Quarter-Final Exit for Gilmour in Prague

19th October 2026 by Robert McLean

Kirsty Gilmour’s campaign at the YONEX BYD Czech Open came to an end at the quarter-final stage on Saturday, despite a strong start to the tournament as the number one seed.

Gilmour began her campaign on Friday with a straight-games victory over Denmark’s Anna Siess Ryberg, winning 21-17, 21-17 to progress to the next round.

Later that afternoon, she faced England’s Leona Lee in the pair’s first meeting on tour. Gilmour took control of the opening game, winning 21-12, before Lee was forced to retire through injury in the second game, with Gilmour leading 8-7.

Saturday’s quarter-final saw Gilmour take on home favourite Tereza Švábíková. Having won their only previous encounter at the 2023 Mixed Team Championships, where she recorded a convincing 21-11, 21-8 victory, Gilmour looked to continue her progress in Prague. However, backed by the home crowd, Švábíková turned the tables this time around, securing a three-game victory to bring Gilmour’s Czech Open campaign to a close.

There is little time for Gilmour to dwell on the result, with another quick turnaround ahead. She is already in France for the YONEX French Open, where play is scheduled to get underway tomorrow.

There was also a milestone to celebrate in Prague, with Evan Kenny and his mixed doubles partner Aurelia Wulandoko competing in their first tour-level event together. Congratulations to both on reaching this milestone, as they now prepare for another quick turnaround, heading to Pyrgos for the Hellas International, which also begins tomorrow.