BADMINTONscotland were sharing in Robert Blairís joy after he won a menís doubles silver medal at the QI-IBF World Badminton Championships in Madrid.

The 25-year-old†and Anthony Clark surpassed themselves in reaching the menís doubles final on Sunday before losing to tops seeds Cai Yun and Fai Haifeng 21-9, 21-13 on a finals day when China and England were the only nations participating in the four finals.

Edinburgh-born Blair, who won every Bank of Scotland age group title available to him in singles and doubles as a junior during his teenage years in Scotland, moved to England after winning three senior caps in 1999-2000.

Anne Smillie, Chief Executive of BADMINTONscotland, who was in Madrid to see Blair in action, said: ìWe are delighted for Robert and pleased that his progress through our junior ranks has stood him in good stead.

ìOur coaches recognised his talent at a very early stage and itís wonderful that a Scot has got on the podium at the World Championships.

ìWe look forward to being able to see him in action at the World Mixed Team Championships for the Sudirman Cup in Glasgow next June.î

For further information contact BADMINTONscotland on 0141 445 1218.