KIRSTY GILMOUR is on the brink of making history after reaching the final of the Scottish Open Grand Prix and insists she can handle the pressure.
The home favourite is attempting to become just the eighth Scottish woman to win her home event after beating Soraya de Visch Eijbergen 21-15, 21-17 at the Emirates Arena.
Twice a runner-up at the third oldest badminton tournament in the world, Gilmour is hoping it’s a case of third time lucky but she faces a tough task against Danish third seed Mia Blichfeldt.
The Scot showed no sign of nerves in her semi-final win, but knows the pressure is on as she looks to fulfil a lifelong dream.
“The Scottish Open is on my career to-do list, it would mean a lot but the job is not done yet. I have a lot to think about before we can start celebrating,” she said. “I know expectations are high especially from myself and the crowds, but it is another game of badminton and I have not played Mia before – we are good friends off court.
“I gave her mum a hug when she won her semi-final, so tomorrow is going to be very interesting and it is going to be a point at a time. For sure nothing is a given but I will relax now and focus for the match.”
Gilmour, 24, was in control for much of her semi-final despite protesting she did not play at her best.
De Visch Eijbergen played well throughout the contest but Gilmour upped her game at crucial stages to get the job done.
“This is definitely not my first time. I am just really happy to be there, I certainly did not play my best badminton, but credit to Soraya,” Gilmour added. “She threw some really good things at me and I could not quite find my touch at crucial points but I managed to eek the win out.
“I was not wholly satisfied with how things went but it is my name that appears first on that scoreboard so it is a nice feeling. I am not complaining, even if I play a perfect game I will always find room to criticise. But winning ugly, I’ll take it, I love a scrap. Anything that anyone throws at me I will take it and hit back so it is does not have to be beautiful badminton. As long as your name is in bold it does not matter.”
The Scottish Open Grand Prix is being hosted at the Emirates Arena by BADMINTONscotland with support from Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland's Events Directorate. Tickets are on sale at www.badmintonscotland.org.uk or at the Emirates Arena box office.
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