All the final preparations are now taking place for the inaugural Scotia Independent West of Scotland Open, which is being held from 31 October - 2 November at Newlands LTC in Glasgow.

The flagship event in the West of Scotland Squash Associations tournament calendar, the West Open features on the BSPA PeterNicolSquash.com Grand Prix circuit for the first time in its history.  Consequently we have the strongest draw ever assembled for the tournament, and we expect a weekend full of high quality matches and exciting squash.

In the men's draw we have 6 out of the top 20 players in England, as well as all of the top home based Scottish players.  Most of the focus will undoubtedly fall on established favourites like Simon Parke, Scott Handley and Andy Whipp.  However, as a player with a long standing connection to Newlands LTC through his exploits for the club in the Scottish National League and the European Club Championships, Hadrian Stiff is likely be able to count on the strongest local support over the weekend.

From a Scottish perspective, most people will be closely following the progress of Alan Clyne.  Fresh from his first win on the PSA tour in the USA, Alan will be considered by many people to be a live outsider for the overall title, particularly given some of his outstanding results within the past year against players of the calibre of Simon Parke, Derek Ryan and Daryl Selby.  His prospective second round match against Hadrian looks to be one of the ties of the round, and not one to be missed.

The ladies draw also features a strong English contingent, with Becky Botwright and Emma Beddoes seeded to meet in what should be a very closely contested final.  Senga MacFie and Frania Gillen-Buchert are the main Scottish hopes, with Senga in particular having the playing pedigree to cause the top seeds some major problems.

In conjunction with the BSPA event, we are also running graded draws.  These will provide players of all standards the opportunity to enjoy competitive games of their own, whilst getting to watch some of the UK’s finest players at close quarters.

Finally, if you aren't playing in any of the draws, but would like to come along and watch, then just make your way down to Newlands at any point over the weekend.  We start at 12:45pm on the Friday afternoon, and continue right through to the finals on Sunday (2pm for the ladies and 3pm for the men).  Food and drinks will be available all weekend, and on the Saturday night Newlands are hosting a party featuring live band and buffet.  Entry to the party is free for competitors and £10 for all others.

Iain Logan