Blair will no longer be on the GB World Class Performance Programme after the pair fell to 26th place in the world rankings.

White will now focus on her women's partnership with Jenny Wallwork, where they hope to compete at Rio 2016.

The pair join Carl Baxter and men's doubles pair Chris Langridge and Anthony Clark in missing out on London 2012, with just over three months until the qualification period for the Olympics is completed.

The main reason for them dropping out of contention is that the points picked up from their impressive performance at the Malaysian Open last year, where they reached the semi-finals, have dropped off their world ranking.

Jens Grill, the GB performance director in charge of the World Class performance programme, said: "The year-long qualifying race is so hard on the players and their performances come under constant review.

"Once all realistic hope of qualification is gone we have to make hard decisions and, regrettably, this is what has happened here with Robert and Gabby.

"We explained to Robert in November that he still had to be in contention in January to remain on the GB World Class Performance Programme.

"Unfortunately their ranking points from Malaysia dropped off their World ranking this month and their German points will go next month so they were facing an impossible situation."

Blair immediately turned his thoughts towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games, being held in Glasgow: "Obviously I am disappointed to be leaving the GB World Class Performance Programme, especially after Gabby and I started our partnership so well.

"I had looked forward to competing at London 2012 but I will continue to re-qualify for Scotland and my focus now will be on representing them at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

"I plan to continue my training in Scotland and will still compete on the international tournament circuit once I have had a chance to consider my partnership options."

White, 21, added: "I am very disappointed that our efforts to qualify have ended but I know we gave it our best shot.

"I wish Robert the best of luck while I will now focus on my women's doubles with Jenny Wallwork.

"Luckily I am also young enough to be in a position to challenge for a place in the GB squad for Rio in 2016 – that now has to be my long-term goal."


The contenders for London 2012 are headed by mixed doubles pair Imogen Bankier and Chris Adcock (pictured), who were runners-up at the 2011 World Championships and are currently ranked 14th.

Also competing to represent Britain in the mixed doubles are Wallwork and Nathan Robertson.

Still hoping to compete in London 2012 are Rajiv Ouseph in the men's singles, Susan Egelstaff and Elizabeth Cann in the women's singles, Adcock and Andrew Ellis in the men's doubles, and women's doubles pair Mariana Agathangelou and Heather Oliver.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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