Kirsty Gilmour wins fifth straight title

Bothwell badminton ace Kirsty Gilmour is eyeing Olympic Games glory after winning her fifth consecutive Yonex Scottish National Championships women's singles title.
Kirsty Gilmour has won five national women's singles titles in a rowKirsty Gilmour has won five national women's singles titles in a row
Kirsty Gilmour has won five national women's singles titles in a row

Sunday’s victory in Perth for Kirsty (22) was sealed by a straight sets final triumph over Edinburgh’s Julie MacPherson, which she hopes will provide the catalyst for future successes.

“It was a really nice feeling winning my fifth Scottish title in a row,” Kirsty said.

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“I think it means as much to me as my very first win in the tournament.

“It was just the same great feeling when the final shuttle hit the floor.

“Julie was a tough opponent who gave me a run for my money and I had to keep up the pace to stay in front of her.

“The win means that I’m seeded in the nine to 16 bracket for this year’s Olympics in Rio now and I hope to get through the pool phase there and into the knockout stages.

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“Although I fancy my chances of doing well at the 2016 Olympics, the typical timeline for European badminton players reaching their peak would come for me at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

“To get a medal this year would be a surprise but if I get some consistency and string wins together then 2020 is my time.”

Kirsty – who defeated Eleanor O’Donnell and Rachel Cameron in straight sets in the first two rounds in Perth – has vast badminton experience having played since the age of four.

She has always benefitted from high fitness levels and hopes that the recent appointment of new coach Chris Bruil will further improve her tactical awareness and mental toughness.

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“I hope Chris makes me a more rounded player,” Kirsty added.

“We have a lot of discussions about theory.

“I’m currently doing 25 to 30 hours a week of on court and off court training.”

Kirsty – who loves being a full-time badminton player - has a hectic upcoming schedule from late February including tournaments in Germany, England and Switzerland.

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