Ouseph beaten as France edge out England

Rajiv Ouseph suffered a surprise defeat as England were beaten by France in the semi-finals of the European Team Championships in Kazan.

Feltham’s Ouseph lost to world number 35 Brice Leverdez 10-21 22-20 21-8, with France going on to win the tie 3-2.

Ouseph had got off to a good start, winning 11 of 14 points to take the opening game, before Leverdez pipped him in the next one to force a decider.

And the Frenchman, who had only beaten Ouseph once in their seven previous meetings, pulled away at 8-4 to secure victory.

England went 2-1 up in the tie only to be pegged back and France’s Lucas Claerbout beat Sam Parsons to take his country into the final.