Cann's Olympic focus

Upcoming tournaments vital for the English National champion.

By Emma Bird. Last Updated: February 9, 2012 1:09pm

Liz Cann: The determined GB hopeful will not let the Olympic hype distract her this season.

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Team GB badminton player Liz Cann is going into the final few months of Olympic preparation with a confidence boost, after winning her fifth women's singles title.

Cann defeated Yorkshire's Kate Robertshaw, 21-19 21-17, at the English National Championships in Bolton last weekend.

"Every tournament has the best players so the pressure is just that much higher than last season."
Liz Cann Quotes of the week

The 32-year-old top seed still has her sights firmly set on Olympic qualification, despite the current standings being very even as the All England Open Championships approach next month.

The Jersey hopeful told Sky Sports: "I am pleased and relieved after my performance at the English Nationals.

"I am in good shape at the moment and the confidence is building after the weekend. However, I could do with a couple of good tournaments in order to increase my points tally."

With some solid training planned between now and the upcoming tournaments, Cann admits it is difficult to remain focused and not get carried away by the hype of the sporting spectacular this summer.

Home support

"An Olympics is the biggest thing you can compete in and whatever country it is in it would be massive but the fact it is in your home country is just amazing.

"The home crowd will be there and you always want to perform your best in front of home support. There is a different feel and vibe to it when you play in your own country," she added.

However, the fact that 2012 is an Olympic year has meant Cann's entire training and competition schedules have increased in intensity since last season.

The 2010 Commonwealth bronze medallist said: "I think there is so much more pressure this year, meaning performances are not as consistent as in other years as there is more riding on it.

"We are also competing a lot more and you are always trying to get your ranking higher. Every tournament has the best players so the pressure is just that much higher than last season."