Just a quick update. The January rankings were published today and I've moved up 18 places to 65 which is obviously really positive! Hopefully I can continue to rise throughout 2012 and get into some of the bigger tournaments.
I wish all my family, friends and followers a happy Christmas and I hope 2012 is everything you wish for and more.
SJ x
P.S. My next event is the Warwickshire County closed 14/15 Jan and my next WSA event is the Edinburgh Open 27-29 Jan
Friday 23 December 2011
Monday 19 December 2011
Manor Open (Ilkeston) Final
Today in the final I played Tania Bailey. We both played well in patches, however our movement patterns were clashing so there were plenty of lets. Tania took the first and third games, I took the second and then I managed to claw my way back from match ball down in the 4th to take the game 12-10 and the match into a deciding 5th game. It was clear from the start of the 5th Tania was struggling and unfortunately after 75 minutes of play she was forced to retire with a knee injury when I was leading 8-5. I sincerely hope Tania makes a speedy recovery.
Obviously this is not how I would have liked to have taken my first title but hopefully it will be the first of many. Now I'm going to have a week off before getting a good block of training in for the majority of January. My next block of tournaments will be starting with the Edinburgh Open right at the end of January.
Obviously this is not how I would have liked to have taken my first title but hopefully it will be the first of many. Now I'm going to have a week off before getting a good block of training in for the majority of January. My next block of tournaments will be starting with the Edinburgh Open right at the end of January.
Sunday 18 December 2011
Manor Open (Ilkeston) Day 1 & 2
The last WISPA event EVER! (WISPA will become WSA - Women's Squash Association as of Jan 1st)
This is also my last event before Christmas so there is definitely some extra incentive to do well!
The tournament started on Friday evening. I was up against Cheyna Tucker from South Africa who I also played in the first round in London just a couple of weeks ago. The first 2 games I made too many silly errors but managed to scrape them. In the 3rd I cut out most of the errors and controlled the 'T' much better taking the game 11-4 and the match 3-0.
Next up was Julianne Courtice in the quarter finals. We played each other many times in Juniors and although I have never lost to her, I knew that I would have to be focussed right from the start as she is dangerous when given a loose ball. For the majority of the match I controlled the 'T' well and was attacking at the right times. Lapses in concentration let me back in at times so I was glad to take the 3rd game 14-12 and get off court in 3.
This was particularly important as there was 2 matches yesterday (Saturday). In the semi final I played Laura Hill who I have played several times before, but never beaten. She is a solid player who like to volley and move you out of position. In the first game she kept the ball very tight and I struggled to keep a consistent length, allowing her to attack my short balls effectively. She took the first game 11-8.
In the second, I made a concious decision to slow the pace down. I worked the rallies much better, waiting for opportunities to attack with minimal risk. I pushed forward, putting pressure on her length and as she started to tire her length dropped slightly, allowing me to create more opportunities. I took the next 3 games 11/6 11/4 and 11/6 and the match 3-1.
Very glad to win and be in my 2nd WISPA tour final since turning pro in August. I am playing Tania Bailey in the final today at 3pm. It will be very tough but I will be up for it and will give all I can in search of my first tour title.
You can follow the coverage on Squash Site
This is also my last event before Christmas so there is definitely some extra incentive to do well!
The tournament started on Friday evening. I was up against Cheyna Tucker from South Africa who I also played in the first round in London just a couple of weeks ago. The first 2 games I made too many silly errors but managed to scrape them. In the 3rd I cut out most of the errors and controlled the 'T' much better taking the game 11-4 and the match 3-0.
Next up was Julianne Courtice in the quarter finals. We played each other many times in Juniors and although I have never lost to her, I knew that I would have to be focussed right from the start as she is dangerous when given a loose ball. For the majority of the match I controlled the 'T' well and was attacking at the right times. Lapses in concentration let me back in at times so I was glad to take the 3rd game 14-12 and get off court in 3.
This was particularly important as there was 2 matches yesterday (Saturday). In the semi final I played Laura Hill who I have played several times before, but never beaten. She is a solid player who like to volley and move you out of position. In the first game she kept the ball very tight and I struggled to keep a consistent length, allowing her to attack my short balls effectively. She took the first game 11-8.
