BADMINTON England Chief Executive Adrian Christy today paid tribute to the six England players who made up the Team GB badminton squad at the Olympic Games.

Athens silver medallists Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms were fittingly the last GB players to fall - but not before a superb comeback win over China's second seeds Zheng Bo and double Olympic champion Gao Ling .

They were only beaten in the end by an outstanding display from Korean pair Lee Yong Dae and Lee Hyo Jung in yesterday's mixed doubles quarter-finals in Beijing.

Christy, who has been in the stadium to see all the GB performances, said today: "I want to pay tribute to the whole team for representing GB so well.

"I know how disappointed the players are not to be able to bring home the medal we all so desperately wanted but it wasn't for the want of trying.

"The passion and commitment has been so evident not just during the Games but through an intensive 15- month period of qualification and preparation.

"I am so proud of the players, coaches and support team and, after a break, we will reflect and consider how best to build for success in London in four years."

But before that there are some big events for the players to tackle. In 2009 the Echo Arena Liverpool will stage the European Team Championship (Feb 10-15) while the following year Manchester's MEN Arena will host the European Individual Championships (April 13-18, 2010).

In 2010 England players will also contest the 100th Yonex All England Championships as well as the Commonwealth Games while in 2011 there will be the perfect build-up to the London Olympics when the capital stages the World Championships.

Team Leader Andy Wood said: "Our Olympic unit is fully aware that, although our campaign was innovative and thorough, it has still not achieved the desired results.

"The challenge ahead is to do all in our power to achieve those desired results in 2012."

Team GB Badminton Squad in Beijing:

Singles: Andrew Smith (Hants) and Tracey Hallam (Staffs).

Doubles: Gail Emms (Herts), Donna Kellogg (Derby), Anthony Clark, Nathan Robertson (both Notts).

Team Leader: Andy Wood.

GB and England Head Coach: Ian Wright.

Coaches: Yvette Yun Luo, Julian Robertson.

Strength & Conditioning coach: Andy Allford.

Performance analyst: Hannah Behan.

Physiotherapist: Caryl Becker

Doctor: Cathy Speed