Squash ace aims to keep winning form
Katriona Allen going into 2024 in positive mood
Perth squash ace Katriona Allen is heading into the new year with a spring in her step after a string of positive results in the latter stages of 2023.
One of the most recent trophy triumphs arrived this month at the Newlands Senior Gold event which consolidated her spot at the summit of the senior order of merit rankings.
Allen defeated Ellie Jones 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6 in a tightly-contested showdown.
“Newlands was tough for me,” Allen admitted. “It’s always hard being seeded one because you know everyone is gunning for you and it’s a lot of pressure.
“However, after winning in Aberdeen, I’d proved to myself - and hopefully everyone else - that I can handle that pressure and win, despite not producing some of my best squash.
“It’s always good to play some of the younger girls and see how they’re progressing but I’m glad I’m still a little bit better - for now.
“The final was always going to be tough but again I’m glad I pulled through, even after not playing very well.”
Allen has again taken her talents across the continent this year.
“Pre-season was a little different this summer, definitely a little tougher too,” she added.
“We’ve changed our gym so we’re in every morning and then in for light squash.
“It is tougher afternoon sessions which might be conditioning or matchplay to try and replicate a tournament.
“The past couple of months have been pretty good for me, to be fair. I’ve been busy competing since the season started in September.
“It was a fairly local start then off to Switzerland and Czech Republic for a couple events in November. I played two senior selection events in Aberdeen and then Newlands last weekend.
“I finished off the last few weeks with back-to-back events in London, Manchester and then Harrogate. I have been playing well and seeing some improvements in my squash.”
Allen will be having a short break over the festive period but is looking forward to pushing towards more international selection.
“I’m done for the year now so definitely need a little break over Christmas just to let my brain switch off a little and get a few issues with the body sorted,” Allen explained.
“I’ve got a lot of uni work to catch up on too for my PHD. Looking forward I’m just excited to get on court and put in a good block of work before tournaments kick off again.
“My main goals are to have a really good physical block before I compete to set me up for the second half of the season, see the squash improvements in results and make Euro teams.”