Former Fortrose Academy pupils meet in Irish Open with Greg Lobban beating Alan Clyne in Dublin
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Greg Lobban defeated Alan Clyne in the final to win the Irish Open in Dublin.
The former Fortrose Academy pupils competed against each other for the first time in four years, with Lobban winning 3–0.
Lobban from North Kessock, dominated the encounter to beat Clyne from Munlochy 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 in 52 minutes.
The pair had met five times previously on Tour with Clyne winning four of those encounters.
Lobban continued his sublime form this week in the first game, one that set an attritional tone for the contest. The first lasted more than a quarter of an hour, despite Lobban dropping only two points. He then won the second 11-5, maintaining his position in front of his compatriot on the ’T’.
The third game was much closer, and even longer than either of the first two as Clyne attempted to fight his way back into the contest. However, Lobban would not be denied, and he won the third 11-7 to close out the match in straight games, winning his second Challenger 30 level title, following a victory at the HKFC PSA International Squash Open three years ago.
“I am over the moon to be honest. It’s been a great week in general, but to top it off, playing Clyney in the final," said Lobban.
"Yesterday, we were so happy that both of us got to the final, but half an hour before the final kicked in, we were both thinking it was a shame that one of us had to lose.
“It was a great final, I really had to push hard. I know the scoreline looked comfortable, but at no point was it.
"I am just really happy that I cam away with the victory. I came in with a clear tactic today and I don’t think I could have executed it any better than I did
“He obviously had the top seed to get past in the quarter finals and in an earlier match he went to 11-9 in the fifth so he has had a few tough ones this week.
"We knew that both of us were going to push hard, and not go down without a fight. He has done really well to get to the final, and for Scottish Squash, it’s great!
“To be honest, the last year and a half I have struggled. Last year, I didn’t really want to step on court, and when I did, I really wished I could just walk straight back off it.
"I had to switch things up to try and find the love of the game back and to enjoy life on Tour again. The fact that we have tournament after tournament now has helped me, I love the competition. I am really enjoying that side of it now.”
