TRAC Oil & Gas North of Scotland Open, it was
an all English affair as George Parker and Lucy Turmel claimed the men’s
and women’s titles, respectively.
World No.63 Parker defeated Belgium’s Jan Van Den Herrewegen in
straight-games to clinch his sixth PSA World Tour title.
Meanwhile, World No.66 Turmel secured her second PSA World tour title as
she defeated compatriot Kace Bartley in straight-games in the final of
the PSA W5 event.
2018 will be the 5th anniversary of the TRAC Oil & Gas North of Scotland
Open. This year it’s extra, extra special as for the first time we’ve
been able to add a Ladies PSA W5 to our program alongside the Men’s PSA
M10.
The Ladies draw is headed up by Scottish no1 and Aberdeen local Lisa
Aitken. Known as one of the best movers on the ladies tour, the former
world no 38 is making a charge back up the rankings and will be keen to
win on home soil ahead of representing Scotland at the Commonwealth
Games on the Gold Coast in Australia in April.
Hot on Lisa’s heels is world no 66 Lucy Turmel of Ipswich, England. Lucy
is just starting out in her professional career after becoming British
Junior Champion and placing 3rd at the prestigious British Junior Open.
Widely tipped to be a world-beater in the very near future, Lucy is
mentored by and trains with former World Champion Laura Massaro.
Scottish interest in the draw is further represented by the Edinburgh
pairing of Elspeth Young and Georgia Adderley. Both Scottish
Internationalists, Elspeth’s attacking flair and Georgia’s explosive
movement and at times spectacular dives on court will definitely
entertain the home crowd.
Others to watch in the draw are wildcard Pilar Etchechoury, the
Argentinian no1 who is making her PSA debut, and Olga Kolarova of
Hungary. Olga made it to world no 44 before taking a break from the PSA
world tour and is now making a comeback.
The men’s draw is very strong indeed, with the majority of the main draw
players ranked inside the world’s top 100. The added bonus is that only
3 of the 11 main draw players have competed in the tournament previously
which only adds to the buzz around the matches.
Top seed is one of the few returning players and one we’re very glad has
entered, the world no 57 from Kent, Josh Masters. Ranked 119 in the
world in 2016, Josh came through qualifying to play the top seed and
then world no 43 Karim Ali Fathi. Josh ripped in nick after nick to take
Fathi to a very nervous 5th game before eventually bowing out to the
Egyptian’s relentless pace. In the 2 years since that match Josh has
halved his world ranking and will be back looking to take down the whole
tournament.
2nd seed is Peter Creed of Wales who is making his Aberdeen debut. Known
for his outrageous speed, athleticism and commitment levels on court,
Peter is one of the most entertaining players on the PSA World Tour.
Ranked only 1 place behind Masters at world no 58, should they contest
the final it’s sure to be a classic.
England’s George Parker won’t let Masters and Creed have it all their
way though. The talented world no 76 from Leicester only this week won
the Bankers Hall PSA M10 in Canada. He also took former World Champion
Nick Matthew to 5 hard fought games in the World Championships in
December.
George faces his sternest test to date however as he is drawn to face
Aberdeen wildcard Chris Leiper in the first round. Chris is arguably in
the form of his life after a solid season of training and competing on
the PSA world tour. Chris will be spurred on by the home crowd and will
be looking to sneak a win against a top professional.
Scottish interest in the men’s draw is led by Crieff’s Rory Stewart, who
only just lost to Daryl Selby 10-12 in the 5th at the BSPA Edinburgh
Open. Other Scots in the draw include Inverness’ Alasdair Prott, the
recurring Scottish Junior Open Champion, Thurso’s Jamie Henderson who
will be no doubt refreshed after recently ‘retiring’ from the game, and
Aberdeen local Jamie ‘Farmer’ Jacobsen.
The event will be free to all spectators, will be streamed live from the
show court and will be supported by a fantastic club graded competition
as well as a programme of junior and schools coaching and games
sessions.
