Scottish Junior Open Day 3: Selected reports

Despite dominance on court, plenty of spirit and perseverance was shown by all players who amassed a total of 530 points across ten engrossing matches.

The highlight of the day for many in attendance was Murdo Mackenzie’s stunning triumph over Matthew Hong Ki Leung in five games, with the Scot fighting back from behind to win.

12 different nationalities were represented in the finals, adding to the world-level credentials of the event.

Chew took home the title in an all-Malaysian final defeating Prakash in 3 games.

Chew quickly demonstrated her superiority over Prakash to take the first game convincingly 11-2.

Prakash responded with greater intensity in the second game, forcing Chew into a few successive errors.

However, this encouraged Chew to raise her game as she comfortably won 11-6.

Longer rallies in the 3rd brought joy to the spectators, with Prakash putting in a strong performance in defeat.

Chew won all three games, closing out the match with an 11-3 lead.

Mackenzie won a barnstormer of a match in five games over Leung.

The fact it took 84 seconds for the first point to be won emphasised to viewers that it was likely this Home Nations clash would be more competitive than the three game encounters earlier.

Mackenzie was most alert from the off, taking a 5-2 lead, before being 9-3 up

Although, the first game looked ominous for Leung, the Gloucestershire teenager won theee points in succession outlining his strong resolve for later games to come, with Mackenzie taking the opener 11-6.

Leung took this confidence beginning strongly in the 2nd round to reverse the score winning 11-6.

Mackenzie was supplying more pressure leaving him five ahead and two points away from a 2-1 game lead, until Leung levelled proceedings to 9-9 in stunning fashion.

The watching crowd fell silent during a long and critical rally before erupting as Murdo took an 11-10 lead.

However, Leung fought back again, to take a 2-1 lead.

In the remaining games Mackenzie took far greater control, succeeding in the fourth and fifth 11-4 and 11-1.

Mackenzie said: “I felt quite a lot of pressure given it’s at home; I’ve never done great in this tournament in the past, so it was really good to get through it.”

“It’s always tough here as you get so many people from around the world”

Indian athlete Pathak succeeded from one game down to victor over Boston-based Calhoun in four games.

The opening game pointed towards a close contest, with Calhoun winning 12-10 with her first game ball.

Pathak took the second game in much quicker fashion to level the tie with an 11-8 win.

She then recorded five successive points from the start in the third which set her up for an 11-2 lead, needing just one more game to win the title.

Replicating her previous game, eased aside Colhoun succeeding in her first championship ball to record an 11-5 win and secure the championship title.

Aishni Pathak said: “I’m feeling really great, this is my first international title & third international tournament, and I’ve been playing good this week, so I’m happy”.

5/8 ranked Colten McLaughlin overpowered UAE athlete Rohan Roy in straight games.

McLaughlin showed his dominance in the first game, winning 11-5.

The second game play was far more competitive at the start; however, the Canadian upped the impetus at the halfway point to take the second game 11-6.

McLaughlin saved his best game play to the end, winning many long rallies prior to recording an 11-4 win on his second championship ball, with a wonderful cross court low shot that Roy was unable to return.

McLaughlin said: “I’m really excited, this has been an excellent event”

“This is one of the last events in my junior career, so I just want to thank my parents and coaches back home for helping me prepare for this event.”

McLaughlin emphatically beat fellow American Judy Liu losing only 10 points throughout.

Her quick movement around the court made the difference, with McLaughlin quickly recording an 11-2 first game win.

Liu regained some momentum in the second, pushing her opponent further, staying within two points at 7-5.

The flow of the game then changed, after McLaughlin succeeded in a pivotal rally to regain the lead by three, which was then further extended when she recorded an 11-6 win.

McLaughlin then replicated her opening game superiority, hitting a superb low volley on her second championship ball succeeding 11-2.

McLaughlin said: “I’m feeling really good I am just coming back from winning the US Open, so it feels great to win another title.”

“I actually know my opponent, and she is really good, so I am excited at winning so easily”.

For those who were unable to watch in person, you can relive the action by watching the live stream commentated by Scottish stars John Meehan and Ellie Jones.