The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Perth’s Stewart looking to make up for lost time
Perth squash player Rory Stewart hopes to kickstart his season on Monday when he returns to the PSA World Tour.
The 21-year-old, ranked No 189 in the world, picked up a back injury in the summer. As a result he has competed in just one PSA event this season, in Barcelona at the end of September.
Having taken time away from competitive action, the British Open U-23 champion has been training hard at the Oriam Performance Centre and now hopes to replicate the form he showed at the World Games in July.
There, he managed to secure an impressive win against current world ranked 81 player Shehab Essam from Egypt before losing in four games to the eventual runner-up, Gregoire Marche, ranked 23 in the world.
Stewart is competing in the French squash leagues for Evereux Squash Club in Paris today before heading to Birmingham for the Aston and Fincher Sutton Coldfield International starting on Monday.
He then flies out to Berlin for the Airport Xmas Challenger the following week.
“I have a busy couple of weeks coming up but I’m looking forward to getting back into competitive action as these events bring the best out in me,” Stewart said.
“It was a frustrating time with the back injury because I was feeling confident after the World Games.
“I took the physio’s advice of taking some time off and easing my way back in, and so far the back has held up pretty well.
“In training I feel I am playing well at the moment, and the set-up at the Oriam really helps.”
He added: “The Scottish squad have the advantage when it comes to preparation because we are all together compared to some other countries where players are scattered about.
“I respect Scotland’s top two players, Alan Clyne and Greg Lobban, a lot. The way they go about their work is great.
“When they are at the Oriam it spurs me on, and you can only improve in that environment.
“Every session they are fully focused and they are always wanting to improve.”
While Stewart was disappointed to miss out on selection for the World Team Championships taking place later this month, he is targeting the European Team Championships next May and a strong end to this year.