Badminton: Olympic rivals in Twitter row

THE battle for an Olympic place between Jenny Wallwork and Imogen Bankier intensified yesterday as the pair became embroiled in a Twitter row which ended with Wallwork telling Glaswegian Bankier to “jog on back to Scotland”.

England’s Wallwork, who plays alongside veteran Nathan Robertson, and Scotland’s Bankier, who partners Chris Adcock, appear to be competing for one mixed doubles spot in the Great Britain team at London 2012.

Their row had its roots in a remark by Bankier on Wednesday when, after watching highlights of last weekend’s English National Championships, she tweeted: “Just watched the English Nationals... why can English people not serve...?!”

The 24-year-old later pointed out this was “meant in a lighthearted way – not to offend” when taken to task by Wallwork’s women’s doubles partner Gabby White. Wallwork, 25, became involved yesterday, tweeting: “So the one with the “lighthearted banter” is injured AGAIN! I’d go for the ropey serve any day ;-) #banter.”

Bankier responded to that by replying: “Haha good one! only took you... what... 2 days to come up with that. Love the banter tho... #keepitup.”

Wallwork came back by tweeting: “No only found out last night actually. Could of guessed to be honest, your usually crippled. #weak #banter.”

Bankier replied by saying “slagging someone for being injured is dangerous” and that she would end the exchange before Wallwork said something she might regret.

However, Wallwork tweeted: “Won’t regret anything cause it’s just “lighthearted banter” isn’t it Imo. Don’t give it out if u can’t take it ;-) #Jokes.”

Bankier then claimed that “calling me a cripple” was not banter in another tweet that ended with the hashtags #jog on and #bored.

Wallwork said that “slating English players” was not banter either and told Bankier: “Suggest u keep your “banter” to yourself or “jog on” back to scotland.”

Bankier and Adcock, silver medalists at last year’s World Championships, currently have the edge over Wallwork and Robertson with just under three months of the Olympic qualification period remaining.

It seems likely that the highest of the two pairs in the world rankings on 3 May will be selected to represent Great Britain at the other’s expense.

Bankier and Adcock are currently 14th with Wallwork and Robertson 18th.