Circuit

Scots take home two titles
Date: 9/2/2012 11:27 AM
Published by : Manuel Røsler
Two finals and two gold was the impressive haul for Scottish badminton at today’s Polish Open finals in Lubin. Both Kieran Merrilees in the men’s singles and Kirsty Gilmour in the women’s singles proved to be the form players at this inaugural Polish Open and claimed their maiden wins on the European Circuit. Both Scots were dominant throughout the tournament and Merillees in particular looked to be in excellent form after defeating top seed Kestutis Navikas in the earlier rounds.

“When I looked at the draw I saw the match against Navikas as my final and when I beat him it gave me great confidence for the rest of the tournament” said a happy Merrilees to Badminton Europe.

Merrilees beats Penty in straight games

The Scot came out on top in todays final against Toby Penty of England in two straight games. Penty, who himself had a great tournament, had nothing left in reserve after a tournament of tough three set battles and the young Englishman never really troubled Merrilees in today’s final. “I think Toby was maybe mentally drained after a tough tournament and long matches and I was ready for today and to win this tournament” said a happy Merrilees to Badminton Europe.

In the women’s singles final which was another Scotland versus England affair, Kirsty Gilmour came out on top to claim her first senior title on tour in two games over Riou Panuga. The young Scot was never really troubles by Panuga and the delight was evident on her face as she claimed her maiden victory with a 21-12 21-12 win.

“I’m so happy to win here. I have been practising do hard over the summer and even though I have been mixing it up with the boys in training it is clear that has paid off for me here in the first tournament of the new season”
Panuga appeared to be suffering with an ankle problem throughout the match and looked to be hampered by the injury which Gilmour was blissfully unaware of.

“I knew Riou had to borrow some shoes after her own broke yesterday but I was unaware of any injury through the game, I just concentrated on my own performance” commented Gilmour.

Doubles joy for home nation Poland

There was doubles joy for the home nation in both the women’s and men’s doubles in the final two matches of the tournament. Kamila Augustyn and Agnieszka Wojtkowska  controlled their match from start t finish against Thomas and Turner from Wales in what was a good tournament for the Welsh girls. The Poles proving to be just to strong in the end winning 21-15 21-14.

In the very final match of the tournament it was one way traffic for top seeded Poles Skudzlarczyk and Moren as they lifted the men’s doubles title with a victory over Belgian pair of Golinski and Dierickx.

“We got our tactic right today against the Belgians guys and I think once we won the first set we maybe broke them mentally and we are happy to win in two games” said the Poles to Badminton Europe after their victory.
Finally and as expected Jenny Wallwork and Andy Ellis lifted their very first title in their first tournament together in what proved to be England’s only success on finals day. The neighbours from Leeds saw of the threat of Szkudlarczyk and Wojtkowska in two games to get their partnership off to the perfect start.

CLICK HERE for the finals results

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Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Poland for Badminton Europe)
©badmintoneurope.com. All rights reserved.

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