Trio helpTeam GB to a Brit first
Three Stirling University tennis scholars have made history in being part of the Team GB squad which won the world event of university tennis - the BNP Paribas Master’U in Lille, France.
Scott Duncan, Maia Lumsden and Jonny O’Mara were part of the first ever group of British players to bring home the gold after their victory at the Ligue des Flandres de Tennis, defeating Team USA in the final.
The win shows the continuing improvement within UK university tennis with Team GB superseding its bronze from 2016 and previous World University Games medals.
It was a dominant display from start to finish from the Brits as they defeated Ireland 6-1 and China 7-0 in the earlier rounds before going on to defeat USA - going for their seventh consecutive title - 4-2 in an intense final.
MSc Psychology of Sport student Scott said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the gold medal and help make history!”
And Sport Studies student Maia, who is enjoying a rich vein of form both on the singles and doubles circuit, added: “It’s been an amazing few days with unforgettable experiences on and off the court.”
Jonny, who is in his first year of a Sport Studies degree, was also ecstatic to be representing his country and coming away with a result. He said: “It’s been an incredible few days with some special moments and really great to share the win with the team.”
The Stirling trio were joined in the squad by Philippa Horn and Emma Hurst from Bath University as well as University of North Florida’s Jack Findel-Hawkins.
The university’s director of sport Cathy Gallagher said it was a fantastic result for everyone involved.
“We’re particularly delighted for our Stirling athletes who proved yet again that they can consistently deliver at the very top.
“We want all of our athletes to reach their potential and enjoy experiences like Scott, Maia and Jonny have in Lille and working closely with Tennis Scotland, we will carry on providing the best possible performance environment for them to develop.”
PICTURES: ETIENNE JEANNERET