2014 Big Apple Open 6.0
I played the finals of the Big Apple Open 6.0 division today, one day after Nicol David lost in the semi-finals of the World Open to the defending World Junior Champion, 11-9 in the 5th. It was in her home country, with all the the fans rooting for her – actually the whole country rooting for her. I remember thinking before the tournament how it had the makings of a classic upset opportunity, as the country was treating the tournament more like a coronation for Nicol, but all of the top women had her directly in their target. I am a big fan of Nicol’s, and consider her a living legend of squash, but this result is a reminder that all opponents are potentially dangerous, no matter what your past record is with them, or what everybody says is going to happen, or whether everybody is rooting for you. I am quite sure Nicol will come back from this tournament stronger than ever, and it is worth noting that she was incredibly gracious in defeat despite how disappointed she must have been.
I thought a lot about this before my finals match today – which was at my home club, in front of many friends, and against a good player but one against whom I have had a good record. I remember Joe Frazier saying he respected every person who got in the ring with him, and boxing history is full of evidence of what happens when one does not properly respect their opponent.
So I got myself well warmed up as I listened to music that I really like, and got myself both physically and mentally ready for the match. I took the ball early, hit with pace to both back corners, and then started to attack to the front especially with the backhand volley drop. The court opened up and I was able to run him to the corners and create opportunities for myself. I am happy to say that I won in three and played the best I had all weekend.