BRITISH veteran badminton Nathan Robertson has admitted he is facing a tough battle in his quest to qualify for this summer’s London Olympics.

The 34-year-old, who won the mixed doubles silver in 2004, is struggling to make the cut along with doubles partner Jenny Wallwork and they are essentially locked in a face-off with Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier for one spot at the Games.

The pair with the highest ranking in the May 3 world rankings look set to qualify and World Championship silver medallists Adcock and Bankier are currenly leading the way by four places.

“I am still just as determined but it has not gone at all the way we wanted it to and it hasn’t been particularly enjoyable either, which is a bit of a shame because a year and a half ago we were top 10 in the world and looking good,” said Robertson.

“But there is still a chance to make a happy ending at the end of it.

“It is pretty much a shoot-out between us and the other GB pair.

“There are about six or seven tournaments left and one or two rounds different in points. It is very close.”

Adcock and Gabby White beat Robertson and Wallwork in the final of the English National Championships in Bolton - a result which provided a psychological blow, even though Olympic qualification points were not at stake.

“The results of this weekend won’t matter too much to us,” Robertson added.

“The only thing that matters this year is where we are in the world come the end of April.”