Opportunity arises for Wallwork to carve out her own identity

In their heydey Robertson and Emms won the Commonwealth and world titles in 2006 and the Olympic silver medal in Athens two years earlier.

They were also the last British pairing to win the Yonex All England Open Championships title in 2005, a feat Wallwork, 23, and Robertson hope to emulate this week in Birmingham.

They won their first title in 18 months as a pairing at the national championships in February, and Wallwork believes her determination not to be forever compared with the success of Emms will help her plot her own route to glory.

"Gail was a fantastic player, we definitely have some similar attributes," said Wallwork, who also competes in the women's doubles this week with fellow Leeds player Gabby White.

"However, there are also many things that are different and I think each individual has something different to offer.

"It's great to have Gail there if I need any advice and it's great having a partner with as much experience as Nathan – he has had a brilliant career so far and I just hope we can carry that on.

"I'm just learning as much as I can from him at the moment."

Wallwork, who was raised in Leeds, and Robertson begin their All England Open mixed doubles campaign against the Ukrainian pair of Valeriy Atrashchenkov and Elena Prus at 8.50 tonight. Earlier in the day, Wallwork and White – who also won the national title in Manchester last month – commence their women's doubles quest against talented Koren duo Jang Ye Na and Yoo Hyun Young.

The pair reached the quarter-finals last year and Wallwork said: "The All England is a very strong tournament with all the top pairs in the world so it's a great challenge for us to get out there and chip away at some of the best there is.

"Gabby and I have a tough draw this year with the Korean pair. It will be a difficult game as they all will be in this tournament. Hopefully, we will perform as well as we did last year and give everyone a surprise.

"Winning the national titles was a great feeling and it's nice to take confidence from those wins and take it into this tournament."

White, 20, also partners Chris Adcock in the mixed doubles. They begin this afternoon against Britain's Robert Blair and Imogen Bankier.