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

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'

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]

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!