Stephan The Man

Volant D’or de Toulouse

Yesterday I competed in the Volant D’or de Toulouse…. France. I played my first round match against a native french player Alexandre Francoise. I started off a bit slow against the frenchman by getting faked around the court with his tricky shots from the net. I went down 11-9 until I finaly got used to his strokes and was able to anticipate his shots a bit better and apply more pressure. Once I got comfortable then the game changed for me and won the first set 21-14. In the second I had a strong start and did not give him much to work with and therefore won 21-13.
I then had to face Pablo Abian of Spain in my next match. He is an old rival for me and we have played a few times before (with him winning 3 times and me winning once). However I did remember that the last time I beat him I used faster shuttles. So I employed the same tactic. It went well in the first set with me up 20-18 but winning 24-22. I then went down in the second set but clawed my way up to 13-14 and this is where I really had my chance to take the match. But unfortunatly a few mistakes really cost me the set. In the third it was all him, he was much more agressive at the not than me and did not let me get on top. So I eventualy lost 21-10. I am sure our rivalries will keep going until one of us retires:)
This was a good prep tournament for the Singapore open in which I will be competing in. I leave next thursday in order to get myself settle with the time difference. I look forward to playing over there and seeing the what the big boys can do:)

See you there!

RDS Interview At the Mels Canadian International 2009

During the Canadian International I was interviewed after my semi final match by RDS. This clip passed on the Canadian airwaves on the 20th of May 2009. Just as a side note…..nobody is allowed to make fun of my hair!! hehe…it was after all after I played:)

Song Of The Week The Cardigans – My Favourite Game

This week’s song of the week is My favourite game by the Cardigans. The Cardigans are probably best known for their biggest hit Love Fool. I really enjoyed the first album from the Cardigans and might use one of their songs again for song of the week….but you never know when that might be:) I think my favourite game is a fun ride. Hope you enjoy:)

Draw For Volant D’or Toulouse

The draw is out for the upcoming Volant D’or Toulouse,France. I will most likely be flying in on Thursday in order to play my first round on Friday. My opponent has not yet been decided since I will be playing a qualifier first round. I look forward to see these players duke it out to have the privilege of playing me:)
See you there!

To see the draw please click on the link below
DRAW

Ne-Yo Closer Song of the Week

This week’s song of the week is Closer by Ne-yo. I very much enjoy this song since it has a cool beat and its very catchy:) Also I think the video is quite sharp especialy with Ne-yo’s fancy footwork.
I am sure you will feel like dancing to this song no matter what mood you are in:)
Enjoy!

CTV Ottawa News Interview

Prior to my tournament in montreal for the Mels Atwater Canadian International 2009 I was back home in Ottawa. During that time I and Andrew Dabeka were able to be interviewed by Terry Marcotte from CTV news about our badminton. Just last night did it pass and all of Ottawa rejoiced to finaly see badminton on TV:)
Too see the clip please click on the link below.
CTV Ottawa

Summer Son – Texas

This week’s song of the week is Summer Son by Texas. I really can’t remember where or when I heard this song…but it was quite a few years ago and I just found it recently on youtube. I think its a cool song and I am happy to have found it again. If you have never heard it before I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:)

Finals of the Mels Atwater Canadian International 2009

To the victor go the spoils…and today Rajiv Ouseph (England) was the victor by defeating Carl Baxter (England) in two straight sets 21-11 21-19. The first set was all Ouseph, playing a very clever and controled game. Carl’s attacks were not going down and Rajiv was able to win alot of easy points. The second set was much better. Carl came out firing again but this time his magic was working and took a 9-1 lead. But Rajiv being the cool cucumber that he is played relaxed and kept chiping away at Baxter’s lead. Eventualy Ouseph was the one to go up 20-15! Right when everyone thought it was over Carl played some great badminton to get back to 19-20. On match point it ended with a long rally and Ouseph hitting a fantastic smash and Carl diving to get it back over the net…..but out:(
Congratulations to both for an entertaining match.
My next tournament will be in Toulouse,France, that means I will have three weeks to sharpen my weapons and hopefully do some damage:)

Day 3 Mels Atwater Canadian International 2009

Well Semi Finals is all she wrote for me at the Canadian International. My match with Carl Baxter of England turned out to be quite exciting. In the first set I had too much of a slow start and could not control the back line very well and lost it 21-13. In the second it was looking a little bit the same until i found a good rythm and got myself into the game but still down 11-8. After the break I was really able to find the right speed by not giving him anything close at the net and doing my best to mix up my mid court pushes along with my lifts. This worked very well and I was able to take an 18-14 lead. Then Baxter made two incredible saves to bring himself back in the game and take a 20-18 lead. I then rallied back to even the score at 20-20, from then on we went point for point until Carl finaly took the match 27-25 in the second.
Of course I would have liked to win that set but I have to remember that it was a very high quality game we played in the second set and that next time it can just as easily go my way.
In the other semi finals it was David Snider (Canada) against Rajiv Ouseph (England). I was not able to see the match since we were playing at the same time but in the end Ouseph won in two straight sets 21-19 21-15.
The finals are too tough to predict since both players are know each other very well and have very similar levels. I wish them both best of luck and may the best man win:)
To see the result please click on the link below
DRAW