The Irish badminton team's hopes of retaining their place in the top flight of the European Championships received a blow even before they departed for Sofia yesterday, where they open their campaign against Switzerland this morning.

Bruce Topping, who was scheduled to play singles and men's doubles for the team in the tournament, was forced to withdraw from the squad after tearing ankle ligaments in training on Wednesday.

Former Scottish under-23 international Lesley Dewart has been called up to replace Topping in the singles' matches, while his Ulster team mate Graham Henderson has also been drafted in as cover.

Sixteen nations will compete in Sofia and to retain their place in the top 16 Ireland must finish no lower than 13th - the ninth placed nation wins promotion to the top eight.