EX-Gordonstoun pupil Fergus Richards has been selected as one of three north squash players to represent Scotland on the world court.
Fergus Richards in action
Elgin player Richards (25) will win his first cap when he plays in the WSF World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur next week.
Richards is joined by Inverness pair Greg Lobban and Alan Clyne along with Perth’s Greg Stewart in the Scotland quartet heading for Malaysia.
Currently 175 on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings, Richards battled through a tough senior selection competition at Heriot Watt University in October to secure his place in the Scottish team.
He came from 2-0 down to overcome fellow Scot Alasdair Prott 3-2 in a pulsating final.
The Moray player has had a great year, climbing 165 places up the world rankings and making a final and semi-final at two PSA Challenger Tour events.
“I’m delighted to be selected to represent my country,” he said. “I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get out there and show what I can do.
“Coming back from 2-0 against Alasdair to win the selection tournament was a great feeling. It will be an honour to wear the shirt for Scotland.
“It’s been a tough couple of years with all the Covid disruptions, so this feels extra special.
“It’s been hard keeping motivated, doing all the training without an end in sight. I’ve tried not to think too far ahead and take each day as it comes.
“Since returning to the circuit, I’ve been feeling great and managed to turn that energy into some decent form on the PSA World Tour.”
Richards played in events in London and Birmingham to prepare him for his Asian trip for the World Team Championships, which is contested between December 7 and 12.
Plaudits for his first Scotland call-up were given by the team’s highest-ranking player, Lobban who is at number 34 on the current list.
“A big congratulations to Fergus for winning his first cap – it’s a real honour representing your country. I’m sure he’ll enjoy the experience. A first cap is something special,” Lobban said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country several times, but it never tires, and every occasion feels different.
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