Gilmour wins opening game at the China Open and prepares for a crucial round two
Kirsty Gilmour has comfortably won her opening game at the China Open 2024, a BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament.
This is Gilmour’s first tournament since the Paris Olympics and it started confidently as she beat India’s Imad Faroqui Samiya in two games 21-9, 21-7.
Head Coach Ingo Kindervater was pleased with the result especially at such a competitive tournament.
“It is really good to see her travelling there [China] and playing with the authority she did on a big tournament like this. It feels like she’s in a good place confidence and experience wise. She’s been building now for a long time without too many injury set backs which has been paying off in terms of consistency level.”“When we analysed the other girl we felt that she would have the edge and she did but it was good to see she was able to make that happen in all the rallies which explains the scoreline.”
Tomorrow Gilmour will be playing India’s Malvika Bansod in the second round, a player the Scot has faced four times prior with each of them taking two victories. Most recently was the US Open quarter final in June where Bansod took the victory after a lengthy three match game.
Kindervater noted the significance of the opponent ahead of round two.
“The second round is an interesting one as it’s the US open rematch. It’s a draw you would take in the second round of the China Open but the girl is better than you’d initially think on paper. She’s a tricky opponent and she played really well today.”“We will prepare later via video and I’m sure she’s [Gilmour] up for a good fight tomorrow.”
To watch Kirsty’s game either tune into TMT Sports or head over to the BWF Youtube page.