Springfield Scottish Squash Open 2023: Scottish players start as favourites as draw published

Two Scottish players are in pole-position to lead the charge for home success at the Springfield Scottish Squash Open 2023, taking place in Inverness from September 20th.

Scotland’s male number two Rory Stewart and female number one Georgia Adderley are top seeds in the country’s flagship squash competition.

Starting as favourites to win, this year could see the first Scottish winner since the competition made its comeback in 2019 – with both hoping they can clinch the title.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Rory Stewart said: “I’ve played in this event the last two times it took place, and I’m really looking forward to going up to such a great club, with a great atmosphere in Inverness.

“I have gone into events as the top seed before, and fortunately it hasn’t got the better of me, so hopefully this time won’t be any different.

“I would be really proud if I was to get over the line in the Scottish Open, as a Scottish player – so my goal for the week is to win it.”

Georgia Adderley said: “It’s amazing to have such a huge event in Scotland, and especially one which is really popular for players to come to from all over the world.

“It’s great being number one seed – even if it comes with a bit of pressure – but there are a lot of really good players that have entered.

“I see it as a good opportunity to take home a major title on home soil, which would be amazing, but I’ll just take it one match at a time and see what happens.”

There will be significant home interest, with a total of ten Scottish players participating in the event.

In the men’s draw, Inverness squash star and eighth seed Alasdair Prott will hope to make an impression at his home club after winning his first major PSA title in Australia at the end of July.

Martin Ross, John Meehan and Andrew Glen will compete as wildcard entrants.

The youngest player in the competition, Scotland’s Robyn McAlpine will take her place in the women’s draw as a wildcard entrant.

Fresh off her debut for Scotland at the Senior European Teams Championship and a strong showing at the World Junior Championships in Australia, she will hope to find form in the Highland capital.

Katriona Allen, Alison Thomson and Ellie Jones complete the Scottish entry in the women’s draw.

The tournament will have a strong field of international entrants, with a record high of 15 nationalities represented in the draw.

Players from England, Wales and Ireland will compete against players from four continents.

The 48 competitors will battle it out for their share of the $24,000 prize fund.

Scottish Squash Director of Development Allan McKay said: “The Springfield Scottish Squash Open 2023 has attracted a world-class field, with some of the best players in the world set to take centre stage on court in Inverness.

“The tournament will provide a great opportunity for Scotland’s top squash players to improve their game and test themselves at the highest level, all while cheered on by the home crowd in the Highland capital.”

The draw can be viewed in full by visiting: http://scottishsquashopen.com/draws/

Tickets start from just £10 + fees, with under 19s able to attend for free on the first Wednesday of the event. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: bit.ly/SSSO23Tickets