TWO FROM TWO FOR MCHUGH AND BURNETT IN BIRMINGHAM

Chris McHugh and Paul Burnett have notched up their second win of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, defeating South Africa in straight sets 2:0 (21-12, 21-12).

Having opened their campaign on Saturday with a strong win over the Maldives, McHugh and Burnett were eager to continue their form.

And that they did, delivering a dominant performance on Centre Court at the Smithfield venue.

With two from two wins under the belt, McHugh and Burnett have booked their spot in the quarterfinals.

But it’s a feat that Burnett said will not be weighing on his mind as they prepare for their third and final pool match against Rwanda on Wednesday.

“It’s nice knowing that we’ll be in the quarterfinals, but we’re definitely looking to win the next game against Rwanda and finish three from three,” Burnett said.

“Our goal is obviously to win the gold, and so a quarterfinal is obviously part of that process, but we’re just taking it one game at a time right now,” he said.

Burnett looked at home on the court, in only his second match at the Commonwealth Games level, admitting he’s now had time to process the nerves.

“I’m loving it out there – I think in the first game there was a little bit of nerves, and obviously it was my first time at the Commonwealth Games,” Burnett said.

“So I think this time I was a little bit better at soaking up the atmosphere a bit more and really enjoying the occasion.

“I like to get a little bit loud and rowdy whenever something happens and that helps me play a bit better as well,” he said.

Results: AUS d RSA | 2:0 (21 – 12; 21 – 12). Click here for full results. 

Coming up: Australia’s men’s team take on Rwanda Wednesday 3 August 11:30pm AEST. 

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