Masters stories: Stewart Licudi on lost kit, lifting national crown and a love of Masters squash
With thirteen national titles up for grabs, the Masters National Championship is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious weekends in Scotland’s squash calendar.
For many, the weekend provides an opportunity to test themselves against the best, and perhaps to clinch a national honour on court.
That was exactly what Stewart Licudi had in mind when he stepped on court at Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club in 2006.
Having started at 13 and risen through the ranks with some of the greats of the Scottish game – including Peter Nicol, Martin Heath and Derek Ritchie – the Scot was no stranger to top level squash.
Among his highlights were playing in a ‘home’ Junior World Championship in Edinburgh in 1988, and securing a squash scholarship at Stirling University.
A spell as a full-time squash player in Amsterdam was followed by a move back to the UK for work, with that love of squash never going away.
As 35 approached, Stewart’s eyes were on that Masters prize.
He said: “When I was approaching 35 I had been playing okay, but not great, so I thought I’m going to make a real go of the Masters now.
“I did a lot of training, got back in pretty good shape before playing my first Masters season culminating in the National Championship.”
With the aim of winning in mind, Stewart was well prepared and ready to go as he arrived in the Granite City on a flight from London – but as he explains, “you can’t control what you can’t control.”
He reflects: “It turns out they lost my bag, so I turned up the day before the competition with no kit, no racket, no bag – nothing.
“I went to see George at Thistle Sports in Aberdeen and fortunately he had the rackets I used, so I basically played the whole tournament in brand new kit (including shoes that were a bit too big and kept coming off during long rallies), brand new racket and everything else.”
Stewart progressed through the tournament, and faced off against top seed Barry Sutherland in the final.
With the game finely balanced at a game apiece, Barry had to withdraw through injury, with Stewart lifting the title.
The Scotland U19 Home Internationals team in January 1989 – Back row (l-r) Graeme Kemp, Craig Stewart, Derek Ritchie, Alistair Duncan (Manager); Front row (l-r) Stewart Licudi, Todd Rutherford, Peter Nicol
As he continues to follow squash in Scotland, he is always keen to look out for results from old friends made along the way, with Peter Buchan and Craig Thomson among those mentioned.
And for those that may hope to take the crown at Edinburgh Sports Club this weekend?
He said: “You’ve got to put in your preparation and play your best game – you tend to get more surprises in Masters squash, things don’t always follow the draw so you’ve got to be at your best.
“Taking part in Masters competitions is a lot of fun, so people should be looking forward to playing – it’s a nice atmosphere for everyone and always a great weekend of squash.”
Nine male and four female champions will be crowned at Edinburgh Sports Club this weekend. You can check out the schedule and keep up to date with the results on SportyHQ.