In the second, I made a concious decision to slow the pace down. I worked the rallies much better, waiting for opportunities to attack with minimal risk. I pushed forward, putting pressure on her length and as she started to tire her length dropped slightly, allowing me to create more opportunities. I took the next 3 games 11/6 11/4 and 11/6 and the match 3-1.
Very glad to win and be in my 2nd WISPA tour final since turning pro in August. I am playing Tania Bailey in the final today at 3pm. It will be very tough but I will be up for it and will give all I can in search of my first tour title.
You can follow the coverage on Squash Site
Sunday 11 December 2011
Boston BSPA
Just a quick post. Played in the Boston BSPA tournament yesterday. Disappointing amount of entries for the women's draw- just 6 after a couple had to withdraw through injury!
I started slowly (some might say very) in my first match against England number 2 junior Katie Smith but managed to get through reasonably comfortably in the end 3-1. My 2nd match was effectively the semi final and it was against my fellow Warwickshire team mate and world number 22 Emma Beddoes who has had some very good results recently. I got my tactics wrong in the first but played much more intelligent squash in the 2nd and 3rd, which were much closer at 11-8 each. So unfortunately I lost 3-0 but definitely seeing improvements which is encouraging for the Ilkeston WISPA tournament, starting this Friday where I am second seed.
Song of the Day: Anything by Little Mix!!!
I started slowly (some might say very) in my first match against England number 2 junior Katie Smith but managed to get through reasonably comfortably in the end 3-1. My 2nd match was effectively the semi final and it was against my fellow Warwickshire team mate and world number 22 Emma Beddoes who has had some very good results recently. I got my tactics wrong in the first but played much more intelligent squash in the 2nd and 3rd, which were much closer at 11-8 each. So unfortunately I lost 3-0 but definitely seeing improvements which is encouraging for the Ilkeston WISPA tournament, starting this Friday where I am second seed.
Song of the Day: Anything by Little Mix!!!
Wednesday 7 December 2011
PSL Birmingham Uni vs Oxford
Tonight I played Madeline Perry in Premier Squash League at Birmingham University. Although she has dropped in the world rankings this month it was only to number 4, so I knew I would have my work cut out to make an impression on the game!
The first game was a bit frantic but was pretty level up until about 7 all. Unfortunately silly errors let me down and I lost the game 11-8. After a change of shoes I came back on for the 2nd and was playing pretty well. However, Madeline was getting onto any loose ball so early and punishing me. She took the 2nd in a repeat scoreline of the 1st. In the 3rd I imposed myself on the game much better, keeping a great length and attacking at the right times. I raced to a 10-2 lead, cutting out the errors from previous games, before closing out the game 11-3.
The 4th was a bit of a battle; I was struggling to find the same consistent length as the 3rd and she was giving me less attacking opportunities. She played some good squash to go 8-6 up and from then on my shot selection from attacking positions was bizarre to say the least, allowing Madeline to control the front. You can't give the world number 4 easy balls and expect to win!
So I went down in 4 games but definitely had her worrying at times. A lot of positives to take from this match and hopefully if I can cut my errors down and keep my discipline in the future, I can get a win against one of the top girls rather than just a game! Onwards and upwards!
Song of the Day: Adele- Rumour Has It
The first game was a bit frantic but was pretty level up until about 7 all. Unfortunately silly errors let me down and I lost the game 11-8. After a change of shoes I came back on for the 2nd and was playing pretty well. However, Madeline was getting onto any loose ball so early and punishing me. She took the 2nd in a repeat scoreline of the 1st. In the 3rd I imposed myself on the game much better, keeping a great length and attacking at the right times. I raced to a 10-2 lead, cutting out the errors from previous games, before closing out the game 11-3.
The 4th was a bit of a battle; I was struggling to find the same consistent length as the 3rd and she was giving me less attacking opportunities. She played some good squash to go 8-6 up and from then on my shot selection from attacking positions was bizarre to say the least, allowing Madeline to control the front. You can't give the world number 4 easy balls and expect to win!
So I went down in 4 games but definitely had her worrying at times. A lot of positives to take from this match and hopefully if I can cut my errors down and keep my discipline in the future, I can get a win against one of the top girls rather than just a game! Onwards and upwards!
Song of the Day: Adele- Rumour Has It
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Liz Jones: Who are you?
