Scottish Open Day One: Katrina Makes Waves at the Emirates
By RJ Mitchell
KATRINA CHAN has admitted that her first Scottish Open has left her with plenty to learn from.
The 17- year-old, who is one of the most promising talents within the Scottish elite system, faced England’s experienced Zi Yang in the opening round and put up an impressive performance, particularly in the second set, before succumbing 11-21, 15-21.
But reflecting on the experience, Katrina, a semi-finalist at the Scottish National championships earlier this year, says she loved every minute of her big day out at the Emirates Arena.
The Bellahouston Academy pupil said: “Obviously it was my first Scottish Open and there were some nerves at the beginning but as the match went on I started to relax.
“In the second game I grew into it a bit more and loosened off a bit and my game started to flow much better. Really I also had nothing to lose and that helped me relax a bit and I felt like I was in there much more.
“I did find it quite tough to get in the rallies, especially in the opening set, as she was quite tall and pretty strong and made it tough for me, but it was a great experience and there were lots of things I can learn from.
“I very much hope this will be the first of a few Scottish Opens for me.”
Earlier this year Katrina was the winner of the Mary Russell Award which is presented in memory of the former convener of the Glasgow & North Strathclyde Group for the junior female who has shown the best achievement, improvement and ‘sportspersonship’ in the past year.
Coached courtside by Scottish badminton’s Head of Performance Ingo Kindervater for the first time, Katrina has no doubt about the value of receiving real match-time tips while battle rages.
She shared: “Ingo said he really enjoyed coaching me and it was also his first time coaching me in a tournament environment and for me that was a great experience too.
“Ingo gave me a lot of really helpful tips and they all made a difference and it was just great to have his support throughout the match.”
Meanwhile Lauren Middleton, who was seeded No.2 in the women’s singles qualification tournament was promoted into the main draw after a withdrawal.