Scottish world champion crowned at WSF World Masters as 17 Scots shine

A fantastic week of squash at the WSF World Masters was marked by the great performances of 17 Scots, and the crowning of a Scottish world champion.

Pauline Douglas stole the show, living up to her seeding and cementing her position as the world’s best female squash player over 70.

Reflecting on her achievement, Pauline said: “I am probably more relieved than anything else, because there’s a bit of expectation when you’re number one seed, and I didn’t feel confident going into the event.”

Despite her trepidation before the competition, in a draw of 16, Pauline progressed with two straight games wins over strong opponents in the group phase.

That great form continued in the knockouts, with the squash supremo – a regular player at Dunblane and Bridge of Allan – securing the title without losing a game along the way.

The final, against second seed Gaye Mitchell provided the sternest challenge – forcing the Scottish squash star to up her game.

Pauline said: “It was particularly pleasing to get through without dropping a game, especially in the final where we went to 16-14 in the second game.”

This was a third world title for the squash ace, having previously won in the O45 and O60 category – most recently in 2014.

When she first picked up a racket at Macduff Squash Club 45 years ago, Pauline could scarcely have imagined the success she would go on to enjoy.

The achievement got a big response on social media, with messages of congratulations from friends and family at home and across the globe.

Pauline wasn’t the only Scottish player on the podium in Amsterdam, with Sue Strachan defying her seeding to finish 2^nd in the WO60 category.

Seeded 9/16, Sue’s path to the final included a stunning five-game quarter final win over second seed Mandy Akin, before finishing as runner up to Australian top seed Susan Hillier.

Ian Ross took third place in the MO75, with a victory over top seed Brian Cook ensuring his place on the podium.

For Pauline, one of the highlights of the event was the camaraderie, with the Scots getting behind each other at every opportunity.

She said: “Everyone was really supportive of each other and cheering everyone else on.

“There was a whole crowd of Scottish players outside my court when I was playing the final and that support was fantastic.”

Congratulations to Pauline, Sue, Ian and all of the Scottish players that represented their country with pride during the event.

Final placings (Scotland):

Women

WO50 Rowanna Rowe – 19th

WO55 Donna Cruickshank – 19th

WO55 Helen Cordiner – 21st

WO60 Bernie Beattie – 26th

WO60 Sue Strachan – 2nd

WO70 Faith Sinclair – 8th

W070 Maureen Carroll – 4th

WO70 Pauline Douglas – 1st

Men

MO65 Richard Easton – 45-48 Playoff unplayed

MO65 Robin Ridley – 33/34 Playoff unplayed

MO70 Emilio Fazzi – 17th

MO70 Werner Kittel – 21st

MO75 Alastair McMeckan – 23/24 Playoff unplayed

MO75 Ian Ross – 3rd

MO75 Alex Sinclair – 8th

MO80 Terence Foley – 12th

MO80 Kenneth Reid – 7th