Scottish stars Aitken and Lobban win squash titles in New Zealand

Edinburgh-based squash players Lisa Aitken and Greg Lobban landed a unique double for Heriot-Watt University's Oriam centre after winning the finals at the New Zealand International Classic in Palmerston North.

Lisa Aitken

Aitken beat three seeded players, including top seed Audrey Landers-Murphy, on her way to the final, where the 27-year-old left-hander claimed her maiden Professional Squash Association title by defeating home favourite and seventh seed Emma Millar.

The Scot only returned from more thanr two years of illness and injury at the Edinburgh Sports Club Open in January, and she narrowly missed out on that elusive first title in Jersey last month, but Aitken edged a pivotal third game before going on to win 11-3, 4-11, 11-9, 11-3.

Lobban also overcame injury after undergoing hamstring surgery last winter, and the 24-year-old secured back-to-back titles after following up last month’s victory in Bishop’s Stortford with another at the weekend.

The No.3 seed had not dropped a single game all week, and Indian fourth seed Mahesh Mangaonkar was unable to spoil that record as Lobban ground out an 11-8, 15-13, 11-6 win.

“It’s been a great week for us Scots, doing the double,” he smiled. “I’m really pleased for Lisa, picking up her first PSA World Tour title.”