Watt is halfway to clean sweep

Over the last couple of weekends Michael returned to the court with a bang, winning the Irish Over 40 singles title last weekend and the Scottish Masters Over 45 singles in Largs.

And now he has his sights set on taking more titles with the English Open and the European title up for grabs in the coming months.

“I become ‘over 45’ this year so that has allowed me to play in the veteran tournaments - there is quite a scene there with a whole range of tournaments played,” he said. “I’m too old now for the normal tournaments.

“My aim is to win the English, Scottish, Irish and European championships this year so now I’m halfway there.

“I won the Scottish title first in two straight sets. It had all the best competitors from around the UK taking part so it was a good standard.

“Then the weekend after that I took part in the Irish nationals and won the section in two straight sets.”

Next up for Michael is the English championships in April followed by the Europeans in September, which this year are being held in Dundalk.

“It’s all about taking wee steps. I haven’t competed in a few years but I suppose it’s like darts - once you learn how to do it you can keep doing it. Most of the guys playing will have lost a bit of fitness over the years but they will still be very good technically,” added Michael.

“It makes it a great leveller in these sorts of competitions as there is a great mix of former players who used to be champions.”