Doug Kempsell wins Scottish Under-23 Squash title

Edinburgh squash player Doug Kempsell rediscovered his mojo as he defeated local favourite Chris Leiper in the final of the Scottish Under-23 Championships in Aberdeen at the weekend.

The 22-year-old endured a scrappy end to 2015, picking up a foot injury and getting involved in a dispute over his non-selection for the World Team Championship. The new year also began on a frustrating note as Kempsell made an early exit at last week’s Edinburgh Sports Club Open, but the Scottish No.3 was back on song in Aberdeen.

Sunday’s straight-games semi-final victory over old rival Rory Stewart set him up for the final, in which he edged a tight opening game before going on to win 12-10, 11-8, 11-7 as Leiper paid the price for a marathon semi-final with Jamie Henderson.

“I was pleased to come through the tournament without dropping a game, and I’m feeling good about my squash again,” said Kempsell. “It was also good preparation for the British National Championships next week down in Manchester.”