Allen on the rise

Perth squash player Katriona Allen is hoping to reach new heights after winning the Women’s Scottish Doubles Championships at Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow.

Allen (19) and partner Alison Thomson produced a strong display in the final to defeat Crieff duo Maddie Orr and Lucy Murchie 2-0 (11-4, 11-5).

It was the first time the pair had played together and Allen is confident of further success.

She said:“It was good for a new partnership and we’re obviously still learning. It was nice to get the win in the final and the confidence that comes with that. I am pleased with how it went and to pick up some silverware.

“Alison is a really good player and I enjoyed playing with her. Hopefully we can play doubles for Scotland moving forward and enjoy more success.”

The win comes after an impressive singles season for Allen, who is looking to make further inroads on the PSA tour after the summer.

In May she went unbeaten at an U23 home internationals event in Dublin, winning all three of her matches for Scotland and claiming the player of the tournament award. That followed a run to the final of the Northumbria Open, where she eventually lost against home favourite Hannah Cliff 3-1, having made the last four of the Scottish National Championships in March.

“I felt that last season was very productive for me,”Allen said. “I was just trying to get as many matches and wins under my belt as possible, especially towards the end of the season.

“Now I’m working on pre-season, getting my fitness up and looking to set a strong foundation for the start of the new season.”