The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Perth squash star sets sights on more success after national title joy

Squash: Katriona plans to use doubles title as springboar­d to more success

- Ross alexander

Perth squash player Katriona Allen is hoping to reach new heights after winning the Women’s Scottish Doubles Championsh­ip title in Glasgow.

Allen and playing 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 that the pair had played together and Allen is confident that Sunday’s win could lead to more 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 19-year-old 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.

This followed a run to the final of the Northumbri­a Open where she eventually lost against home favourite Hannah Cliff, 3-1 (11/6, 7/11, 11/6, 11/5), having made the last four of the Scottish National Championsh­ips in March.

“I felt that last season was very productive for me,” Allen added.

“I was just trying to get as many matches and wins under my belt as possible, especially towards the end of the season.

“The run at the Northumbri­a Open was great. I unexpected­ly beat Charlotte Jagger 3-2 in a really tough semi-final and to get to the final was really good progress.

“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.”

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 ??  ?? Katriona Allen, left, and Alison Thomson with the Women’s Scottish Doubles Championsh­ip title.
Katriona Allen, left, and Alison Thomson with the Women’s Scottish Doubles Championsh­ip title.

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