Emms and Robertson: We can beat anyone

Gail Emms today sounded a gold medal chasing battle cry that British sports fans rarely hear when the mixed doubles semi-finalist declared; "On our day we can beat anyone."

Emms and badminton partner Nathan Robertson, the fourth seeds, have been installed as gold medal favourites as they prepare for tomorrow's semifinal clash with the Danish pair who produced one of the biggest upsets the sport has seen.

Seventh seeds Jonas Rasmussen and Rikke Olsen knocked out top seeded South Koreans Kim Don Moon and Ra Kyung Min, who were unbeaten in over a year.

Now that has all changed and it is Emms and Robertson who can make history and a recent win over the Danes in the European championships puts them in the driving seat.

Not even a slight strain to her right thigh is dampening the excitement coursing through Emms's veins although she insists that "getting too excited, too early" is something she must avoid.

However, that is very difficult for Britain's outstanding mixed doubles pair and the rest of a badminton team that is making encouraging strides in Athens.