Tony Elliot, Gala Squash Club Champion
In the Heriot Watt Squash Open, Tony Elliot was flying the flag for Gala Squash Club. In the Qualifying match, Tony was against Watsonians French Prodigy Remi Lecompte, Remi took a 2-0 lead and Tony battled back to 2-2 but the Frenchman just edged Tony in the decider to book his place in the main Draw, (11-8, 11-6, 7-11, 4-11, 11-8). This put Tony in the B-Grade Draw against some formidable opponents.
Tony was drawn against Jonathan Hughes of The Grange, Jonatan had o pull out due to last minute emergency and Tony got a bye to the quasrter final where he met James Robertson of Watsonians Squash Club. Tony played out another 5- set thriller and again came from 2-0 down this time to win 3-2 (7-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2). Tony’s next opponent in the Semi-Final was teenager Andrew Chrumka, although now a student at Glasgow Uni, Chrumka has won junior tournaments up and down the country. Chrumka won the fitness and indeed the skill battle and triumphed over Elliot 3-1 (11-7, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7).
With Chrumka advancing to the final Tony Elliot had a 3rd place play off to look forward to, in this he was against another Glasgow Univ Student in Steffan Gwynn. Tony liks to get his moneys worth as this match again went the distance and Tony won 3-2 (11-5, 8-11, 10-12, 12-10, 11-2) to earn 3rd spot in a highly talented field.
The Main event was won by Edinburg Sports Clubs Scotland International Rory Stewart – Rory is connected to the Borderers as he is the Gala squash Club coach and Tony Elliots Coach and Mentor. Rory Stewart beat Giffnocks James Henderson 3-1 in the Final to claim the prizemoney and trophy.
Tony said after the tournament “I am delighted to have bagged 3rd place in my grade, this tournament brings in some of the top players in the country and the experience can only help my game.”