Guinness World Record!
A smashing group of badminton players have netted a place in the record books.
The 157 players from across Scotland broke the Guinness World Record for the most amount of participants in a single badminton rally to launch ticket sales for the Scottish Open Championships and raise money for Down’s Syndrome Scotland.
A previous record of 123 had stood since 2014 before being extended to 129 by a club in Japan earlier this month.
But now Scotland has claimed the new best at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, which will host the Scottish Open in November.
The first shot of the rally was served by Down’s Syndrome player Ross Ferrando, 18, from Melrose, who said: “I can’t believe we broke the record!
“I’m so proud to have been part of this. I love badminton and it’s just amazing to be here with all these players for this event.”
The 157th and final successful shot of the rally was hit by 80-year-old Yulian Zhai who said: “This has been amazing! I can’t believe I’m a sporting record-breaker at my age!”
Badminton Scotland chair Kevin Scott said: “This was a brilliant effort by all the players involved.
“To have so many players hit a shot then run off the court to make way for the next player consecutively is incredible and a great advert for the sport of badminton in this country.
“Tickets for the Scottish Open in November are on sale now and we really want to showcase this world-class event.
“Aside from our own top players, there will be stars from all over the world taking part and it is a rare chance for the Scottish public to watch top class international badminton up close and live.”
Glasgow Life support the Scottish Open through funding, and also operate the Emirates Arena where the tournament – and record attempt – is held.
Julie Pearson, Head of Events at Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow is internationally known as a world-class sporting city, so we are thrilled to support this incredible Guinness World Record attempt, which is the perfect warm-up to The Scottish Open Badminton Championships.
“The Scottish Open offers a great opportunity to watch some of the rising stars and proven performers of the world’s fastest racket sport go head-to-head. The fact the competition is returning to the Emirates Arena once again shows Glasgow is among the world’s best when it comes to hosting international sporting events.”
A spokesman for Down’s Syndrome Scotland said: “What a terrific event. It was brilliant to see the Scottish badminton community to come together in this way.
“We’re delighted Badminton Scotland chose us as their charity partner for this successful world record attempt – and now I can’t wait to see some world-class badminton action at the Scottish Open in November.”
Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/3JmQ2Iu while a donation can be made to Down’s Syndrome Scotland at https://bit.ly/41OCXxR.
Also, Badminton Scotland members receive discounts of 50% on tickets for the event – join here at https://bit.ly/47R4l1U
Badminton Scotland have submitted details of the new record to Guinness World Records for formal ratification, likely to take a few weeks.
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