Happy Christmas to All

Hi Everyone,

I'm just about to head home to Ireland for the festive season and I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I would like to thank you all for your support. Special thanks to all my sponsors, my coach Jim, all in Badminton Ireland, Olympic Council of Ireland and anyone else out there that has helped me in any way. A special mention to my family and friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin and to all the fans and supporters out there........ lets hope 2008 can be as fruitful as 2007.

Thanks you one and all

Scott

Its Only a Week to Christmas

Hi all, I’m just popping in to say hello. Where do I start… well last week I had a very good week as I mixed a bit of pleasure with training after a tough year on the circuit. I think it was important to relax a little bit after my last tournament of the year. I had a team match on Saturday which we won 11 - 2. We are now top of the league going in to the New Year... that’s always nice!! After the team match on Saturday the club had its Christmas party. What a night it was :) each person had a role to play during the night... my roll was I was an Irish business man and I loved all the girls. That’s was a fun role to play :) It was a great night and it didn’t end until all hours on Sunday morning. Sunday I slept all day because I new I had to start my proper training again Monday morning. I was well rested come Monday morning and was ready when I got to training. This week is going to be very difficult. I am starting a new running program and also a new weights program that will keep me busy over the Christmas period. With two big Super Series events in January I need to keep at peak fitness so a rigid training routine over Christmas is essential. I’m looking forward to having a good but tough week of training and then I will fly home on the 22nd for Christmas.
So all that’s left for me to do is wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and I will see you all again in the New Year for some live chat and daily updates on my progress in the Malaysian and Korean Super Series events. 2008 is Olympic year so let’s make it a good one. Thank you all for your continued support

Scott.

P.S. See you all in Whitehall Road on 28th Dec for the Christmas Exhibition!!!

Olympic Dummy List

Hi Everyone,

If you go to the following link you will see the latest Olympic qualifying dummy list based on the latest world rankings. As you can see I placed well inside the qualifying mark.

Here is the link

http://www.eurobadminton.org/page.aspx?id=4906

This Week

hi all, after a long and hard season and my last tournament of the year over i had a few days rest... One of my mates from Denmark came over on Sunday morning and another who played in the Irish Open stated at my place till Wednesday. We had a good laugh for the 3days... went into Dublin City on Sunday and Monday night and have alot of fun. I even had time to do The Guinness Tour with my Danish Colleagues.
I flew back to Denmark on Wednesday morning on possibly the earliest flight ever :) leaving Dublin 6.30 in the morning. We had to wake up at 415... so early!!! anyway back to Denmark on Wednesday and have started training today Thursday. We have our last team match of the year on Saturday so i have to get ready for that... then we have a huge Christmas party in the club on Saturday evening. Im looking forward to it... its going to be alot of fun :) Next Monday is when the real training starts... i have 2 big tournaments in January... Malaysia super Series and Korea Super Series so i need to start preparing for them...

Talk Soon.... Oh check out my new chat forum on my website. I will pop in now and again to say hello.

Scott

TV Interview

Hi all,

You can watch Scott's TV interview that was aired on 11th December at the following link

http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1211/6news_av.html?2317340,null,230

Just skip on about 2 mins 30 seconds into the clip.

Some Images from Recent Irish International

Hi all,

Here are some photos from the recent Irish International in Lisburn. Many thanks to Brenda Barry foe emailing these through. They are much appreciated. If anyone else out there has photos that they wish to submit just email me at scottevansirl@gmail.com and I would be delighted to post them on the blog.

Scott

Beaten In Semi Final

Hi All,

Well the dream of winning The Irish International ended this morning when I was beaten by Marc Swielber of Germany 21-15 21-17. I just didnt perform to my best ability and just made to many errors.
But I had a good tournament and Im remaining positive and upbeat. Today I came up against a player in the middle of a rich vein of form and I was just second best on the day.
I will look forward to Christmas now and the super series events in Asia in the new year.
Thanks you all for your support over the past few days.

Scott

Its Semi Final Time

Hi All,

Well its semi final day and im pumped!!! I had a really good win yesterday where I felt I played really well and just didnt let Christian into the game at all.
Right now im not looking beyond my semi final against Marc Sweibler at 10am. He is in super form after winning that last two EBU events but I have nothing to fear as my game is in good shape and im going out to win!! So lets bring it on and I hope to hear you all shouting courtside.