I have just read this Daily Mail article written by Liz Jones that has been flooding my twitter timeline for the last couple of hours 'Sinewy arms are NOT a good thing - and neither is sport'
Liz Jones: Daily Mail columnist. Interesting fact: Stole her ex-husbands sperm to try and get pregnant (bye bye credibility)
I will start by saying I too have arms that you don't get unless you play sport and in my opinion they show to someone on the outside how much work I have put it and anyone that says they are repulsive obviously has no respect or understanding of athletes and how much we put our bodies through striving to be the best.
I am utterly shocked that Daily Mail ran this story; the author obviously has no clue about sport at any level, but in particular elite sport. For someone whose favourite lesson at school was always P.E. of course I am going to defend it's necessity in the curriculum. In my view without exposure to sports, children cannot see their brilliance or reward to be deemed. How many world class athletes might have never realised they were talented without being given the opportunity to try different activities?
There are so many life skills that are to be learnt from school P.E. Team sports force cohesion between individuals and groups who have not chosen the situation, mimicking how working in the real world is more often that not. As part of a team you have a role and the other members of your team are relying on you to fulfil this and support them in their role also.
In an era where Britain is one of the most overweight nations in the world, promoting exercise had to be a priority. Too many young people see the only way to lose weight as dieting, but as the author points out herself in another recent article (The price I'm paying for hating my body) that this is dangerous and has serious consequences to long term health. I am in no way encouraging unhealthy eating, just a balanced diet containing enough calories, fats and vitamins/minerals for our body to function as it is intended to. Exercise is such an important component to a healthy lifestyle and it's saddening to hear someone with a voice, that could be heard so widely, condemning ALL sport due to their own bad experiences in school and their dislike of women who break the stick thin ideal of today's world.
My next erk is when she suggests athletes should 'spent their time more productively: reading perhaps, or studying maths'. What would I get out of studying maths? I already have a numerate degree...oh, she thought we were all stupid and couldn't possibly be intellectual (academia is not the only stream of intelligence either). If she were to take the time to talk to any athletes before writing this ill informed article, she would have found the majority of athletes do things outside of sport to stimulate them mentally. Whether this be to read, have an interest in politics, the arts, world affairs...the list is endless but shows we are not the apes she makes us out to be.
I am not even going to discuss whether or not female athletes should want to look like Fatima Whitbread; most current athletes strive for muscular tone like that let alone one who has been retired so many years and that leaves no discussion on that point.
Overall, I think Liz Jones should steer clear from writing about topics she clearly knows nothing about and stick to the entertainment she usually writes about. Although from comments on this article (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2070029/X-Factor-2011-scenes-LIZ-JONES-goes-inside-X-Factory.html) it doesn't seem people think she knows much about that either.
Maybe the Daily Mail might see the err in it's ways and think twice before publishing such derogatory and ill informed articles in the future...we can only hope!
Liz Jones: Daily Mail columnist. Interesting fact: Stole her ex-husbands sperm to try and get pregnant (bye bye credibility)
I will start by saying I too have arms that you don't get unless you play sport and in my opinion they show to someone on the outside how much work I have put it and anyone that says they are repulsive obviously has no respect or understanding of athletes and how much we put our bodies through striving to be the best.
I am utterly shocked that Daily Mail ran this story; the author obviously has no clue about sport at any level, but in particular elite sport. For someone whose favourite lesson at school was always P.E. of course I am going to defend it's necessity in the curriculum. In my view without exposure to sports, children cannot see their brilliance or reward to be deemed. How many world class athletes might have never realised they were talented without being given the opportunity to try different activities?
There are so many life skills that are to be learnt from school P.E. Team sports force cohesion between individuals and groups who have not chosen the situation, mimicking how working in the real world is more often that not. As part of a team you have a role and the other members of your team are relying on you to fulfil this and support them in their role also.
In an era where Britain is one of the most overweight nations in the world, promoting exercise had to be a priority. Too many young people see the only way to lose weight as dieting, but as the author points out herself in another recent article (The price I'm paying for hating my body) that this is dangerous and has serious consequences to long term health. I am in no way encouraging unhealthy eating, just a balanced diet containing enough calories, fats and vitamins/minerals for our body to function as it is intended to. Exercise is such an important component to a healthy lifestyle and it's saddening to hear someone with a voice, that could be heard so widely, condemning ALL sport due to their own bad experiences in school and their dislike of women who break the stick thin ideal of today's world.
