It probably wouldn't be the No.1 choice of destination on anyone's holiday wish list, but a trip to Rasht in Iran is another exciting opportunity for Scotland's No.1 female squash player Frania Gillen-Buchert.

Along with fellow-Scots Claire Kidd and Lisa Aitken, Frania, who works as an events and administration manager for Scottish Squash, continues her quest for world-ranking points at this month's Iran Women's Open.

"They are really trying to develop squash in Iran and this is the second Women's Open," explains the 25-year-old. "There are going to be loads of local players, but there is also a very high standard of international entry with players ranked in the top 50 in the world. It's going to be a tough week, but hopefully a good one.

"The trip itself promises to be unusual. The tournament was originally meant to be in the capital of Tehran, but it's been moved to Rasht and we have to take an internal flight to get there."

For all three Scots, it is sure to be a memorable experience, with proper protocol high on the list of priorities.

"Apart from when we are on court we have been told we to wear Muslim dress, and we had to wear headscarves for our Visa photographs," continued Frania. "And we certainly won't be able to do any sight seeing. In fact, we won't be allowed to go anywhere except the hotel and the courts.

"They still have public hangings and stoning, so I expect security to be extremely tight. But I'll be taking my camera and I also intend to keep a diary of everything that happens."

The trip to Iran is just another important stop in a breakthrough season for Frania. With Roger Flynn having joined fellow-Australian and National Performance Director Paul Frank on the coaching staff at Scottish Squash, there is a move to push more Scots into world-ranking tournaments.

Frania has already made her mark, getting through to the main draw at the Berkshire Open in America and then putting up a good show in the qualifying for the World Open in Madrid.

"We've all started at the rock bottom in the rankings," explained Frania of the plight facing the Scots. "But we're all being encouraged to take part in more WISPA (Women's International Squash Players' Association) and PSA (men's Professional Squash Association) tournaments, and it is certainly an exciting time for Scottish squash."

Frania, who was born in South Africa and is a graduate of Stirling University, is currently just inside the top 200 in the world. "But I've beaten players ranked in the 70s and 80s and just need to do it in WISPA tournaments," she added.

"This is the first season that I've played seriously on the circuit, and I feel it's overdue. Ideally, I would love to play squash full-time, but I've got a car and other expenses so it's not really feasible.

"But working for Scottish Squash does mean that my working time is very flexible and the Scottish Institute of Sport is great at providing all the back-up services such as psychology, physiotherapy and advice on so many things.

"My goal this season is to gain more experience and keep moving upwards in the rankings."

Iran is another step on the ladder.

EB
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