Badminton: Doubles entry rubber-stamped

Mixed doubles badminton combination Daniel Shirley and Sara Runesten Petersen had their place in the New Zealand Olympic Games team officially rubber-stamped yesterday.

The Waitemata pair qualified for Athens by securing the necessary spot in the world top 16 at the last qualifying tournament before the end of the qualifying period, April 30.

They won bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago and have been ranked as high as No 6.

The pair and coach Li Feng will train in New Zealand until the end of next month.