Top performances from Scots as men crowned Division 2 European Champions
Scotland’s men rounded off a fantastic week at the European Team Squash Championships 2024 as they won Division 2 and secured promotion at the first time of asking.
Following relegation last year, the Scots had to be at their best for the duration of the four-day event to ensure a return to the top division.
Scotland’s women also put in a fantastic performance, finishing in 5th place in Division 1, beating Switzerland, Czechia and Spain during the course of the tournament.
Reflecting on the event, Scottish Squash Elite Performance Coach Paul Bell said: “It has been a great event, the women’s team have done brilliantly, it was always going to be tough for them in Division 1 but they’ve shown that they belong here.
“It has been fantastic to have new players getting involved – all of the debutants managed to win matches and showed that they’re good enough to represent Scotland at this level.
“Greg (Lobban) and Rory (Stewart) have been really positive leaders of the team and they’ve done a great job of introducing the new guys to the group.
The men saw off all their opponents in style, beating Portugal, Poland, Denmark and Israel convincingly en route to the final.
They faced their toughest opponents Hungary in the final, with Alasdair Prott getting the team off to an ideal start with a win.
Scotland’s top player Greg Lobban managed to overcome fierce resistance from world number 44 Farkas Balasz to take the team two clear, in a bruising match which lasted over an hour.
That left it to Martin Ross, who maintained his winning record at the tournament, to seal the title and promotion for the Scots.
Having secured the all-important final win, Martin said: “The boys did really well to get us two nil up and I knew that a win for me would get a win for the team as well.
“I knew we had a game plan and knew that if I kept playing my game that I would get through it.
“I’m really happy with the performances of the team throughout the week and it’s going to be great to be back in the top division next year.”
With all three wins secured by players from Inverness, there was plenty of cause for celebration for those watching at home in the Highland capital.
The women overcame Spain in the 5/6 playoff on the final day, with Georgia Adderley getting the team off to a great start and Katriona Ross seeing the team over the line.
