The Canadian Tour

After a few big events in a row, I felt it was time for a change to play a couple of smaller ones. This would give me more matches and excellent competition as well as an opportunity to test my preparation for bigger events to follow. I entered two events in Canada and after three weeks of training, it was time for yet another trip across the Atlantic.
Saturday 16 October '10
It was a comfortable 8 hours flight from Amsterdam to Toronto. A couple of movies and a nap later, we were ready to land. At the airport, I was met by old friend Farooq back from junior days in Pakistan. I settled in well and despite waking up at 2am the next morning I felt good and well rested. It would be another 3 days before I move into the tournament accommodation. I planned to continue with my final preparation for the first event but tonight there was enough time to resume old rivalries on the Snooker table.

White Oaks Open - Niagara
Wednesday 20 October '10
After much anticipation and build up, the event finally started and then ... ended for me in thirty minutes. I led 2-0 in my first round match and felt the strain on my hamstring half way in the third. I reminded myself not to lunge on the right and kept playing mostly on the left. Towards the end of the close third game I reacted to retrieve a boast from the backhand with my right leg and landed on a drop of sweat and slipped to near split position. I felt the tear in the hamstring and was in excruciating pain. I couldnt straighten my leg and was reminded by a helper to keep my eyes open otherwise I would pass out. They carried me off the court and I felt horrible. I couldnt believe it was happening. I forfeited the match and all sorts of negative thoughts occupied my mind as I tried to follow the physio's instructions. The thoughts of having prepared so well for these events, the financial and professional loss, the loss of time and the uncertain future of the injury were all pounding my head. I satyed calm, iced the hamstring and listened to people offering advice. The players were all at hand offering help which was great. Thanks a lot guys - much appreciated.

Thursday 21 October '10
What happened is now in the past. I have to stay positive and remain focused on the future. I have withdrawn from the event next week and hope to get better before the Dutch Open in 4 weeks time. I still have a few events to go for the year, I am playing well, focused, motivated and determined - almost everything is in place. I just need to hang in there, recover well and bounce back - which I surely will.

But first ... time to get some advice and rehabilitate over the next few weeks.The White Oaks Resort in Niagara on the Lake is not a bad place to start.