Scott

Result Newsflash

Scott has just beaten Christian Lind Thompsen of Denmark 21-13 21-15 to claim his place in the semi final of The Irish International Open

Day 1 Report

Hi All,

I had a very good day today at the Irish international. First up today at 2 o clock was Jeff Tho from Australia. I had never played him before today.. but i had watched him a few times so i new what his game was like!! I had a good plan going into the match today, i also felt very good and i new i was ready for the game. I started off very well... i took a big lead in the first set... he started to come back a little bit but i got into my flow and took the first set 21 14. the 2nd set was better for me... i started to move alot better and started to mix my shots from the back of the court alot more and i think that helped alot... I took a big lead again in the 2nd but this time i didnt let him back into the game... i controlled the set the whole time and took it 21 12. I was very happy with the win... its always good to get the 1st game over with. Next up was Kasper Ipsen from Denmark. I played him a while ago in the 2nd round of the Portuguese open... I know his game so i new before i went in to play what i had to do and what i had to watch out for. I started off very well... leading 11 2.... I was in total control of the game!! I felt very comfortable and was having alot of fun... i then got to 20 12 and i started to lose my focus a little bit. he brought it back to 21 17 and then i got the last point to win the 1st set 21 17. the 2nd set was a bit closer... we were level for the 1st couple of points... I went into the break leading 11 8. playing well... I wasnt making many mistakes and i was taking my chance when it was there. We had some very long rallies in the middle of the 2nd set... we had 1 huge ralley which i lost... but after that he seemed like he had nothing left... he then made 4 mistakes in a row and i took the game 21 15. Very happy with the win against Ipsen... I feel confident going into tomorrow's match when i will meet Christian Lind Thompson from Denmark. I have played him once before in the semi final of Miami open 3yrs ago... i lost that match 22 20 22 20... but tomorrow will be a different story... i will update how i get on


Scott

2nd Round Win in Lisburn

Scott won his second consecutive match at the Irish International Open in Lisburn this afternoon by 21-17 21-15. A full report on the match to follow along with details of his 1/4 final opponent.

Result Newsflash

Scott has won his first round match in the Irish International open on a scoreline of 21-12 21-12 over Tho of Australia. Scott now faces Kasper Ispen of Denmark in the second round at 5pm this evening.

Lisburn - A Report

Hi everyone,

I arrived in Lisburn yesterday about 4pm and last night I trained for about an hour in the hall. I needed to get a feel for it again as its been a while since I played there. I felt really good last night and I was playing very well.
After that we went to an amazing restaurant and I had a huge steak :) it was amazing!! This morning I woke up early and I went training with one of my friends from Denmark. We played a singles game and it went really well for me. Im feeling really good about the tournament and im really looking forward to playing and enjoying myself.
I have just looked at the world rankings and see i have maintained my position at 46. Not bad considering I have not really played much in the last month.
I can also confirm that i am scheduled to go and compete in the super series events in Malaysia and Korea in Jan 08 so I will see how i get on against the big boys!!!
And finally that interview is not being shown on RTE until next Thursday... better late than never I suppose.
Well thats all for now folks. I will post regularly throughout the tournament so make sure you pop back for updates.

Thanks for all your support

Scott

First Round - My thoughts

Hi All,

Well the first round of the Yonex Irish International is only 2 days away and I'm feeling really good as training has been going really well and my back has really improved with the week away from competitive action.
I play a guy called Jeff Tho from Australia in the 1st round and he like me is a young chap with a lot to prove. I have never played him before but I have seen him play quiet a bit so I know his game reasonably well and therefore I think I know what I have to do to beat him. It will be a tough match as he is ranked 91 in the world and keen to improve his ranking for the Olympics next year.
Im really looking forward to getting into the thick end of this tournament as as I write and publish this I am on my way up to Lisburn from Dublin. I will keep you all posted with my progress over the course of the next few days.

Scott

Im On RTE news this Thursday at 6pm

Hi Everyone,

This Thursday coming I will be on the sports news of the main RTE 6 o clock news on RTE 1. Spread the word!!!

