British Open - Round 1

Yesterday was my birthday and what better day to play your first WSA World Series match against a top 10 player. I was up against Natalie Grinham and despite her legendary status in the game I have never had the pleasure of watching her play before. I was reliably informed she was quick and liked to drop, this was spot on. I knew she hadn't seen me play before either so it would be an interesting match to say the least. I think we may win the award for biggest height difference as a start. (She is on her tip toes and I am crouched slightly!!)

It was a bit odd going back to the hot bouncy glass back after the much more dead glass court from Monday night. This more than showed as I made a shaky start, not being able to finish rallies from positions I was the day before. After going down about 7-2 in the first game I managed to get my head round the fact the ball was going to keep coming back and be more patient! In the end she shaded the first game 11-9.

In the second she showed why she has been as high as 2 in the world with some fantastic pick ups and deft drops to the front, the game was hers 11-5. I was always a couple of points behind in then 3rd and although I fought well, I let myself down going short at the wrong times. She held the advantage to take the game 11-7 and the match 3-0. It was a great experience and I will definitely take a lot away from the match.

I now have just a few days to prepare before I fly to India for the $10k Chennnai Open which starts next Wednesday where I am seeded 3.


Last Tournament: British Open
Venue: St George's Hill, Surrey
Opponent:  Natalie Grinham
Score: 9-11 5-11 7-11

Next Tournament: Chennai Open
Venue: National Squash Centre, Chennai
Seeded: 3
Date/Time: Wednesday 23rd May
Opponent: Jessica Turnbull (Aus)

Current World Ranking: 60

British Open - Qualifying finals

This evening I was up against Aisling Blake, ranked 24.

I ensured I didn't make the same mistake as yesterday and got off to a flying start, going 10-4 up in the first game before taking it 11-5. I built up a 6-3 lead in the 2nd but she produced some good play to get back in the game and eventually win it 11-8.
I pushed forward again and found my length which paid off as I was able to attack with a good margins. I managed to get the game 11-6 and the 4th was a similar story as a raced out to a 4-0 lead and drove home the advantage (no pun intended) winning the game 11-5 and the match 3-1.
Overall I played really well and I'm pleased to get an important win against a player ranked significantly higher than me. It's great to qualify for a world series event and my prize is a match tomorrow against Natalie Grinham; a pretty awesome birthday present for tomorrow!! So 6pm tomorrow time to do it all over again!

British Open - Qualifying Round 1

Yesterday was the first round of qualifying here in Surrey for the prestigious British Open. The main draw is 32 players so 23 were in by ranking, 1 wildcard and 32 more of us to fight it out for the remaining 8 places in qualifying. I knew to qualify I would have to beat 2 playes ranked significantly above me. I drew Malaysian Siti Munirah Jusoh to play in the first round, ranked 20 spots higher than me at 40.

The match didn't start to plan, I was swiping at shots, slow on to the ball and therefore attacking from bad positions which quite often resulted in me hitting the tin! I lost the first game about 11-7 but went back on in the second having blocked all the nerves out and concentrating on playing my game. I flew to a 9-0 lead with solid play, volleying much more and commanding the T. I took the 2nd 11-2 to make the match tied at 1-1. The third was always going to be a crucial game and although I couldn't keep my concentration for periods of the games I managed to stay in front and get the third game 11-7. I was in control again throughout the 4th and even with a couple of errs in concentration I won it comfortably 11-3 and the match 3-1.

I was happy to win but know I can't afford such a slow start today against an even higher ranked opponent in Aisling Blake, Irish number 2 and world number 24. I know it will be tough but I'm going to give it my best and aim for a place in the first round of the 'Wimbledon of Squash' tomorrow, which also happens to be my birthday!

My match is at 7pm tonight so I'm looking forward to watching some of the other matches first.