Pan Am Championships 2009, Second Round Close Call

Today I had to play against my good friend but fellow rival Erick Anguiano (Guatemala) in the second round of the Pan Am Championships. In the first set Erick had a very good start and I could feel that he was focused and wanted to win. He was playing some awkward net shots that allowed him to get more lifts than me which in this hall means EVERYTHING. He ended up winning the first set 21-18. In the second set I adjusted to his net play and started taking the shuttle very high forced him to lift to me. It sounds simple but when both player are gunning for the same thing it is VERY difficult. I ended up winning the second set 21-15. In the third it was similar to the second set however Erick was making more unforced errors which gave me alot of breathing room. I ended up winning the 3rd and final set 21-12.
I sounds very funny to just write, win the net and win the match. But it so true and so extreme in this venue. Nobody wants to lift since the shuttle keeps sailing out the back or if you happen to keep it in you have no idea where the shuttle is. But those are the circumstances and I have learned from my trips to Asia that often it is not about badminton, its just about finding a way to win.
Tomorrow I play against Daniel Paiola from Brazil in the quarter finals.
In order to follow the results please click on the link below
DRAW