2019 Babolat Dunfermline Badminton Championships
The Babolat Dunfermline Open Badminton Championships return to Carnegie Leisure Centre on Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th January.
A strong field in the Men’s Singles is led by current holder of the event and nominee for Badminton Europe Young Player of the Year Award, Christopher Grimley. His strongest opposition should come from second seed Joshua Apiliga.
Local interest in this event will focus on Calum Flockhart who reached the quarter finals last year and ex internationalist Gordon Hoggan who was a previous winner in 2011 and runner up in 2012 & 2013. Now coaching at the Wing Club in Dunfermline, he is making his first return to competitive play for some years, but should have a good run in the tournament. Also returning from their University studies are promising local players Ross Robson and Jamie Stewart.
The Women’s Singles has top seed Rachel Sugden from Alexandria with Lauren Middleton from Dundee seeded second. A dangerous floater is former champion, Holly Newall.
Christopher Grimley teams up with Alex Dunn, winner last year with Adam Hall, in the Men’s Doubles -a new partnership as Christopher usually plays with twin Matthew. They will face tough opposition from the established pair of Ciar Pringle and Jack McGregor.
Experienced international player, Julie McPherson pairs up with Holly Newall in the Women’s Doubles where their main competition comes from Lauren Middleton and Sarah Sidebottom.
Mixed Doubles sees Alex Dunn and Eleanor O’Donnell, who represented Scotland in the recent European Team championships, as strong favourites to take the title.
Entry to watch is these top class players is FREE.
Singles and Level Doubles on Saturday. Mixed Doubles on Sunday morning and all finals from 12.30 on Sunday.
Draws and schedules are online here
Preview courtesy of Joanna Flockhart