Chris and Gabby Adcock fell short in their attempt to finish the year with another title as they were beaten by the world’s top mixed doubles pair at the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals.
The Chinese pairing of Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei, ranked number one in the world, beat the Adcocks in the semi-finals 21-9, 21-12 having already beaten the British pair in the round robin stage.
Despite the defeat, England’s number one pairing will finish the year ranked sixth in the world and will be delighted to have reached the last four stage of the BWF Finals for the very first time.
It could have been even better for the pair but a chest infection to Gabby had made competing against the best in the world that much more difficult.
And Badminton England’s national coach Pete Jeffrey insists both Chris and Gabby should be exceptionally proud of their achievements.
"Gabby had nothing more to give. She is really struggling with the chest infection and finding it hard to breathe on court,” he said.
"She has performed amazingly well this week despite being ill and I feel that just shows her character and her desire to reach the very top in her sport.
"Reaching the semi-finals despite these challenges shows tremendous progression and both Chris and Gabby have full belief that they can beat the Chinese again soon."
© Sportsbeat 2014