Scottish No.1 Susan Hughes suffered a disappointing second round loss in the Norwegian Open – but it couldn’t have been closer.

The Glasgow player had beaten Russia’s Irina Hiebko 21-6 21-7 in the first round, before going down 19-21 21-17 21-23 to China’s Zhang Xi. Xi went on to win the title.

This week, Hughes is the No.2 seed in the women’s singles at the Bank of Scotland International Championships at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.

Susan is the top home hope for the Championships, which have attracted players from all around the globe.

She is expected to make the final for a first time and, if the seedings work out, she will face old rival Elizabeth Cann for the trophy on Sunday, November 23. 

Hughes beat Cann to win the bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia, but she has also lost to the English player and Cann is ranked No.27 in the world and Hughes, who has already reached two European circuit finals this season, is at No.31.

“I have to get to the final before  start thinking about Elizabeth, but it would be great to player her again,” said Hughes. “I’ve had a good start to the season and it would be great to do well in Glasgow.”