Yesterday I played my second round at the 2009 Scottish International. I was matched up against a Scottish player, Calum Menzies. I had never seen him play before so I think it was a first for both of us. The first set I was leading for the most part, doing a good job of taking the net and moving the shuttle around. However in the second half I was giving him too many easy points and he also starting winning points at the net which resulted in me losing my lead and losing the set. In the second set I was not really getting any rhythm and still giving him easy points and went down 11-7. At the break my coach,Michael Kjeldsen, gave me a good talking to and that once again I had to turn this match into a Man’s game. From that moment in the second set I just caught fire! I won 14 points in a row to win 21-11! In the third and final game I had the same tactic, which was to play long tough rallies,keep the pace high and limit my mistakes. Unfortunatly it was much easier to say than do:) Calum was also very steady and was not giving me an inch! I was then down 11-6 at the switch and could not for the life of me win two points in a row. But then at around 15-10 we had a HUGE rally and we were both gasping for air. Even though I could see he was tired I still went down 18-11. But from there I think he hit the wall and I kept playing as high paced as I could. I then came back to 18-18, playing as solid as a rock! However then he got 19-18 which of course had potential to completly rattle my momentum. But it was not to be for the Scott, I played 3 great reallies and ended winning 21-19! Probably my best comeback ever.
On the same day I had to play my round of 16. I was matched up against an Indonesian/Welshman, Irwansyah. I did not know how my body was going to feel after two big matches. In the first set I felt that we were both feeling each other out and it was relatively even. At around 16-16 I made a few easy mistakes that were really expensive and cost me the set. In the second set once again I was down for the most part. I really had to stay away from his around the head corner because it was soooo deadly. Which meant that I had to keep the attack as much as possible. With this tactic was once again able to save myself and took the second set 21-19:) I was of course very fired up for the third set, even though I was playing on fumes:) As usual I went down 13-8 in the third and final game…but then I came back to go UP 15-13! I was sure that I can run away with it but then he also picked up the pace. It was a battle until 18-18…but then I had two points that I had the upper hand and should have finished it but I ended up making the mistake:( So the comeback kid finaly went down 21-18 in the third. It was a great run and I was very positive about how I could win on tough days and leave EVERYTHING on court…I had nothing left and that is the best thing to feel after a match…win or lose.
My tournament is in a few weeks in Ireland. I will have a few days rest and then back to the grind to get ready!
