BRIDGE of Allan Sport Club's teenage squash ace Lucy Murchie says competing at the 2019 Springfield Scottish Squash Open last week was ‘an
amazing experience.’
The 15-year-old was due to play seasoned English player Rachael Chadwick in round one at Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre, Edinburgh,
but received a walkover into the next round after Chadwick pulled out.
It meant Murchie had to wait another 24 hours to get on court and she
took on sixth seed Jasmine Hutton in round two on Thursday, April 4.
Despite the Scottish starlet taking an early lead in the opening two
games, Hutton, world ranked 82, proved too strong, winning 11-2, 11-2,
11-2.
“I really enjoyed it,” Murchie, an invitee for the PSA Challenge event,
said.
“There were a bit of nerves and excitement before my match, I just
wanted to do well and try and make her work hard.
“It was very tough but I am glad I got the opportunity to play in such a
big tournament against a quality opponent.
“Sometimes I thought I managed to put Jasmine in difficult positions but
she recovered really well.
“Her intensity is so much higher to what I’m used to and for me to get
that experience is brilliant.
“It shows me what the sport is like at this level.”
The three-time Scottish Junior champion continued: “It’s been amazing to
be involved and experience a big event like this and so good to watch
some of the top players competing.
“Seeing how these players go about their preparation has been a key
learning.
“Some of them are preparing up to an hour before a match which is
completely different to what I’m used to.
“There was some really good matches and seeing Katriona Allen (Perth)
and Georgia Adderley (Edinburgh) doing so well and Rory Stewart (Crieff)
winning his round one match in five was great.”
Next for the Crieff High School pupil are the U19 European Team
championships which take place in Prague, Czech Republic from 18-21
April.
And May sees her donning Scotland colours once again at the U17 European
Team Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands (9-12 May).
Murchie added: “I’ve never played at the U19 Europeans but I’m sure it
will be a good atmosphere and the European Under-17s event is always
good fun.
“It’s my birthday when I’m in Eindhoven and I’m also sitting two
National 5 exams whilst over there so it’s going to be a busy time for
me.
“But competing for Scotland is always my favourite time of the season
and I can’t wait.”
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