SCOTLAND'S top lady player Susan Hughes exercises in practice at the Markland Hill Racquets' Club in Heaton ahead of the Commonwealth Games' badminton competition which began today at the Bolton Arena.

The Scottish team, sponsored by The Bank of Scotland, are seeded three behind the top-ranked England team with New Zealand second.

The three teams set off on the medal trail that culminates in team finals on Tuesday. This is followed by the singles' events -- when Susan's solo quest begins.

NET GAINS -- Chinese-born Yuan Wemyss -- known to international badminton fans as Rita -- and her Scottish team-mate Sandra Watt practiced at Markland Hill Racquets' Club in Heaton for the Commonwealth Games. The strong ladies doubles duo are ranked third in the Commonwealth and are among the medal favourites. But today, they join team-mates in The Bank of Scotland sponsored national team at the Bolton Arena to take on the Maldives in a group which includes Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. England -- the favourites in the team events -- face a tough draw which includes Malaysia.