Masters stories: “The Scottish National Championship is the one that everyone wants to win”

If, ten years ago, you had said to Alex Everingham that he would be competing in the O75 category at this year’s Masters Championship, he would never have believed you.

Yet his enthusiasm for squash hasn’t diminished in that time – even if he has proved himself wrong, and his friends made along the way, correct.

Alex recalls: “Ten years ago I was playing at one of the championships, and I said to my pal ‘You can forget it if you think I’ll still be playing that far in the future.’

“Yet here I am still playing squash and doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t do – so I guess they had the last laugh on me.”

The decorated Masters player won three O55 Championships in a row in the noughties, along with the O60 title in 2010.

Having first picked up a racket over half a century ago, Masters squash provided the spark that led Alex to start taking his game more seriously.

The squash ace reflects: “I was 45 when I started playing in the masters, and I lost the final, but that whet my appetite and made me believe that I could achieve something in the championship going forward.

“When I got to 55 I took part and won, and I felt elation at achieving something special.”

It was on his return to his club, Whitecraigs Lawn Tennis Squash and Fitness Club, that the extent of the achievement fully hit Alex.

He said: “Someone asked me how I had done and I told them that I had won.

“They told me that was fantastic, and I must admit I was quite chuffed with the recognition.”

Alex’ love for squash shines through clearly as he talks, with the competitive aspect of the Masters having helped nurture that passion through the years.

For those taking part, and eyeing a great performance this weekend, Alex has five key pointers that he would encourage them to consider.

Focus, preparation, play with aggression, set a target and try not to let nerves get to you.

Few could argue with the recipe for success which has served the 75 year old so well over the years, and he hopes to apply those lessons learned as he makes his debut in the O75s this weekend.

Preparation has been trickier this year, following a spell of ill health, but the national championship serves as a good motivation for Alex to get back on court.

He said: “You’ve got to remember, this is the Scottish National Championship, it’s the one that everyone wants to win – there’s something really special about it.”

Reflecting on his years in the game, the veteran squash star is keen to remember the opponents he has beaten – and been beaten by – along the way.

From Ian Ross to Alex Sinclair, Emilio Fazzi, Peter Wilson, Jim Dougal, John Rae and too many more to mention, great opponents and friendships formed in Alex’ sport for life.

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.