ANTHONY CLARK'S run of English National title wins came to an end today - before he even had chance to hit a shuttle.

And Elizabeth Cann, chasing a fifth women's singles title in Manchester, made a shock first-round exit.

Clark, the Nottinghamshire star bidding for 10th successive men's doubles title, was forced to pull out of the event at the National Cycling Centre after being hit in the eye by a shuttle the day before the Championships.

Clark was third seed with Surrey's Chris Langridge and was due to meet top seeds Peter Mills and Marcus Ellis in the semi-finals.

Mills had already been forced out last night through illness and just two hours after today's start of this eighth Nationals to be staged in Manchester, Clark was ruled out after a visit to hospital

Kristian Roebuck has stepped in to replace Mills while Nathan Robertson will deputise for Clark.

On court the Championships got off to a smooth start for defending men's singles champion Rajiv Ouseph, who defeated Surrey's Sam Phillips 21-8 21-13 to remain on course for another semi-final clash with friend Harry Wright.

Lancashire's Wright, the fourth seed, beat Cheshire's Ben Dolman 21-6 21-9.

But the shock of the day came late in the afternoon when Jersey's top seed Cann was sent crashing by 15-year-old Yorkshire schoolgirl Chloe Birch 21-18 13-21 24-22 despite leading 20-18 after hitting back from 17-11 down.

The English National Championships are being staged in Manchester for the eighth year in a row thanks to a partnership between BADMINTON England, Manchester City Council, Carlton, ibadmintonstore.com, Imperial Consultants and new partners Case Security.

The even is the first in a new seven-tournament National Championships series for all age groups in a circuit supported by Carlton and Case Security.

For all results and full reports of the action on day one go to www.nationalbadmintonchamps.co.uk