SIMON Archer's dream of a 16th doubles title ended in disappointment at the English Nationals in Manchester.
The Worcester ace, mixed winner in 2004 and men's doubles winner in 2005, and David Lindley, the second seeds, were beaten by top seeds Robert Blair and Archer's old partner Anthony Clark in the final.
Clark won his fifth straight men's doubles title, thanks to a 15-7 15-4 triumph.
Archer needed his ribs strapping during the match and finished with knee and tendon problems as well in his final season of top-class badminton.
With him stricken by injury and choked with disappointment, there was the sight of him being interviewed on court by his old partner Chris Hunt.
The pair won six men's doubles in a row together but Hunt was doing the interview with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder in the second round.
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