Security no worry,but food is,as Jamie looks to make the most of Indian experience

April had seen the pull-out of two Englishmen from the Indian Open owing to security concerns that followed the Indian Premier League’s move to South Africa,but there was no apprehension on that front for Bonsels. “The security,honestly,wasn’t a concern. It didn’t even occur to me. My younger sister was travelling to Goa on vacation,so my parents were looking at it as a good experience for both of us,” he said.

Indian and English shuttlers are on the same page as far as their mission of dislodging the Chinese,Malaysians and Indonesians from their prime posts go. And after Rajeev Ouseph last year,it is the turn of Bonsels to make the India pit-stop and pick up a few lessons here. “It’s hard being a European in badminton with the Asians dominating. But then there’s Peter Gade — a European legend who’s proved that it’s not impossible to get to that level,” he says.

The youngster from Harrogate — Britain’s No 6 in his first year in the seniors — decided to fly down after his coach at the High Performance Centre at Manchester,Colin Haughton recommended India for its facilities and the mentorship of Prakash Padukone. It helps that the Bangalore courts are teeming with talented players. “Sparring is a big problem in UK. Andrew (Smith) doesn’t train there,and Rajeev (Ouseph) and Carl (Baxter) — our top singles players tend to be away. So,it made sense to come to India,” he said.

Bonsels played football and cricket as a kid,but after showing a spark at a weekly session in badminton,he got hooked to the racquet sport. However,now the odds are stacked high — since Britain has been doing well in doubles,the singles players are being pushed into the shadows. “I did play some doubles as a junior but I’d like to concentrate on singles. In England,if you play singles,nobody looks at you!” he quips.