My next erk is when she suggests athletes should 'spent their time more productively: reading perhaps, or studying maths'. What would I get out of studying maths? I already have a numerate degree...oh, she thought we were all stupid and couldn't possibly be intellectual (academia is not the only stream of intelligence either). If she were to take the time to talk to any athletes before writing this ill informed article, she would have found the majority of athletes do things outside of sport to stimulate them mentally. Whether this be to read, have an interest in politics, the arts, world affairs...the list is endless but shows we are not the apes she makes us out to be.
I am not even going to discuss whether or not female athletes should want to look like Fatima Whitbread; most current athletes strive for muscular tone like that let alone one who has been retired so many years and that leaves no discussion on that point.
Overall, I think Liz Jones should steer clear from writing about topics she clearly knows nothing about and stick to the entertainment she usually writes about. Although from comments on this article (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2070029/X-Factor-2011-scenes-LIZ-JONES-goes-inside-X-Factory.html) it doesn't seem people think she knows much about that either.
Maybe the Daily Mail might see the err in it's ways and think twice before publishing such derogatory and ill informed articles in the future...we can only hope!
Saturday 3 December 2011
Coronation London Open
Yesterday was the first round of the Coronation London Open held at the Cumberland Club. I was seeded 7th in the draw and up against a qualifier. The qualifier I drew was Cheyna Tucker from South Africa, who I hadn't seen play since juniors but she had beaten some good players to qualify so I knew I would have to concentrate from the off! It was a patchy match in the end with lots of errors from both of us and I was glad to come back from 10-4 down in the 3rd to take it 16-14 and get off in 3.
Today I played Tania Bailey in the quarter finals. Again I wasn't too sure what to expect; obviously with a highest world ranking of 4 she is a class player but she has been out with injury and illness for quite a while. I started the match well taking an 8-3 lead before errors crept into my game. The court was so hot and the ball so bouncy that it was difficult for either of us to create an opening as neither of us were confident going short. Unfortunately a few too many errors and I had dug myself a pretty big hole going 2-0 down (11-9, 11-9). Tania started the better in the 3rd hitting tight drives on both wings and keeping me in the back corners. I had a mini recovery to get back to 6-10 but unfortunately that was it for me, going down in 3.
Slightly disappointed with how I coped with the hot conditions today but Tania played better on the day so she deserved the win. My next tournament is the Boston Open BSPA next weekend but before that on Tuesday is PSL against Oxford against Madeline Perry which will be a great experience as I have yet to play her.
Song of the Day: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light
Sunday 27 November 2011
Northumbria Open - Day 2 (Final)
I played reasonably well today and held off a challenge in the third to take the match 3-0 against my opponent, ranked higher than me at 58. It's a really positive start to this block of 4 tournaments for me and I hope to build on this as I start my campaign at the London Open against a qualifier on Thursday at the Cumberland club.
Off to bed now though after the long drive back, back on court nice and early tomorrow!
Song of the Day: Kelly Clarkson - Mr Know It All
Off to bed now though after the long drive back, back on court nice and early tomorrow!
Song of the Day: Kelly Clarkson - Mr Know It All
Saturday 26 November 2011
Northumbria Open - Day 1
So after a long drive yesterday I arrived here in Newcastle. I had a bye in the first round so my tournament started today against Sarah Oswald in the quarter final. The court was hot and bouncy and my opponent was playing some nice shots but I managed to close it out 3-0. In the semi final this evening I was up against recently retired Dominique Lloyd-Walter, highest world ranking 18. I started well, playing controlled squash and moving well. After taking the first 2 games however I began to rush and consequently my length suffered. I lost out in extra points in the 3rd and Dom played some good squash to take the 4th and bring the score level at 2 games all. I slowed it down in the 5th, playing with much more control again and kept the error count down to take the fifth 11-5 and the match 3-2. I am really pleased with the win and looking forward to the final tomorrow against Amanda Landers-Murphy from New Zealand who also had a tough semi final this evening. The final is at 3:30 tomorrow followed by the long drive home again, which will seem much shorter if I can get the win!
