29 July 2024
Ben Lane and Sean Vendy believe they will look back with pride as their Olympic campaign came to an end with a win.
Up against Nyl Yakura and Adam Dong of Canada, the Team GB pair were comfortable victors to claim a first Olympic win in the men’s doubles.
The two competed together as a pair at Tokyo 2020 but at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena was the scene of their maiden triumph.
The world No.18s were playing a pairing 14 spots below them in the rankings and the difference in quality showed.
Finishing strong 💪🔥🇬🇧
Ben and Sean end their #Paris2024 campaign with a 2-0 win over Dong/Yakura 🇨🇦
Unfortunately they didn’t make it out of the group stage but they showed the world what they are capable of! 🌎🇬🇧🤩#TeamGB
📸 @badmintonphoto pic.twitter.com/rLRMgOpdcg
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) July 29, 2024
“I think we played a good match today,” Lane said. “We wanted to finish our campaign here with a win, that’s been really tough three days.
“Unfortunately, the previous couple of days, we haven’t done just enough to get through but we will reflect on these last couple of weeks.
“We both share very similar goals and we definitely will be back to challenge in these major competitions again, I have no doubt about that.”
Lane and Vendy were never behind in their first game, going on a run of seven straight points to leave 11-3 before taking the game at the second time of asking.
Are you as inspired as we are by the #Paris2024 Olympic Games?
➡️ Grab a racket and go on court 🏸
Find out where you can play in your local area: https://t.co/CxUju8zHtb pic.twitter.com/eW4zK3l4RE
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) July 29, 2024
The second game was a slightly closer affair, with the lead changing five times before Lane and Vendy pulled away to take the match 21-14 21-12 in just 16 minutes.
The victory brings an end to the pair’s competition with Kirsty Gilmour still flying the flag in the women’s singles.
Vendy added: “I think we were pretty heavy favourites going in, we just had to bring a decent level and, we did so we are happy with our performance today.
“We finished on a high which is always good, but we came here to progress out the group and get a medal and we didn’t do that, so obviously a little bit disappointed at the minute.
“The tournament is over for us now but, over the next couple of days I’m sure that will die down and we will be able to look back and be proud of what we did.”