ALEX Langley knows that three into two doesn’t go but the Cleethorpes badminton player insists she won’t be the one left on the sidelines this weekend at the English National Championships.

As the calendar flipped over to 2012, Langley could reflect on a job well done last year as her and partner Lauren Smith took to their first-ever World Championships in confident fashion – winning their opening game before bowing out in the second round.

And as the duo look to continue their fine form they turn their attentions to domestic duties, looking to reach new heights at the English National Championships in Bolton.

Last year Langley and Smith bowed out at the semi-final stage but that won’t do this year as the pairing set about showing the likes of reigning champions Jenny Wallwork and Gabby White that they mean business.

“Last year we got to the semi finals of the nationals and hopefully we can go one better and get to the finals this time around,” said Langley – a former Humberston School pupil.

“At the moment we are ranked as probably the third best women’s doubles pairing in the country so to make a final means we are knocking on the door of the top two.

“Last year we lost to Heather Olver and Mariana Agathangelou but this time around we want to reach the top girls and show what we are all about.

“We think that we have what it takes now to compete with the best of them and it is all about proving that out on court when it all gets underway.”

For many at the English National Championships thoughts will be drifting towards this summer’s Olympics with the year-long selection period for the Games ending in May.

And, although Langley admits London 2012 has come far too soon for her, she believes the chance to sample the atmosphere will go a long way to helping her achieve her own goals further down the line.

“With London 2012 in our home country it’s a great motivation for us to keep putting in the work,” she added.

“It’s going to come round a bit too soon for me to get the chance to play but that doesn’t mean we don’t see how much it means to everyone and the work the seniors are putting in to try and qualify.

“Our aim has always been on 2016 when we are a bit older but to get the chance to sample what an Olympics and the build-up to it is all about then 2012 is a great chance.”

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