And it’s goodbye from us as squash duo lift final medal

SQUASH stars Greg Lobban and Rory Stewart netted Scotland’s 51st and final medal of Birmingham 2022 with bronze in the men’s doubles. It capped the largest-ever Scottish tally at a single Games away from home with 13 golds, 11 silvers and 27 bronzes — seven more than in Gold Coast in 2018 — to cement sixth place in an overall table topped by Australia. Lobban and Stewart — runners-up at April’s World Championships in Glasgow — wrapped up their tournament in style, defeating Malaysia’s Chee Wern Yuen and Eain Yow Ng 11-10, 11-6. Four days before his 30th birthday, it was the perfect gift for Lobban as the Highlander erased the disappointment of just missing out on the podium with defeat in the bronze play-off four years ago. ‘It’s the worst match to be involved in when you’re on the wrong side,’ he said. ‘Thankfully, we’ve got it today, but I know how it feels to chase a bronze and come off in second place. ‘I’m really proud of Rory. He’s the younger one, a debutant, but he’s kept it together all week, and he’s handled himself impeccably.’ Stewart conceded that the 2-1 loss to powerful English pair Daryl Selby and Adrian Waller in the semis was a bitter blow. Bouncing back less than 24 hours later to seize a consolation prize required a pep talk and a dose of reality from his older partner. ‘I wouldn’t say it was particularly easy,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘But I just took myself away from the situation and Greg came in and reassured me. We’re delighted to get it right and hopefully we’ll celebrate with the team.’