Fine Margins as Meldrum and Clowes Miss Out on Main Draw in Caldas da Rainha

5th March 2026 by Robert McLean

Angus Meldrum and Malik Clowes both delivered encouraging performances in the qualifying rounds of the 61st Portugal International Championships, but narrowly missed out on securing places in the men’s singles main draw in Caldas da Rainha.

Continuing his comeback from a long-term injury, Angus Meldrum showed impressive resilience in his opening qualifying match. The Scot battled past Austria’s Pascal Cheng in a hard-fought three-set encounter in the round of 128, eventually coming through 19–21, 21–16, 21–11.

Next up for Meldrum in the round of 64 was promising English talent Anish Nair. On this occasion, the young Englishman proved too strong, securing a straight-sets victory 21–14, 21–6 to end Meldrum’s run in qualifying.

Malik Clowes began his campaign in the round of 64 against Bulgarian teenager Yordan Yordanov. Clowes came agonisingly close to taking the opening game, narrowly losing it 22–24 before Yordanov closed out the match in the second set 21–16.

Despite the early exits, there were plenty of positives for the Scottish duo to take from the week as they continue their development on the international circuit. Meldrum will return to action in a few weeks’ time at the Polish Open in Łódź.