Scott

A Big Week Ahead

Hi All,

Well its Irish International week and im home in Ireland now getting ready for the tournament. I had such an exciting weekend where we won a crucial top of the table match against our nearest rivals Triton. We were 5-0 down and came back to win the match 7-6 with Anders Boesen and I clinching the final men's double in two sets for victory. The celebrations when we won were amazing and there was about 200 people there to cheer us on. It was one of those great badminton moments...
Im heading up to Lisburn tomorrow to train for 2 days in preparation for my first round match against a tricky Australian opponent. His WR is 91 so i really have to knuckle down and get focused for this match. The event has a top class field this year and im seeded number 4 with Richard Vaughan being the top seed.
I will keep you all posted on progress throughout the tournament and hopefully I can get a good run and hey..... wouldnt it be great to win. I would so dearly love to win my first EBU event here in Ireland.
Finally well done to Chloe and Karen on their Welsh Open success.....

This Sunday on RTE's Sports Bag With Robbie Irwin

Hi Guys,

This Sunday I will be interviewed by Robbie Irwin on RTE 2fm's Sportsbag show. The interview will take place at 10am and I'm really looking forward to it and letting all the people back home know whats happening in my world and the world of badminton.

Scott

Training Hard

My plans for the next few days.... Its good to be back in denmark training this week. Everything is going very well.... I have been getting treatment for my back and i have started to train harder now. I just hope my back will hold up for next week. Training on Monday and Tuesday was ok.. nothing to difficult! I have been warmed that tomorrow and Friday are going to be hard so i will need to be ready for the next 2 days training.
So that means for the next 2 days it will be badminton, eat, sleep, badminton... come Saturday i will be looking forward to having a nice lie-in :) but i am 99.9% sure i will get a phone-call Saturday morning to say i have training!! that's not a problem tho :)
Sunday i have a big team match for my club... we are playing a team called triton. It is between gentofte and triton who will go up next season... so this game on Sunday is important!! Today the Irish team are playing the tri angular in Cardiff... i just want to wish them the best off luck and sorry i cant be there!!!


Scott

Its a New Week

Hi Guys,

Well its a new week and I'm just coming to terms with loosing in Scotland last week. After the loss in the second round I went home to Ireland for a few days. It was great to get home and see familiar faces especially my girlfriend and my family.
I had a really good nights sleep on Friday night and when I got up on Saturday I went to gym and did my running programme. No rest for the wicked I'm afraid even on days off!!
That night I had my mums 50th Birthday party in Baldoyle and it was great. Happy Birthday Mum!!! I had to head home from the party as I had a early flight back to Denmark on Sunday morning so bags had to be packed again. I had a day off from training yesterday due to the fact that I was up at the crack of dawn for my flight.
Training this week will be pretty hard. I have no competition this week so I will be put through my paces by Lauge. I'm just heading out now and will train from 10am until midday and later on i will go for a good long run.
I'm starting the build up for the Irish Open. I cant wait for that. I really want to do well at my home event. No matter what sport you play your home event always holds a special place in your heart.
Next Sunday I have a big team match for my club here in Denmark so that will give me some competitive action over the next week. I just hope this niggling back injury holds up ok.
Ok you lot..... I'm off to training and I'm wrapped up in about 4 layers as its snowing here....

Beaten but Remaining Upbeat

Hi all.

I'm just back after been beaten in two sets of the second round at the Scottish International. I just did not play very well at all. I just never really got into the match and i didn't stick to my game plan either. It just wasnt my day today so I just have to put it behind me and move on to the next tournament.
My back is still giving me some trouble so I'm going to take a rest now until the Irish Nationals from the 6th to 9th Dec. That means skipping the Triangular next week in Cardiff where I was to represent Ireland but i really need to look after myself and get this niggling injury sorted out. I hate having to pull out of a representative as I love playing for Ireland but circumstances have prevailed this time.
I'm heading home tonight for a few days and will go back to Denmark on Monday for some treatment.
So roll on The Irish Nationals and it would be great to see a lot of you guys come and support the home players.

Cheers

Scott

Last Nights Win

Hi all,

Well I'm here in my hotel just reflecting on my game last night. As most of will know by now I won in two straight sets. 21-10 22-20. Its always good to win the first round match and get it out of the way. I had a really good opening set with few mistakes. Lauge had me well focused before the game so I was really ready. My tactics were really spot on for that first set!!!
I went out a bit to relaxed for the second set and he (Ridder) started to impose his flat doubles style of game on me. At the break in the second he was leading 11-6. After speaking with Lauge at the interval I got back into the zone and got the game back to 13-13 very quickly. It was nip and tuck up to 17-17 and then he won a few points and went 20-17 ahead. I won the next three points and got it back to 20-20. I just told myself to focus and just win the next two points which i did and took the set 22-20 and the overall match. I am over the moon with that win.
So its the second round today and I face Anand Pawer from India. We have played each other twice this year and its one win each. He beat me in 1st round of Bitburger open and i returned the complement in the Danish Super Series. I'm just going to go out and enjoy this match and and in preparation I will just relax in the hotel and head off to the venue about 1.30pm to go through my warm up routine.

