LIVERPOOL’S Ken Skupski hopes partner Sarah Borwell will stick by his side for the London 2012 Olympics after they claimed mixed doubles bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
The 27-year-old and Borwell were faced with an all-English fight for bronze after they and their opponents Ross Hutchins and Anna Smith both lost in the semi-finals.
Bronze appeared to be heading the way of Hutchins and Smith after they took the first set 6-4 but Skupski and Borwell bounced back taking the next two, and the medal, 6-3, 6-2.
Skupski and Borwell lived up to their number three seeding in the Indian capital and the Liverpudlian is keeping his fingers crossed they will do so at the London 2012 Olympics.
“Tennis is new to the Commonwealth Games and we knew we had to grasp this opportunity to win a medal,” said Skupski, who had already claimed silver alongside Ross Hutchins in the mens event after losing to Australians Paul Hanley and Peter Luczak in the men’s doubles final.
“The first set was tight but we regrouped and Sarah kept me calm,” said Skupski.
“It’s important to stay on top of the girl’s serve. If you do that, you have a good chance. Maybe we can play together in London as well.”
Skupski’s more regular doubles partner Colin Fleming teamed up with Joss Rae to beat mixed doubles top seeds Paul Hanley and Anastasia Rodionova to deliver Scotland’s third gold medal of the Commonwealth Games.
