BCC Faces Crucial Weekend in Fight for Survival
The pressure is on for BC La Chaux-de-Fonds (BCC) as they head into a pivotal weekend in their battle against relegation from the national league A. Currently sitting in penultimate position, the watchmaking city’s badminton team trails lausanne, the first team outside the relegation zone, by four points with onyl four matches remaining in the season.
This weekend presents a critical chance for BCC to close the gap. They will host Team Argovia at Les Crêtets on Saturday afternoon before traveling to face bottom-placed Saint-Gall on Sunday.
“Victory in both thes matches is absolutely essential if we want to stay in the league,” emphasizes Gilles Tripet, BCC captain and player. Recognizing the importance of each opponent, he adds, “While the Argovians boast a well-rounded squad, we believe a win is within reach.”
The team faces these crucial encounters amidst a challenging backdrop. Coach Natalya Tatranov, whose family resides in Ukraine, is understandably affected by the ongoing conflict. “We’re doing everything we can to support her during this tough time,” says Tripet, who also serves as BCC president. “The situation is deeply concerning for the entire club.”
Adding to the complexity, BCC will be without their top doubles player, Nikita Khakimov, due to swiss Badminton’s decision to exclude Russian players from national league A and B competitions until further notice.
“While this decision undoubtedly weakens our team, it pales in comparison to the gravity of the current situation,” Tripet acknowledges. “We received the news late, leaving us insufficient time to find a replacement. We’ll field a strong team, but it won’t be as formidable as we initially anticipated.”
BCC can still rely on the talents of singles specialists Edith Urell, ranked 167th in the world, and Pablo Abian, the 55th-ranked player globally. This will mark abian’s debut in the Swiss championship.
Furthermore, Loris Pierrehumbert, who has participated in seven matches thanks to a license from BC Neuchâtel, has reached the maximum allowed appearances and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile,rising star Lucie Amiguet (17) is currently competing in the Slovak Open,where she impressed by qualifying for both the women’s singles and doubles main draws. despite facing tough opponents and exiting the tournament, Amiguet is expected to be available for BCC’s weekend matches, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Fighting for Survival: An Interview with Badminton Legend, Peter Gade
This weekend sees BC La Chaux-de-fonds (BCC) facing a make-or-break scenario in their fight against relegation from the Swiss national league A. The pressure is on, and I’m joined today by badminton legend Peter Gade, the former world number one and three-time European champion, to delve into BCC’s challenging situation.
Peter, thank you for joining me. let’s start with the obvious; BCC find themselves in a very precarious position. They’re four points behind Lausanne with only four matches remaining. can they pull off the great escape?
PG: Absolutely, it’s going to be incredibly tough, but in badminton, anything is absolutely possible. Four points is definitely achievable in four matches, especially if they can capitalize on home advantage against Team Argovia. BCC needs to focus on taking it one match at a time, winning each point, and building momentum. It’s all about belief and fighting spirit.
They face a difficult opponent in Argovia, followed by a trip to bottom-placed Saint-Gall. Do you think those matches offer realistic chances for points?
PG: Definitely. While Argovia has a strong team, BCC is also capable of pulling off an upset. Home advantage can be a deciding factor, and if they can get the crowd behind them, anything is possible. Saint-Gall will be fighting for pride, but BCC should be the stronger team on paper. These are must-win matches, and they need to be mentally prepared for the challenge.
Now, BCC is without their top doubles player, Nikita Khakimov, due to Swiss Badminton’s decision to exclude Russian players. how significant is that loss, and can they cope without him?
PG: It’s undoubtedly a blow losing Khakimov, he’s a top-quality player. Doubles is often a crucial determinant in team competitions, so this will put pressure on the remaining doubles pairing. However, BCC has shown resilience throughout the season, and they just need to adapt their strategy and focus on maximizing their strengths.
BCC captain Gilles Tripet mentioned the team is also dealing with the Ukrainian situation affecting Coach Natalya Tatranov. How vital is it for a team to have a united front in such difficult circumstances?
PG: It’s incredibly important. Teamwork and unity are vital in any sport, but especially during challenging times.The players and staff need to rally around each other, support each other, and maintain focus on their shared goal. It’s commendable that BCC is trying to offer support to Coach Tatranov during this tough time.
Peter, what advice would you give to the BCC players going into this crucial weekend?
PG: Stay focused, trust yourselves, and enjoy the battle. Badminton is a gorgeous game, and even under pressure, remember to have fun. Every point counts, so fight hard, believe in your abilities, and don’t give up until the final shuttlecock drops!
What do you think, badminton fans? Can BCC pull off a remarkable escape from relegation? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
