China’s badminton ace Lin Dan will defend his title at the All-England badminton championships, which will begin in Birmingham from March 9-14, without his coach Tang Xianhu. (more…)

Top seed Chong Wei, who lost to Lin Dan in last year’s final when China took all five titles, begins his title bid against India’s Chetan Anand with the Malaysian likely to meet Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in the second round.

Ahead of the 100th edition in Birmingham, which starts on March 9, he said: “What is important is to make the best preparation, whether physically or mentally. (more…)

Badminton sensation Gail Emms will receive an MBE from the Princess Royal for her outstanding sporting career.

Emms, 32, made her debut for England in 1995 and went on to win national, international, Commonwealth, European and world titles with only Olympic gold eluding her.

With her playing partner Nathan Robertson she won silver at the Athens games in 2004 and together two years later they took the World Championships title.

But after defeat in their quarter-finals match in last year’s Beijing Olympics, the 32-year-old announced her retirement and later became the first ambassador for Badminton England.

Also receiving honours during the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony are two soldiers who will be awarded the Military Cross for courageous acts while fighting in Afghanistan.

Gunner Grant Guy, Royal Artillery, will be awarded the prestigious medal for crossing open ground three times while under enemy fire to help a wounded Marine and relay information to help in a fire fight.

Lance Corporal Gajendra Rai, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, showed exceptional courage after his unit was caught in an ambush by helping to extract a seriously wounded soldier and saving the life of another.

Designer Christopher Bailey, who is Burberry’s chief creative officer, will be receive an MBE for services to the fashion industry.