The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Aitken claims fourth Scottish title
Montrose’s Lisa Aitken claimed her fourth Scottish title at Edinburgh Sports Club yesterday and immediately vowed to win many more.
The number one seed and defending champion is 11 years older than second seed Georgia Adderley, but Aitken’s greater maturity and calmness under pressure gave her a routine 11-5 11-3 11-3 victory over the highlystrung teenager.
“Today was the first time for a long while that I felt butterflies in my stomach, but it all went according to plan,” said Aitken. “Georgia is known to implode if it’s not her day.
“I’d prepared for that because it’s important to keep your concentration for the next rally. I have a psychologist that I work closely with, and I wanted to stick to my own gameplan.
“The older I get (30 last month), the more I appreciate being healthy. I had three years off tour due to illness, so I still feel pretty fresh.
“I’d love to be here in another 10 years, winning another national title. I have no idea when I’ll stop playing, but four titles is definitely not enough for me.”
Perth’s Katriona Allen finished third after beating Claire Gadsby in yesterday’s bronze medal play-off.
Another Perth player, Rory Stewart, failed to do himself justice in his first Scottish final as holder and top seed Alan Clyne took the first seven points and went on to clinch a 10th national title with an 11-5 11-7 11-7 win.
“I was in all of the rallies but Alan just won them all,” sighed Stewart. “He kept solid and he had the game to play me. It was my first Scottish final, but I don’t see it as a step forward really.”