Dan Travers, Scotland’s High Performance coach, admits he is “extremely disappointed” that Scottish Champion Gordon Thomson, Andy Bowman and Thomas Bethell have been dropped from the GB funding programme.

All thee have been full-time players based at Milton Keynes this season, but the financial cutbacks – 16 players altogether have been culled - means that Scotland’s 2010 Commonwealth Games hopes have suffered a severe blow.

The funding review was revealed at the end of last week, and Travers stated:

“The three lads have three more months of funding, but I‘ve no idea what they will do after that. But, looking ahead to the 2010 Commonwealth Games, I’m hoping something can be done to help them.”

Travers reckons that all three have been unlucky. Andy Bowman and Wales’ Martyn Lewis won the Belgian and Welsh Opens men’s doubles titles this season, while Thomson scored a great win in the Yonex Scottish National Championship.

“Andy is nearly 25 and, looking to achieving at the highest level, his age is against him,” continued Travers. “Gordon has made a brave attempt, but has struggled to get results. But he could make the breakthrough if he gets more tournaments.

“As for Thomas, he was never given a regular GB partner in the doubles. He didn’t really get a chance.”

But there is some good news. Emma Mason – sidelined for almost a year with an Achilles injury – has been added to the GB squad to join Scots Imogen Bankier, Jillie Cooper and Linda Sloan.