LATEST NEWS

Sweden's Henry Hurskainen hashailed the National Badminton League (NBL) as “the best league I have everplayed in” - and not only because he finished the inaugural campaign unbeatenand had an amusing fans' chant.

Hurskainen, who became the secondSwedish international to join the NBL in September after doubles' specialistNico Ruponen signed for Birmingham Lions, was a pivotal member of LoughboroughSport as the squad rallied to a Play-Off Finals berth next month.

The singles' specialist won allfour of this NBL matches during the regular season, but admitted that it wasn'this focus to play for the 100 per cent record.

“I didn't really think about it,I just tried to win every game and that was the most important thing,” he said.“The most important thing is that the team was winning.”

As Hurskainen cemented his placein Andy Wood's side – he won his first match in November against Rajiv Ousephafter travelling back from winning a tournament in Brazil only 24 hours earlier– so chants emerged from the Loughborough Sport supporters.

It included 'Henry Hoover' chantsat home matches, as well as an actual red hoover and aSwedish flag in the crowd.

“I think it's very nice to getthe crowd behind us, they are doing an awesome job. The nickname started in thefirst match we played at home against Raj and I somehow got all the shuttlesover, even though it seemed impossible to be able to get them all over.

“We don't have 'Henry Hoover' inSweden, but it's nice to have it here and they've made me feel really at homehere so it's great to come and play!”

These guys are brilliant. support has been amazing!!! pic.twitter.com/S6QksDTMug

 Video credit: Jenny Wallwork (@Jennywallwork)

On the NBL, he admitted:"This is the best league I've ever played in. It's very exciting andthere's stuff going on all the time, so I think it's very good for the sport."

Hurskainen will head to Crawley,Sussex for the four-team title showdown, with one less victory than SurreySmashers' Eefje Muskens.

The Dutchwoman, the world No 8doubles player, had a brilliant campaign and finished unbeaten in her fiveleague matches.

She was the only athleteappearing in all match-nights to keep a 100 per cent record intact and willplay another crucial role for favourites Surrey Smashers in the Play-OffFinals.

The UK's first ever National Badminton League (NBL) season comes to a thrilling finale on Sunday, 7 June, at K2 Crawley.

CLICK HERE for tickets