Susan Hughes will be aiming for a fourth singles title at the Yonex Scottish National Championships at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth this weekend – and maybe a second doubles crown.

The 26-year-old Commonwealth Games medallist is defending the singles trophy, and has also entered the doubles with her teenage rival, Linda Sloan.  

“I won the doubles a couple of years ago with Rita Yuan Gao, but I don’t really expect to do it again,” admitted Hughes. “Linda will be my main opposition in the singles. 

“I’ve slipped up in the past at the “Scottish” in the singles but, hopefully, not this year. We’ve really just entered the doubles for fun.”

Jillie Cooper and Imogen Bankier team up for the first time – and will be strong favourites  - in the women’s doubles, while the pair add intrigue to the mixed event.

Bankier, who is ranked in the world’s top ten with England’s Robert Blair, defends the title alongside Cooper’s regular partner on the world and European circuit, Watson Briggs. Cooper has teamed up with Andy Bowman.

Craig Goddard defends the title in what promises to be one of the most competitive men’s singles championships for many a long year. Gordon Thomson, the 2007 winner, and 19-year-old Kieran Merrilees are also serious contenders.

Bowman, a two-time former winner, and five-time Champion David Gilmour are favourites in the men’s doubles.