Montrose star Aitken clinches win

Montrose player Lisa Aitken supplied the winning point as Scotland’s women gained promotion to Division One by beating Finland 2-0 at the European Team Squash Championships in Wroclaw, Poland, yesterday.

They narrowly missed out on promotion last April but have been faultless this week, winning all four matches to reach today’s Division Two final against Spain. Whatever the result, both teams are certain to be in the top flight in 2019.

Alison Thomson trounced Emilia Korhonen in yesterday’s opening tie, giving Aitken the chance to clinch promotion in match two. The Scottish No 1 overcame a shaky start to beat the top Finn, Emilia Soini, 9-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5, and with the result already decided, the third rubber between Edinburgh teenager Georgia Adderley and Riina Koskinen was not contested.

“Ali played really well and I didn’t want to leave it to Georgia to have to bring it home,” said Aitken. “I lost the first game, but I knew if I didn’t let the Irish girl play her game, then I could get the job done. It’s great to be able to go into the final a bit more relaxed, knowing that we’re already going up to Division One. But we still want to be going home as gold medallists.”

Perth’sRoryStewart,21,gaveScotland’s men a flying start as they defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 to stay on course to finish fifth. He posted his second win this week in beating Viktor Byrtus 11-8, 11-5, 11-5 in the opening match. Victories for Greg Lobban and Alan Clyne set up a fifth place play-off against Wales today.