Song of the Day: S Club 7 - Don't Stop Movin'
Song of the Day: S Club 7 - Don't Stop Movin'
Thursday 17 November 2011
Home Sweet Home
To update my last blog entry: My bag got returned to me the next afternoon, everything present and intact so that was a great relief!
Since I returned from Rotterdam I have been getting some good training done in preparation for my next few tournaments. The first of which is a small event next week in Newcastle followed by a $4k WISPA tour event in London starting on 1st December. It's a pretty busy month for me with another $4k event confirmed, one possible and a WISPA challenger event all before Christmas!
I have been struggling over the last couple of months with Plantar Fasciitis, a common foot/heel condition amongst racket sports players. Thankfully this has now improved greatly following treatment so I am hoping if I continue to do the exercises set by the physio I will be saying goodbye to it in the near future.
It has been good to spend a couple of weeks at home, getting back into a bit of routine as well as setting some new goals for the rest of the season.
I thought I would add something new to my blog as well. I am a big music fan so I am going to try and remember to add a song of the day/moment to each entry.
Song of the Day: Thrice - Stare at the Sun [Acoustic]
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Bad luck comes in 3's
I am waiting for the third piece of back luck, as it's due any moment!
The second came yesterday as when I returned to Birmingham Airport. I waited like a lemon for half an hour by the luggage belt, only for no more bags to come out. According to customer services my bag could either still be in Amsterdam or possibly have been put on the East Mids flight. Now we playing a waiting game until it gets delivered back to me!
The second came yesterday as when I returned to Birmingham Airport. I waited like a lemon for half an hour by the luggage belt, only for no more bags to come out. According to customer services my bag could either still be in Amsterdam or possibly have been put on the East Mids flight. Now we playing a waiting game until it gets delivered back to me!
Sunday 30 October 2011
World Open: Qualifying Round 2
Today I was up against rising young star Nour El Sherbini who is 29 in the new World Rankings.
In the first two games I possibly gave her too much respect and mixed with a bit of nerves, I put a lot of balls in the tin. In the 3rd I dug in and with a better length worked myself into more winning positions and kept more of them out the tin than earlier in the match! I managed to sneak the game 12-10. I played good squash to take the 4th 11-7, getting forward to volley as well as keeping a better length.
The 5th was a see saw, I went 7-4 down before bringing it back to 7-7, 8-7 down, 8-8, 9-8 down, 9-9 and I played a straight drop from the back at 9-9 which was too tight for her to get back giving me 10-9 and match ball. On a crosscourt drive to the forehand I broke my strings but thought it was going to die in the back corner. However, she managed to scrap a boast back but left the ball in the middle of the court for me to hit any shot. Unfortunately I couldn't control the ball with the newly broken strings and the ball came straight back at me to give her a stroke. I was unfortunate again in the following 2 rallies, catching the frontwall/sidewall nick on both and the ball squirted out into the middle of the court leaving me unable to avoid giving away strokes. This made the score 10-12, meaning I was out of the tournament.
Gutted I couldn't get the win today, probably a win on any other day. However, I will take plenty of positives out of the match and the tournament overall.
I am flying home on Tuesday and then will have the rest of November training at home before my next event which is the Coronation London Open and runs from 1-4 December at the Cumberland Club.
In the first two games I possibly gave her too much respect and mixed with a bit of nerves, I put a lot of balls in the tin. In the 3rd I dug in and with a better length worked myself into more winning positions and kept more of them out the tin than earlier in the match! I managed to sneak the game 12-10. I played good squash to take the 4th 11-7, getting forward to volley as well as keeping a better length.
The 5th was a see saw, I went 7-4 down before bringing it back to 7-7, 8-7 down, 8-8, 9-8 down, 9-9 and I played a straight drop from the back at 9-9 which was too tight for her to get back giving me 10-9 and match ball. On a crosscourt drive to the forehand I broke my strings but thought it was going to die in the back corner. However, she managed to scrap a boast back but left the ball in the middle of the court for me to hit any shot. Unfortunately I couldn't control the ball with the newly broken strings and the ball came straight back at me to give her a stroke. I was unfortunate again in the following 2 rallies, catching the frontwall/sidewall nick on both and the ball squirted out into the middle of the court leaving me unable to avoid giving away strokes. This made the score 10-12, meaning I was out of the tournament.
