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New teams will boost NBL appeal says Birmingham Lioness
BirminghamLioness Fontaine Chapman believes welcoming new sides into the AJ Bell NBL foldcomes at a pivotal time for badminton as the league looks to further boost thesport's profile in the UK after a brilliant bronze medal win in Rio.
England'stop ranked singles player Chapman flourished in the AJ Bell NBL last seasonwinning 5 of her 7 events and is now preparing for Monday's visit of SuffolkSaxons, one of two newly established sides added for Season 3, to the GreatHall at University of Birmingham
Chapman,who will face former England international Caroline Westley in the seasonopener, said “I think having the new teams in the AJ Bell NBL this season isreally important for the sport.
“Itshows there are more people out there that want to watch badminton and beinvolved in it.
“We canmake sure everybody will get a chance to play; we've got more teams which meansmore matches. I think it's great for the sport and it's really important we allget behind the AJ Bell NBL.”
WithSuffolk Saxons and Bristol Jets bringing new faces, the AJ Bell NBL continues to showcase the very best ofBritish badminton, as well as a host of international stars, and world No.85Chapman insists she can't wait to get back on the court.
“I'mreally looking forward to the start of the new season and getting back into theNBL action,” she said. “Last season was really good, I had some good wins andsome really tough matches that I came through and it was really good to be partof.
“Withit being such a short game it's important to get on top of your opponentstraight away and keep that momentum going.
“Forthe team, it's really important if we can get a win in the bag in the firstmatch night it puts you in good stead for the next one.
BOOK THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT
BirminghamLions welcome Suffolk Saxons to the Great Hall at University of Birmingham onMonday 17 October, starting at 6pm. Fortickets, click here.
