CLYNE SEALS PERFECT 10 Invernesian adds to his trophy cabinet in capital
AT EDINBURGH SPORTS CLUB
SPORT may be gradually grinding to a halt all around the world but thankfully for Alan Clyne and Lisa Aitken the mass postponement did not disrupt the weekend’s events in this leafy corner of Edinburgh.
Scotland’s leading female squash player and the men’s no 2 both retained their titles at the Sterling Trucks Scottish National Championship. For Clyne, it meant a tenth title overall as he held off the challenge of Rory Stewart to win 11-5, 11-7, 11-7.
“Getting a tenth title sounds great – it’s pretty crazy to be honest!” said the world number 39. “Last year matched the previous record of ninth so it was nice to add once more to that.
“I’m getting on a bit now but I’d hope I can add a few more titles if I can keep the younger ones in check. I wasn’t sure it was going to ahead as things are moving really fast. But I love playing in this event so I’m glad they were able to get it on.”
Rangers supporter Stewart, who benefited from Scottish number one Greg Lobban’s withdrawal, had planned on watching the Old Firm match on television before his final so was left doubly disappointed.
He said: “I’m a massive Rangers fan so I’d hoped to watch them beat Celtic before coming on court! But I don’t think anyone could have expected sport to be affected the way it has in the past week or so.
“I’m glad we got the final on even if the result was disappointing. I’ve played in big matches before on this court so nerves didn’t come into it. Alan’s just a really strong competitor and never gave me anything. He’s so fast around the court.”
In the women’s final, Lisa Aitken made it three-in-a-row as she clinched her fourth championship overall by beating Georgia Adderley in the final 11-5, 11-3, 11-3.
The 30 year-old said: “Today was the first time I felt butterflies in my stomach for a long time. You get excited to play and the older I get I’m appreciating it more.
“There’s something so special about playing in the nationals and hopefully I can help inspire the juniors who are coming through and maybe looking up to me. I’d like to be here in 10 years’ time winning another national title. As long as I’m still enjoying it there’s no reason not to.”
Adderley’s frustration was evident at times and Aitken admitted it was something she had been ready for.
“I would love to say it’s easy to stay in the zone but it’s something that will forever take a lot of hard work behind the scenes with the psychologist I work with,” admitted the Dundonian.
“We can only control the controllables. It’s the toughest part, though, trying to control the mental side of things.”
Adderley, meanwhile, admitted her day hadn’t quite gone to plan.
“I wanted it quite badly and really wanted to win but unfortunately it wasn’t my day,” said the 19 year-old.
“I’ve been training really hard for a while but I don’t think I showed that in the final. It’s frustrating but you just have to learn from it.”