Medal Success and Strong Performances from Scots at the Yonex Belgian International
15th September 2025 by Robert McLean
Scotland’s badminton stars delivered an impressive showing at the Yonex Belgian International in Leuven last week, returning home with two silver medals and a string of strong performances that underscore the country’s growing presence on the European stage.
In the women’s doubles, Ciara Torrance and Julie MacPherson were in fine form all week, battling their way to the final. Despite a spirited performance, the pair were edged out by top‐seeded Bulgarians Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva, going down 21‑14, 21‑12 in a high‐quality final.
The men’s doubles also brought silver success, as Adam Pringle and Alex Dunn reached their first final together at this level. They pushed rising Danish stars Calvin Lundsgaard and Kristoffer Kolding all the way in a tight contest, eventually falling 21‑18, 21‑18 in what promises to be a breakthrough result for the Scottish pair.
Elsewhere, there were plenty of promising signs across the board. Matt and Chris Grimley reached the quarter‑finals, narrowly losing out in a tough three‑setter to Denmark’s Rasmus Espersen and Andreas Søndergaard (21‑18, 15‑21, 21‑15).
In the women’s singles, Rachel Sugden impressed with a run to the quarter‑finals, including a notable win over world number 90 Anna Tatranova of France. She eventually bowed out to top seed Yvonne Li of Germany (21‑8, 21‑10) but can take great confidence from her performances.
In the earlier rounds, Matthew Waring and James Robertson both showed potential despite just missing out in qualifying. Meanwhile, Brooke Stalker, partnering with Adam Pringle for the first time at this level, delivered a solid performance in mixed doubles, narrowly losing a three‑set battle against Dutch pair Andy Buijk and Meerte Loos.
A huge thanks goes to all our players for their efforts and to coach Robert Blair for his continued guidance and support throughout the week.
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