Scottish Stars Set for European Championships in Huelva
2nd April 2026 by Robert McLean
Scotland’s leading badminton players are set to take on Europe’s elite as they travel to Huelva for the European Badminton Championships, with hopes high for deep runs and potential medal success.
The action gets underway on Monday with Scotland’s top mixed doubles pairing, Alex Dunn and Julie MacPherson, who enter the tournament as seventh seeds. The in-form duo will look to continue their strong performances when they face Germany’s Simon Krax and Amelie Lehmann, currently ranked world number 69.
Tuesday promises a packed schedule for the Scottish contingent, beginning with men’s singles player Callum Smith. He faces a difficult opening test against Finland’s Joakim Oldorff, ranked world number 50, in what will be a stern challenge against one of Europe’s top competitors.
In the women’s doubles, Julie MacPherson returns to court alongside Ciara Torrance. Seeded fifth, the Scottish pair will take on Germany’s Selin Hübsch and Amelie Lehmann, the world number 74 combination, as they aim to assert their credentials early in the competition.
Men’s doubles action follows, with Alex Dunn teaming up with Adam Pringle. The duo are set to meet another German partnership, Jonathan Dresp and Simon Krax, ranked world number 88, in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Matt Grimley and Chris Grimley, seeded eighth, begin their campaign against Czech pair Vojtěch Havlíček and Tomáš Švejda, currently ranked world number 113.
Attention then turns to the women’s singles draw on Wednesday, where Kirsty Gilmour and Rachel Sugden will both look to make strong starts in their respective campaigns.
The Scottish squad will be guided throughout the week by experienced coach Robert Blair, alongside former European men’s singles champion Rajiv Ouseph, providing valuable expertise and support courtside.
Fans can follow every moment of the championships live via Badminton Europe TV: https://www.badmintoneurope.tv/en-int/page/home-badminton-europe
With a strong and well-balanced squad across all disciplines, Scotland will be aiming to make a significant impact in Spain and challenge for honours against the very best in Europe.