Gutted I couldn't get the win today, probably a win on any other day. However, I will take plenty of positives out of the match and the tournament overall.
I am flying home on Tuesday and then will have the rest of November training at home before my next event which is the Coronation London Open and runs from 1-4 December at the Cumberland Club.
Saturday 29 October 2011
World Open: Qualifying Round 1
Today I played Nayelly Hernandez from Mexico. As to be expected I was slightly nervous but I managed to turn that into concentration and started the match really well. I managed to put my opponent on the back foot from the start and quickly leapt to a 10-0 lead in the first game before taking it 11-2. It was a similar story in the second which I won 11-1. In the 3rd she got into the match more and played some nice shots but I kept my concentration and composure to take the game 11-6 and move into the 2nd Round of Qualifying tomorrow. I will be playing Nour el Sherbini from Egypt, who has gone up to 29th in the most recent world rankings. It will be a really tough match but I showed today I am playing well so hopefully we will have a really good match!
Thursday 27 October 2011
World Open - Rotterdam, Pre-event
I'm heading off to Rotterdam (Netherlands) tomorrow for the World Open. I start in the first round of qualifying, which is on Saturday. The draw was done today and I have a tough path to qualify but I am going to give it my best and see what happens. My first match is against Nayelly Hernandez, world ranked 57 and Mexican number 2, at 3pm on Saturday (2pm GMT I think). You can follow the tournament here and for updates in the mean time follow me on Twitter.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
University of Birmingham vs Duffield
Last night I played my first PSL match of the season for my new team, University of Birmingham. It was the first home match of the season and they literally had to turn about 30/40 people away because it was packed to the rafters! Seeing as Birmingham Uni is possibly the biggest of the PSL venues, that is a great achievement, but when the world number 1 is on show there is always going to be plenty of interested parties!
So onto my match! I played Kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes, currently ranked 15 in the world. I played reasonably well but made a few errors at the wrong times and eventually lost 3-0. All the games were close and it's encouraging to know I can compete and at times dominate play against a player ranked so highly in the world. I have taken positives from the match and was back on court this morning working on aspects of my game which I believe will help me improve and be able to begin to trouble the top players further.
It was a great effort by everybody in the team but unfortunately Duffield were too strong and we lost 5-0. The next home match is 6th December against Oxford.
Next for me is the World Open, which begins on Saturday in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The draw is being done tomorrow so then I will know who I will have to play to qualify. I will try and keep the blog updated whilst I am out there.
So onto my match! I played Kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes, currently ranked 15 in the world. I played reasonably well but made a few errors at the wrong times and eventually lost 3-0. All the games were close and it's encouraging to know I can compete and at times dominate play against a player ranked so highly in the world. I have taken positives from the match and was back on court this morning working on aspects of my game which I believe will help me improve and be able to begin to trouble the top players further.
It was a great effort by everybody in the team but unfortunately Duffield were too strong and we lost 5-0. The next home match is 6th December against Oxford.
Next for me is the World Open, which begins on Saturday in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The draw is being done tomorrow so then I will know who I will have to play to qualify. I will try and keep the blog updated whilst I am out there.
Wednesday 19 October 2011
First Round
Today just wasn't my day. I lost 11-8 in the fifth, so 2-3. My opponent played well and was making me work hard for every point. I played better towards the end of the 2nd and then the 3rd but couldn't win the vital rallies at the end of the 4th or 5th games, which I am disappointed about as it is usually one of my strengths. The court was extremely hot today and I struggled building and finishing off rallies. This is something I will take forward and work on for next time I face hot conditions. It is disappointing to lose in the first round after doing so well in America, but I will bounce back and take as many things from match and my time here as possible.
On a more positive note I will now have 6 days at home to prepare for the World Open in Rotterdam which begins on the 29th October. The draw hasn't been done yet, so I will have to wait to see who I will be playing.
On a more positive note I will now have 6 days at home to prepare for the World Open in Rotterdam which begins on the 29th October. The draw hasn't been done yet, so I will have to wait to see who I will be playing.
