It's been a while since there was an international men's event in New Zealand. Driven by three major Squash clubs in the country, a three-event series is a welcome return to the calendar. The events also gave my preparation a boost as I felt in for a chance to win at my home base in Palmerston North.
After travelling to different parts of the world for thirteen tournaments in the last twelve months, I finally have one at home. Home advantage always comes with a little bit of pressure as well and I certainly felt it prior to the start of the event. However, I had prepared well and felt confident of a good result.
In the first round I was up against the skilful Lance Beddoes. After a high intensity match I won in three but not before being sent the wrong way a few times. In the quarters I met the youngster Andrew Ellis of Christchurch who had upset the ranks to get this far - a great effort in his first International event. Andrew reminded me that we had met and hit once before in Christchurch in an exhibition game. The youngster gave a good account of himself before letting me pass through.
In the semi I had the fit and fast Paul Coll with whom I've had a couple of five-game matches. I contained paul pretty well in the first game and a half. At 6-2 up in the second I lost focus and he stepped up - taking the game 11-6. I finally managed to put the second game behind me and re-focus. It was a battle after that and Paul fought hard to get a lead. I responded in the same fashion and came back from 8-6 down to win the crucial third game. The fourth was another huge one and very hard physically. I hung in there right till the end and eventually won the game 12/10 and the match in four games.
In the final I had the fast improving Evan Williams of Wellington who had taken out the top seeded Aussie Mike Corren in a hard five setter in the semi. I expected it to be a hard match. Evan hit some amazing winners to show what he was capable of. However, I managed to stick to the game plan and come out with a 3-1 result to win the final.
Winning at home was great amongst all the support. Sometimes I even felt spoilt because of the unfamiliarity with such homely comfort at a squash tournament. I took it as a reward for doing the hard yards overseas and enjoyed every bit of it. And what a great atmosphere it was at the club - packed with squash enthusiasts of all ages. Well done Squash Gym and thank you Fitzherbert Rowe Lawyers for sponsoring the event. Hopefully, it will be an even bigger one next year.
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