Scottish Open 2024: Matthew Waring becomes first Scot through to the next round of qualification
Matthew Waring has become the first Scottish athlete to advance through to the next round of qualifying on the opening day of the Scottish Badminton Open 2024, after a difficult start for Scottish talent at the tournament.
Waring faced Irish international Matthew Cheung in the first round of qualifying for the Men’s Singles tournament, a rematch following Waring’s elimination against Cheung in the U19 Irish Open in 2023 MS-U19 which saw Cheung defeat his Scottish opponent 21-14, 21-13.
However today, while others struggled in the early moments in their games, Waring excelled, claiming the first set 21-18, setting the tone for the game.
Cheung held his own, answering Waring’s challenge, and dominated the set 21-13 and the comeback started.
The two players kept the final set tight with no clear winner making for an exciting game for all watching.
After some late drama in the final set which saw Waring pause play, he managed to recover and continue the match to his final few victory serves, taking the final set 21-15, he said: “I got some sort of second wind.. and just kept going from there point by point and eventually got there after a few shakey moments.”
Following an incredible match between both players in the opening day of the tournament, Waring let out a roar of celebration when the umpire declared him the winner which echoed throughout the arena and was followed by a standing ovation from the stands filled with his supporters.
When asked about that moment he said: “My parish priest is here, my mum is here, everyone I know is here. It really is amazing I love this tournament.”
“It is really surreal, when I was younger I was always wanting to try and play for Scotland and especially at these senior tournaments I never really thought I would get here. It is quite an honour to be honest.”
By Paul Brady
Watch all the action: Home | Badminton Europe TV
Follow all results: Scottish Open 2024 | Tournamentsoftware.com
Get your tickets for the rest of the tournament: The Scottish Badminton Championships 2024 – Lokkaroom – Tickets