Arrival in Spain
So after a horribly early flight from Stansted, I have arrived in Santiago de Compostela which is in the NW of Spain, above Portugal. Thankfully not quite a cold as it was in England, but not as warm as I had hoped.
Checked into the hotel, which is IN the shopping centre. Novel to say the least. My view out the window is the inside of the shopping centre, so could be brilliant for some people watching if I get bored.
Unfortunately, my original opponent had to pull out Ill a couple of days ago, so the seeds have been moved around and I am now playing Birgit Coufal from Austria at 5:30 tonight (4:30 GMT). Off to find the courts now!
Checked into the hotel, which is IN the shopping centre. Novel to say the least. My view out the window is the inside of the shopping centre, so could be brilliant for some people watching if I get bored.
Unfortunately, my original opponent had to pull out Ill a couple of days ago, so the seeds have been moved around and I am now playing Birgit Coufal from Austria at 5:30 tonight (4:30 GMT). Off to find the courts now!
Sunday 16 October 2011
Final
I started the final well today, taking the ball early and attacking at the right times. I managed to get a 9-5 lead in the first but lost the next 6 points through errors and good play from Dipika, so she took the first game 11-9. In the second I was not patient at all trying to play winners instead of building rallies. I hit too many tins and my length was too short which allowed her to dominate the middle of the court, which is exactly what she likes to do! In the 3rd I was more patient but couldn't keep the ball away from the middle enough and although I put up a good fight, Dipika closed out the match by taking it 11-7.
Although I was slightly disappointed with today's scoreline, I have had a great week here in Washington. The organisers and everyone involved have been fantastic and I would not hesitate to come back here again (I hear they are putting us in the Ritz next time!)
Getting to the final will boost me up the rankings next month so I'm really happy about that.
I am currently at Washington Dulles airport waiting for my flight back to Heathrow. Then less than 48 hours in the UK before I head to Stantiago, Spain for a $4k WISPA event where I am playing 4th seed Laura Pomportes from France in the first round. Hopefully I can take everything I have learned this week into practise and push my ranking up further.
Although I was slightly disappointed with today's scoreline, I have had a great week here in Washington. The organisers and everyone involved have been fantastic and I would not hesitate to come back here again (I hear they are putting us in the Ritz next time!)
Getting to the final will boost me up the rankings next month so I'm really happy about that.
I am currently at Washington Dulles airport waiting for my flight back to Heathrow. Then less than 48 hours in the UK before I head to Stantiago, Spain for a $4k WISPA event where I am playing 4th seed Laura Pomportes from France in the first round. Hopefully I can take everything I have learned this week into practise and push my ranking up further.
Semi Final
I won my semi final today 3-2 against Latasha Khan of the USA (WR 25). I played really well to take the first two games. She stepped it up in the next two, playing some awesome shots and controlling the majority of rallies. I managed to stay in the rallies and keep the errors down in the 5th to take the match 3-2.
It was a great win to get me into my first WISPA final! Tomorrow I will be playing Dipika Pallikal from India who is the number 1 seed and world number 20. It's scheduled for midday (5pm GMT) and will be streamed live here
You can watch a replay of my match below
It was a great win to get me into my first WISPA final! Tomorrow I will be playing Dipika Pallikal from India who is the number 1 seed and world number 20. It's scheduled for midday (5pm GMT) and will be streamed live here
You can watch a replay of my match below
Saturday 15 October 2011
Semi Final Stream
Just a quick note to say my semi final today at 4pm (9pm GMT) will be streamed here
Quarter Finals
Had a tough match today but managed to come through to win 3-1 against Tesni. It was scrappy and I didn't play my best squash by any means but glad to win for sure. I will need to up my game tomorrow in the semi finals against Latasha Khan (WR 25). The match is scheduled for 4pm (9pm GMT).
After all the matches tonight we went to the sponsors house for a small party. It was nice to chat to all the new people I've met outside the squash environment and there was some great food also!
Now for a good nights sleep ready for tomorrow :)
Friday 14 October 2011
Reports and Streaming
Reports and scores from the tournament as well as live streaming of the matches can be found here
My match is scheduled first on at 4pm (9pm GMT) tonight.
