EMMA Donaldson has had her prize-money withheld and looks certain to
be dropped from the Scottish squash team for the European championships
following her refusal to take part in the third-place play-off at the
recent Abercorn Open.
The two-time Scottish champion, and last season's No.1, had been due
to meet Helen Macfie in the Saturday play-offs. But after having lost to
eventual winner Senga Macfie in a semi-final, Donaldson informed the
organisers that she was going home to Manchester.
Adding to the controversy is the fact that she similarly pulled out of
a clash with the younger Macfie sister at the same stage of last month's
Scottish championships. On that occasion she claimed she had a sore arm.
An ever-present in the Scottish side since making her debut three
years ago, Donaldson is now unable to gain enough points through the
grand prix to secure one of the three automatic places in the side for
the European event in Amsterdam in April. And her chances of being team
manager Derek Davidson's wild-card choice now appear poor, especially as
Helen Macfie is one of her chief rivals for the place.
Anxious to have a meaningful match between the pair, Scottish Squash,
the sport's governing body had gone as far as to boost the Abercorn
purse.
''It was a shame that the programme was not completed,'' said
tournament referee, Dave Williamson. ''The finals were good, but I'm
sure everyone was looking forward to the match between Emma and Helen.''
Wendy Maitland has retained her place at the head of the Scottish
women's grand prix despite missing the Abercorn event due to a clash of
dates with the Under-19 home internationals. Grand prix points (after
six events):
1, W Maitland (Westhill) 209pts; 2, A Bowie (Edinburgh SC) 170; 3, P
Nimmo (Colinton Castle) 149; 4, H Nicoll (Marco's) 145; 5, S Macfie
(Richmond Town) 105; 6, L McKenna (Edinburgh SC) 112.
International selection (best three grand prix results plus Scottish
championships): 1, Maitland 184; 2, Bowie 170 3, Nimmo 139; 4, Nicoll
120; 5, S Macfie 105; 6, McKenna 102.
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