Youth international in Hungary was ‘amazing trip’ for Sophie (11)
Eleven-year-old Caithness badminton player Sophie Mackay travelled to Hungary as part of a collaboration of clubs from across Scotland to compete in the Multi Alarm U13 U15 Youth International.
Sophie, from Dunnet, was among 11 of Scotland’s leading players across the two age groups at the three-day event in the city of Pécs from March 14-16.
They were accompanied by three coaches – Shona Mackay, who is Sophie’s mum, along with Ciar Pringle and Callum Smith.
Shona said: “It was a fantastic trip for all the kids who made up the squad to experience playing at such a high level.”
Sophie had a great start on the Friday in the singles as she won all her games to top Group D. This placed her in round of 16 which played on the Saturday, with Sophie coming up against fellow Scot Anvita Awasthi (Lothian).
Sophie came out on top 21-19, 21-16 to reach the quarter-finals where she was beaten 21-9, 21-16 by Tereza Tomasková from the Czech Republic.
Sophie teamed up with Anvita to play doubles. They had some good group games but didn’t progress to the next round.
Sophie teamed up with James Huang (West of Scotland) in the mixed doubles, played in the form of a knockout.
They took on Boyar Cagan and Kocak Yagmur, both from Turkey. The Turkish pair won 21-7, 21-14 and went on to take the mixed doubles title.
Sophie said: “It was an amazing trip. I enjoyed playing such hard opponents, I loved my first tournament abroad.”
