THE Scottish Open Badminton Championships, to be held at the Kelvin

Hall in Glasgow from November 25 to 28, looks set to enjoy a record

entry this year despite its demotion to one-star status on the grand

prix circuit. Lack of sponsorship lost the tournament its two-star

rating, but not the quality of its field.

The Scottish Badminton Union have had entries from the rest of Britain

plus Russia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, and

Australia. There is still time for additions before the deadline today.

The other good news for the SBU comes from the sponsors of the

Scottish National Championship, Hydro-Electric, who are extending their

financial support to the junior scene.

Their involvement, coupled with a grant from the government's

SportsMatch scheme, will ensure continued success of the come-and-try

coaching sessions which are held at the Scottish Open. Already 2000

youngster have signed up for the sessions, led by British coach of the

year and former Scottish player, Alison Fulton, and premier coach Jim

Phillip.

Anne Smillie, chief executive of the SBU, said: ''The coaching scheme

has proved to be a real winner over the years. It's a great way to

introduce badminton to Scotland's youngsters.''

Meanwhile, Scotland's under-18s line up this weekend at the

Northumberland Junior Open championships. Team:

Derek Bell (Dumfries), Colin Dow (Kincorth), David Forbes (Erskine),

Steven Gough (Kilbarchan), Ross Lethbridge (Kirkcaldy), Brian Sutherland

(Fauldhouse), Kathryn Graham (Fauldhouse), Kirsteen McEwan (Bridge of

Weir), Natasha Murray (Dumfries), Lena Robertson (Howwood), Sarah Smith

(Aberdeen); Keri Weatherhogg (Milnathort).