Bring it on!!!

Scott

Scotland Part 2

Hi all,

I woke this morning about 9.15am and headed down for breakfast with Lauge my coach. I felt a bit tired after that so I went back to bed for and hour or so.
I got up again about 11.30am and I am just about to head out the door for a bit of training. I wont do anything hard just a bit of running a few movement exercises and hit a few shuttles. After that I will take it easy for the afternoon before heading back to the hall around 8pm to start my warm up routine for my match at 9.25pm.
My warm up will consist of a lot of running and stretching and will end up hitting a lot of shuttles on the practise courts just before the match. My back is feeling much better but i will make sure I stretch it and warm it up properly before the game.
I have never played my opponent before but from the bit I know of him he is more of a doubles specialist. Time will tell....
Take care and hopefully I have a win to report on tomorrow.

Scott

A Nice Bonus from Sports Council

I just got news this evening that i received a €3000 bonus from The Sports Council of Ireland as part of the bonus incentive scheme for 2007.
I would like to thank the Sport Council for Ireland for their continued support in the build up to the Olympics. Karen and Chloe also received the same bonus.
You can read a full article and list of recipients by following this link
http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/pressandpub-news-latest-article.aspx?article=acc73d1c-0aff-4018-ba92-196a60931da6

Report from Scotland Part 1

Hi Everyone.

I arrived in Scotland safely. Today I went training from 12 until 1.30pm. I just took it easy really and just spent the time doing some speed work in preparation for my match tomorrow. I decided then to go to the hall to watch Will & Brendan in their qualifier matches.
Taxi ride was a nightmare as taxi driver didn't have a clue where to go and to cut a long story short we got lost.... Great........... Unfortunately both the lads lost so its up to me and the rest of the Irish contingent to fly the flag tomorrow.
This evening I will just chill out and take it easy. Will probably catch up on some TV and have dinner later. Then its shut eye time for the match tomorrow evening.

Cheers

Scott

My Hopes for Scottish International

Hi All,

My preparations for the Scottish Open have been going well. I have not played a tournament since the Danish Super Series so I'm really looking forward to getting back on the competitive court.
I have had a niggling back injury over past few weeks but I have been working hard and training hard with my coach Jim and I'm going to the Scottish International with no pressure but having said that I'm going there to win!! I have a reasonable draw and I'm seeded 8 so here's hoping it goes according to plan.
I just hope the back holds up ok and I suppose only time will tell if it is ready for the strain of the competitive court again.
I will keep you posted on developments as the tournament unfolds.

All the best

Scott

Draw for Scottish International

The draw for the Scottish International has just been published and I'm down to play Koen Ridder from Holland in the first round. He is currently ranked 148 in the world. If I get through the first round i will play the winner of the Jorgensen/Pawar match in round two. My first round match is not until 9.25pm on Thursday evening.

Bank Of Scotland International

Hi All,

This week sees me head to Scotland to play in the Bank of Scotland International which starts on the 19th Nov. I'm seeded 8 at this tournament with the number 1 seed being Richard Vaughan from Wales. There is a strong European field entered with most of the top players on the European Tour taking part. The final draw has not being released yet but ass soon as it is and if i have time I will let you all know who I'm playing and the court times. I will try and keep you posted with the scores throughout the tournament which you can also follow at www.tournamentsoftware.com

Thanks
Scott

Welcome To My Blog

Hi Everyone,

My name is Scott Evans and you are all very welcome to my blog. I am currently the number 1 Irish Men's badminton player and I play professionally on the European and World Tours. My current world ranking is 45 and my ambition is to represent Ireland in next years Olympics in Beijing. Currently I am on target to achieve this aim and as of today I am well inside the cut off point on the Olympic dummy list.
I will keep you informed about my day to day life on the international badminton scene through this blog and you can also visit my main site at www.freewebs.com/scottevansirl for further information.
Thank you all for your Interest

Scott