure on you when you go to the bigger tournaments but you get used to that playing in the NBL.
“Our doubles would be stronger, even though our singles player has been one of the players of the season for us. In most of our matches, the doubles players have really performed.
“I know we’ve definitely had the biggest crowd over the season at every single home match so hopefully if there’s a large number down at the final again, that will give us a bit of an advantage.”
However, whether Surrey Smashers win or lose, Nottingham is adamant that the competition has helped him immensely.
“I definitely feel like I’m moving forward with my badminton, definitely over the last six months,” he added. “My speed around the court has got a lot better and that is down to the National Badminton League.
“It’s Olympic qualifying this season, so it’ll always be that little bit tougher with the people you come up against. I’m just looking to win as many games as I can, including Finals Day.”
The UK’s first ever National Badminton League (NBL) season comes to a thrilling finale on Sunday, 7 June, at K2 Crawley. Tickets are now available at nationalbadmintonleague.co.uk
Main image courtesy of Badminton Picture, with thanks.
