AILEEN Travers, who suddenly announced the end of her international
career last week, has explained why she has turned her back on her place
in the World Championship team.
The Perth dentist, who has won a total of 33 caps for Scotland, is no
longer prepared to give the time and commitment required to stay at the
top. ''At 28 years of age I'd like to do something else with my life
now,'' said Travers. ''I will miss the international scene, however.
I've had some good times.''
In particular she remembers her first trip ''many, many years ago''
away with the Under-14 Scotland squad to Holland, where she won a gold
medal in the girls' doubles, and her first Commonwealth Games in 1986,
where she remembers the ''tremendous experience of being involved with
all the different sports.''
Sadly the demise of Travers, who is married to badminton legend Dan
Travers, is a sign of what lies ahead for Scotland's team. Jenny Allen
plans to retire after the World Championships, and other stalwarts could
follow suit.
Meanwhile three Scottish singles players and one pair have been given
places in the main draw of the All-England Badminton Championships,
which begin on March 13. Scottish champions Bruce Flockhart and Anne
Gibson, as well as Gillian Martin, will not have to qualify, while
Flockhart and Craig Robertson have been given a place in the main draw
of the doubles.
Scotland's Under-23 team to play Ulster at Bruce Street Hall,
Dunfermline, on March 9:
B Kinnaird (Kinross), L Dewart (Dumfries), S Watt (Penicuik), N Brown
(Howwood), B Hogg (Dunfermline), C Johnston (Grangemouth), A Dillon
(Dumfries), G Brockie (Edinburgh), K McEwan (Bridge of Weir), P
Whiteford (Airdrie), A Blanchflower (Glasgow), C McArthur (Glasgow).
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