MARCUS Ellis can see only a bright future with mixed doubles partner Alyssa Lim despite defeat in the final of the English National Badminton Championships.  

Ellis suffered the twin disappointment of being a runner-up in both the mixed and men's doubles finals in Manchester, but he remained positive about the experience.  

The Huddersfield-born 23-year-old was put with reigning champion and London 2012 Olympian Chris Adcock in the men's doubles after Adcock's regular partner Andrew Ellis was injured ahead of the tournament. Despite little time playing together, the duo excelled and were beaten only by top seeds Peter Mills and Chris Langridge in a decider.  

With regular mixed partner Alyssa Lim, Ellis was beaten again by the top seeds, as Langridge was his nemesis alongside Heather Olver.  

But though disappointed, Ellis was keen to look ahead to what he believes can be a successful long-term relationship with Lim.  

"If someone had said to me would you take two finals before the tournament started I would have said yes without a doubt," he said.  

"But when you get to two finals and you are on that day you just think there is no reason why you can't win.   "I have had two chances so I'm disappointed I couldn't take one of them.  

"I have played some really good stuff. There is a lot of positives to take from this, especially my mixed, there is a great future for us I think.  

"The Commonwealths, World Championships, they are all tournaments in our sights that we want to play. We need to get playing more and more tournaments and the quicker we can get up the rankings the better so we can actually qualify."  

Next up, come & experience the world’s best players and London 2012 Olympians at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships. For more information visit  www.allenglandbadminton.com