Scottish squash number one Alan Clyne believes testing himself against the best in the world championships will improve his chances of winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games next year.
The 27-year-old, from Munlochy on the Black Isle, will face a qualifier in the first round of the sport’s biggest event which runs from Monday, October 28 to Sunday, November 3 in Manchester.
Inverness-born Clyne, who is world ranked 32, is preparing for the most important year of his life as a professional as the countdown to Glasgow 2014 begins.
He said: “Having the world championship in Britain is huge for all of the British players, especially with the Commonwealth Games coming up in 2014 as well.
“To have a world championships and then the Commonwealth Games at home within 12 months is an amazing opportunity for us.
“The Commonwealth Games, especially, is the pinnacle of the sport for me so to compete in the tournament, at home, in front of friends and family, will be a real honour.
“I am really looking forward to both competitions and hopefully putting myself in the frame for honours.”
The 2013 New Zealand Classic winner added: “The Commonwealth Games has really been the focus of my attention for the last four years since Delhi.
“The world championships is a great opportunity for me to really test myself against the best in the world and get myself up there to that next level.
“Hopefully I can perform well there and begin building towards the Commonwealth Games.
“The next 12 months are huge for me.
“I am fully focused on ensuring I deliver on my hopes in both tournaments and especially focusing on my medal aspirations in Glasgow.”