A victory by Kirsty Gilmour over world No.6 Tzu Ying Tai yesterday kept the All-Star Europe side in contention for the biggest prizes of their careers at the Axiata Cup in Jakarta.

While there was Scottish disappointment in the decisive match against the Asian All Stars, as Robert Blair and Imogen Bankier suffered their first defeat of the $1million event, the British No.1's performance was key in ensuring a draw that keeps alive the team's chance of reaching next week's finals.

As well as the big prize money on offer - the winning sextet will share $400,000 - this team event is ideal for the 21-year-old Commonwealth Games silver medallist's development, as it guarantees seven matches against Asian players, with the prospect of more if the Europeans can get into the top four.

"That was one of my best ever wins," said Gilmour. "I had a tough first set adapting to the windy conditions in the hall and also her playing style but got my game plan sorted out and I'm happy with my performance in sets two and three."

Having gone into this event on something of a high after defending their Scottish Open Grand Prix title at the Emirates Arena last week, Bankier and Blair had dropped just one set before yesterday, their most impressive showing having been against world No.9 pair Sudket Prapakamol and Sara Lee Thoungthongkam in securing Europe's only victory in the 3-1 team defeat by Thailand.

They pushed Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi Wah hard yesterday too, losing a fiercely contested opening set 25-23, while the second was also tight but they were edged out 21-18.

The Europeans currently sit third in the table but with Thailand and Indonesia unbeaten they look to be battling with Asia and Malaysia for the last two slots in the finals, making today's meeting with the Malaysians potentially decisive.

Meanwhile Kieran Merrilees, the Scottish national singles champion, also had a fine weekend as he came unseeded through the draw to win the Welsh International.

His victory in Saturday's final provided revenge over GB training partner Toby Penty for his first-round defeat by the Englishman at the Scottish Open Grand Prix.