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!
