RSL Latvia International Review

8th June 2026 by Robert McLean

Finlay Jack came agonisingly close to securing a place in the main draw at the RSL Latvia International in Riga, producing a series of impressive performances at the Future Series event.

Starting in the Round of 128 qualifying draw, Finlay showed excellent form and composure throughout the week, progressing through three challenging rounds with some outstanding badminton. His run eventually came to an end in the final round of qualifying, where he was defeated by talented Chinese Taipei teenager Jhuang. Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the main draw, Finlay’s performances demonstrated significant progress and provided plenty of positives to take forward.

Elsewhere in the men’s singles competition, Xiaozhu Jiang faced a difficult challenge in qualifying against Poland’s top-seeded qualifier, Golas. Jiang battled hard but was unable to find a way through, losing in straight games.

Jiang also partnered England’s Ann Mok in the mixed doubles event. After being promoted from the qualifying draw, the pair faced Finland’s Aino Övermark and Juha Honkanen in the main draw. Despite their efforts, Jiang and Mok were defeated 21-5, 21-11 by the Finnish pairing.

The tournament provided valuable international experience for all involved and highlighted encouraging signs, particularly from Finlay’s strong singles campaign. Attention now turns to the next challenge, with Finlay returning to action in just 10 days’ time as he travels to České Budějovice to compete at the Czech International.