Scotland’s Imogen Bankier ended 2008 with a frustrating trip to Malaysia – but she’s now back in the same country hoping for an encouraging start to the 2009 Super Series.

The Glasgow 21-year-old is currently ranked No.8 in the world in mixed doubles with Edinburgh-born Robert Blair and they did exceptionally well to qualify for the World Super Series Masters Finals in Kuala Lumpur last month.   

But it turned out to be a disappointing trip as Imogen was struck down by a severe ear infection and the pair failed to win a match.

But she is now 100% fit and looking forward to starting the new year with back-to- back Super Series in Malaysia and South Korea, although she is not looking forward to moving from boiling hot Kuala Lumpur to freezing cold Seoul.

In Malaysia this week, Imogen is teaming up for a first time with English Olympian Donna Kellogg in the women’s doubles. She is just viewing it as a one-off experiment – but Donna is seeking a new partner following the retirement of  the 2004 Olympic mixed doubles medallist, Gail Emms.

Imogen and Robert are seeded No,5 in the mixed and should have a relatively easy first round on Wednesday against a pair of qualifiers.