Gilmour one win away from gold
KIRSTY Gilmour will line up in the women’s singles final at the European Championships for the second successive year. The 2016 silver medallist defeated Switzerland’s No 6 seed Sabrina Jaquet 22-20, 21-10 in 40 minutes in Kolding, Denmark, yesterday to book a rematch with double European title-holder and Olympic champion Carolina Marin.
Seventh seed Gilmour trailed for much of the opener but from 12-9 down she surged into a 15-13 lead. Jaquet to respond with five successive points to lead 18-15 and then 19-16, but back came Gilmour with a four-point burst to set up game point at 20-19. Jaquet, who Gilmour faced at the Rio Olympics, saved the first but Gilmour did not let it slip when she got a second chance.
A more determined Gilmour then took charge to open up an early lead in the second game as she moved from 2-2 to 6-2 and then steadily built her advantage, helped by a decisive six-point charge from 14-8 to match point before taking the contest at the third opportunity.
Marin, who holds a 5-1 head-to-head advantage over Gilmour, was made to work by Danish fourth seed Mette Poulsen before winning 21-17, 21-12.
Gilmour, who had a lengthy lay-off after the Olympics following knee surgery, said: “I knew Sabrina would come out strong today and she did. But after winning the first set I had the momentum and felt more and more confident, but I never lost focus. I know that no match is over until the final point is decided.
“I am not really surprised over my level at this time. Four months after my operation I played my first tournament at the Scottish Nationals and have been on my steady way back ever since. I am very grateful to the physios at BADMINTONscotland and have followed every single point of their schedule.”
On the final, Gilmour added: “Marin obviously will be tough but I have a plan and will watch some videos of her matches as final preparation.”
BADMINTONscotland chief executive Anne Smillie said: “I am delighted for Kirsty. She has worked so hard to get back to her best.”