Greg Lobban wins Edinburgh Sports Club Open trophy

His friend and training partner at Edinburgh’s Oriam Centre, Alan Clyne, had won the title for the last two years but opted not to compete this time, and Lobban was desperate to succeed him as champion.

Having survived a marathon 77-minute five-game semi-final with Guernsey’s Chris Simpson on Saturday night, second-seeded Lobban appeared totally refreshed yesterday and convincingly denied Selby a sixth Edinburgh crown as he outplayed him 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 in just under 50 minutes.

With his fiancée, top Australian player Donna Urquhart, watching, it was another morale-boosting result for Lobban ahead of this spring’s Commonwealth Games.

“It feels great win this title,” he said. “It’s always one of the highlights of the year, and to keep it in Scottish hands after two wins for Alan feels great. Daryl maybe wasn’t at his best, but he still made me work hard for it all the way. Hopefully the success of this tournament and the crowds and recognition it draws will help to bring more professional events to other parts of Scotland.”

Egyptian top seed Nadine Shahin defeated champion Julianne Courtice in a pulsating women’s final, but only after coming from two games down and fending off a match ball in game four. Shahin triumphed 9-11, 11-13, 11-9, 14-12, 11-9.