Badminton

9:18 pm on 1 October 2010

With studying fulltime at Waikato University, holding down a job as a warehouse assistant and training for the Commonwealth Games, Oliver Leyden-Davis has a busy schedule.

Leyden-Davis, 20, has been training twice daily as part of his build-up to the Commonwealth Games in October. Teamed with 22-year-old Henry Tam in the men's doubles, the pair is seen one of New Zealand's strongest chances of a Delhi podium finish.

Tam, who also partners Donna Haliday, 29, in the mixed doubles, is the New Zealand top seed in the men's and mixed doubles, and with Leyden-Devis is ranked 37th in the world in men's doubles.

The men's team is rounded out by James Eunson, 20, and Joe Wu, 24, while the women's squad includes 22-year-old Danielle Barry, Michelle Chan, 23, and Anna Rankin, aged 20.

All players will compete in team and individual events, which will be determined through a random draw.

The squad is coached by Thana Arikrishnan, the Badminton Southland high performance director of coaching. Arikrishnan, who originates from Malaysia, has previously worked with the World Badminton Federation.

Prior to the Commonwealth Games, the New Zealand squad spent two weeks in Malaysia in an intensive training programme.

When and where

There are six events listed on the badminton schedule - singles and doubles matches for men, women, mixed doubles and mixed team. All games will be staged at the Siri Fort Sports Complex between 4-14 October.