First Round
Won my first round match 3-1 against Alex Norman from Canada. I started really well taking the first game quickly before she got into the match more. After that it was pretty even but I managed to scrape the 4th 17-15, a good win against a player ranked in the top 60. Tomorrow I'm playing Tesni Evans from Wales, the 7th seed (and also sharing our hotel room!) at 6pm.
Thursday 13 October 2011
Qualifying/Match Day
Yesterday (Wednesday) had a couple of hits and watched some of the qualifying matches but the highlight of the day was definitely the taxi back to the hotel.All of us and the taxi driver were in hysterics the whole way. Probably the first time I have been in a cab where all 5 people were from different countries!
So today is first round and I'm playing at 5pm so just going to grab some breakfast then head to the club for a light hit and then a bowl of pasta! I'm playing Alex Norman who is originally from England but has been living in Canada for a few years. She is 3rd seed but I have never seen her play before so will be interesting and hopefully we can have a good match.
So today is first round and I'm playing at 5pm so just going to grab some breakfast then head to the club for a light hit and then a bowl of pasta! I'm playing Alex Norman who is originally from England but has been living in Canada for a few years. She is 3rd seed but I have never seen her play before so will be interesting and hopefully we can have a good match.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
First Impressions
A taxi, a coach, a metro and a long walk later I arrived at the squash club. A tad more posh than I am used to but we all deserve to be treated now and again right? I found 4 nice glassbacked courts and had a good solo session for an hour or so, managing to keep the damage down to just one set of strings.
The walk to the hotel should have been simple but I got directed the wrong way, I ended up 7 blocks NORTH instead of WEST! Eventually I made it to the hotel and was joined by Tesni. We were a bit stunned at the size of our 'suite' to say the least; 2 bedrooms, 3 toilets, 2 showers, dining table for 6, lounge and fully function kitchen. Took a few pictures so you can see for yourselves.
The awkward moment when your racket decides it wants to fly
Caught a couple of films on the flight over, I wouldn't particularly recommend either though ('Bad Teacher' and 'Something Borrow' seeing as you were asking).
Usual random plane food. Having 2 out of the 3 parts of the main dinner having nuts in is a bit of an odd decision and one I in particular was not a fan of, however the chicken and leek was nice enough. Note - Request nut free, mayonnaise free meal.
My legs definitely appreciated the exit seat and weren't feeling too bad after 8 1/2 hours on board.
As the guy was getting his bag out the overhead locker, he managed to knock my racket out and send it flying across the other side of the plane, narrowly missing several passengers heads. Slightly embarrassing retrieving it!
They really do love their security here, had to have all my fingerprints and photo taken before being allowed through passport control.
Staying at a hotel near the airport tonight, head into the city in the morning for a hit and check out some of the qualifying matches. But for now...SLEEP!
Usual random plane food. Having 2 out of the 3 parts of the main dinner having nuts in is a bit of an odd decision and one I in particular was not a fan of, however the chicken and leek was nice enough. Note - Request nut free, mayonnaise free meal.
My legs definitely appreciated the exit seat and weren't feeling too bad after 8 1/2 hours on board.
As the guy was getting his bag out the overhead locker, he managed to knock my racket out and send it flying across the other side of the plane, narrowly missing several passengers heads. Slightly embarrassing retrieving it!
They really do love their security here, had to have all my fingerprints and photo taken before being allowed through passport control.
Staying at a hotel near the airport tonight, head into the city in the morning for a hit and check out some of the qualifying matches. But for now...SLEEP!
Monday 10 October 2011
Heathrow
So I've started a blog so my Family and Friends can follow me as well as for me to look back on as I have a terrible memory (as any of you who know me will have found out by now)
Today I am travelling to my first Professional tournament outside of the British Isles. The destination of choice is Washington D.C. for a tour 8 WISPA event. I have been drawn to play the 3rd seed Alex Norman, but training has been going well so feeling positive.
Off to Heathrow now, see how terminal 5 looks! Managed to book an exit seat when I checked in online so 8 1/2 hour flight should be bearable!
Today I am travelling to my first Professional tournament outside of the British Isles. The destination of choice is Washington D.C. for a tour 8 WISPA event. I have been drawn to play the 3rd seed Alex Norman, but training has been going well so feeling positive.
Off to Heathrow now, see how terminal 5 looks! Managed to book an exit seat when I checked in online so 8 1/2 hour flight should be bearable!
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