Scottish Open 2024: Wildcard Callum Smith fights tough battle in first Scottish Open Main Draw

Callum Smith has made his return to the Scottish Badminton Open 2024 as a wildcard pick.

The three-time Scottish Singles champion played against English international star, Ethan Rose in a tough battle.

Stepping onto the court Rose instantly made an impression by taking the set 11-21 with longshots that left Smith struggling to make contact as the shuttlecock fell to the floor.

Smith said: “The higher up you hit the shuttle, the shuttle comes down at more of an angle, so it is a little bit harder to time the shuttle.

“Every single thing I gave at him he had an answer for, he managed to return absolutely everything and made my game so much harder.”

As the pair headed into the second set Rose’ dominance disappeared and with the home crowd cheering, Smith was able to hold his own all the way into the middle of the second set, before conceding the game 11-21.

This isn’t the first time the rivals have been face-to-face. Their first encounter was at the U19 Irish Open in 2018 with Rose losing the first set 21-17 but clawing back in the second set 11-21 and 6- 21 in the final. Their last meeting was in 2023 at the FZ FORZA Dutch International with Smith securing a victory by taking 21-18 in the first set and 21-13 in the second.

Having now settled their tied streak, Smith planned to change tactics for any future matches with Rose: “If I was to play him again, I would probably try and play a slightly different game.”

Smith now faces the Welsh international in Cardiff next week where he faces another English opponent.