Peter Nicol has been named the first two-time winner of the Colin Keith Memorial Plate, surely the first of many awards that will come his way this year.

Becoming world No.1 and winning the British Open is a double that would merit any sports person of the year title. But, of course, Nicol is handicapped by the lack of recognition for his chosen sport.

It would also help if he had the chance to appear more often in his home country. At the British Open final in Birmingham last month, it was noticeable that he had plenty vocal support, but the accents were more London (he has lived in Chingford for the past six years) than Scottish.

''It would be terrific to have the opportunity to play more tournaments in Britain, and particularly in Scotland,'' said the Inverurie-born 25-year-old. ''Nowadays, nearly all the major world circuit events are in the Far East.''

Alison Bowie, the President of Scottish Squash, would certainly welcome the chance for the sport to show off its most prized possession in front of the public.

''I am hoping that sponsors may recognise Peter's value and allow us the chance to stage a major event in Scotland,'' she said. ''He is a model professional and a great role model for our young players and it would be ideal if we could see him in Scotland more often.''

Nicol was the inaugural winner of the Colin Keith Plate, awarded in memory of the former Scottish Champion, in season 1994/95 and Bowie, the first woman to win 100 caps, and Alan Thomson, a British over-35 champion, have been the other winners.

ELSPETH BURNSIDE