Squash stars all set for Scottish Open
Three squash stars from the region will compete at the highprofile Springfield Scottish Open later this month.
Perth’s Katriona Allen and Crieff pair Lucy Murchie and Rory Stewart have all earned qualification for the Inverness spectacle.
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour event is Scotland’s flagship squash tournament and brings together some of the world’s top players over five days of intense action.
The tournament, which includes a men’s and women’s championship where players compete for equal prize money, will be played at Inverness Tennis and Squash Club between
September 22 and 26.
Former Perth Academy student Katriona is ranked 143 in the PSA world rankings and reached round two at the Off The Wall Open this year.
A left-handed player, the 23-year-old hopes to do big things at the Springfield Scottish Open.
“I’m really looking forward to having an event on home soil at the Scottish Open this year,” Katriona said.
“We missed out last year due to COVID interruptions, so it’s great to see Scotland’s flagship squash event returning to the PSA Challenger tour.”
Lucy, who is 18, is currently the top-ranked Scottish junior player set to play at the Open.
After winning the U17 and U19 national titles in 2020, she has taken the step up to compete in the seniors this year.
The five-time junior national champion is one of five Scottish wildcards to enter, although she does have previous experience.
“I’m delighted to win a wildcard spot at this year’s Springfield Scottish Squash Open,” Lucy explained.
“It’s such a privilege to be invited to compete at this event, having played as a junior in 2019.
“I’ll be up against some of the world’s top players, but I’m relishing the challenge.
“It’s at events like these where you really get to see where you stand. I can’t wait.”
In the men’s event, world number 91 Rory has been in a rich vein of form and he picked up a third PSA Tour title earlier this year.
The 25-year-old’s success included a win at the Carlisle Squash Club PSA Open on July 23.
“It’s great to see the Springfield Scottish Squash Open returning this year,” said Rory, a former Crieff High student.
“Playing against some of my fellow Scots and competitors from across the world at the 2019 Open in Edinburgh was an amazing experience.
“I’m looking forward to more of the same in Inverness on September 22, and with a semi-final spot at the TWC Squash Squared Open in August recently, I’m feeling confident to go further this year.”
The Springfield Scottish Squash Open is one of the highlights of the PSA Challenger Tour.
The Challenger Tour is where the world’s emerging talent ply their trade in the hope of breaking into the World Tour, the premier league of world squash.
The PSA hosts over 200 competitions across the globe, where star players compete for prize money of up to $500,000 per tournament.