Baltimore.... 1 star ($10,000 tournament)

I had now played three tournaments and with very average results, I was lacking in confidence to say the least... Baltimore was my next stop and I needed to perform...

It was my second visit to Baltimore, and I was fortunate to be staying with the lovely Millers again. Jay Bewley was the organiser, who did a great job, and was very friendly.

I met a good buddy Ben Coleman, at the airport, who was an English squash professional with a great array of achievements and results. We continued on to our billets and shared the details of our previous tournament and adventures. The following morning we arrived at the club for the qualification draw. I was seeded 1, as was unfortunate as this meant I needed to play two rounds in order to make the main draw. Everyone was present for the draw at 12pm, and the players were seeded and matches were drawn.  Unfortunately, I got two of the toughest rounds possible, with my first round match against a very athletic Patrick Chifunda. If I won I was to play my good friend Ben Coleman, who was the British Junior Champion. And English number 1 the previous year.

I was really looking forward to these matches, as I believed they were matches I should win, but would be a great test to my current form. My first round against Patrick was tricky. He is very skilful, and his shot selection is very random. Anyways, my length was on, I felt good, moving well and continued to take control and dominate the T area. I won the first 11-, and continued my form to win 11- in the second game. A slight relaxation and a minor dip in energy meant I lost focus and dropped the third game.  I wasn’t ready to loose and came out fired up, pushed the pace and my shot selection improved. I took the forth and the match 3-1 (11-7 11-5 4-11 11-7).

Next I was playing Ben Coleman, and from watching him play, I knew he was a great athlete, retrieves most balls, and very patient. I thought about my game plan, and knew I needed to create the openings and seize the opportunities when they arose. This would only come from a good length. Good advice had come from a fellow player years before in Arthur Gaskin. “Good length comes before a good shot”. I took control of the match and felt I had Ben doing slightly more work than myself.  I saw Ben began to grow in frustration and pushed on to win the match 3-0 (11-5 11-5 11-7).

I had qualified, not easily, but the wins had helped my mental state, and gave me confidence. They drew the qualifying places, and I was up to play the gigantic Adrian “Wall dog” Waller.  He was currently ranked firmly inside the top 60 in the World rankings, and I knew I had to produce my best in order to make an impression on his game.  I was a little stiff, but was playing better. I played hard, gave it my best and was toe to toe with Adrian. I was under pressure, but producing good squash. Towards the end of each game I failed to produce enough quality to convert and found myself losing the match 3-0 (11-8 11-9 11-9).

The loss was tough, but the lessons I learnt were important. Not to be content with your achievements until you fulfil your goals. You have to be confident and believe you can win otherwise you have already lost before you step on the court. You can always push more that you believe you can.

I had also been playing in the hardball Doubles competition alongside the PSA event, and had progressed through to the finals with two separate partners.  Hardball courts are twice the length and one and a half times in width. The ball has no air inside, and resembles a gold ball in hardness compared to a spongy squash ball. Patrick Miller my billet and I picked up the winners trophy and cheque to round off the week.

Madison, Wisconsin... Super Satelite!

Madison arrived.

After the two-hour drive and a slight detour due to lack of directions. We finally arrived, checked out the club, met and greeted all the members, players and Damon Bourne (organiser). The club is a small business unit, which has been done out wonderfully. The courts are brand new ASB, and look perfect to the eye. Damon has done a great job in both organising the event, building the venue and promoting squash in the area. 

Anyways, first match I drew my good friend Jonas Knigge Laursen, which was unfortunate for one of us. After the warm-up I knew that the courts suited my game more than his, so I looked to take full advantage of this. I started well, hit good length and forced Jonas to pursue his best shots from the most difficult positions. I had some good spells and the start of each game, and created enough of a space in the points to feel confident in my win and performance. Jonas has great shots, but with a slow court, I was able to pick up the nicks and force him to twist and turn to a slow death. I came home 3-0 with the win (11-5 11-5 11-6)

We retired to the pub for some food and a couple of games of pool. Jonas and I took on Lyall Paterson and Fernando Lopez, from the rest of the world and continued in winning ways.  I guess they don’t have pool tables in Mexico, and Lopez seemed to foul more times than he potted. Anyways, early night sleep in preparation for my quarterfinal against Eddie Charlton of England.

Morning hit, warmed up and began preparing. I felt average, not good, but not bad. Went through my routine warm up and got ready for my match physically and mentally. I struggled to make a good impression in the match, and constantly made bad starts to each game. I left myself too much to recover and failed to perform. For whatever reason, I had lost my consistency and began to grow in frustration. I went down 3-0 ( 11-6 11-6 11-7). I sat, reflected and tried to think of the things I did right and wrong. I learn allot from losing, more than when I was young. Experience comes from loses, and as much I as I hate losing, i was beginning to understand why...

Chicago... The Windy City

I had never visited Chicago, and heard many compliments for the Windy City. Some Americans say that they prefer Chicago to New York, which made me excited to see what the attraction was.  What I thought would be a straight forward International flight from Ottawa, Canada, to Chicago, Illinois seemed to be allot more complicated. Like most of my flights I take, my bags were over-weight due to the extra equipment and clothing I had now brought or borrowed, to compensate for my delayed baggage. I checked in on time and continued through to passport control.  Normal procedure, why are you here? how long you staying? and where will you be staying?  I answered and the officer seemed it was appropriate to pass me on to security control for further checks.  I waiting for the next available officer who interrogated me for further details, and seemed to be in disbelief to why I was in the United States of America.  After providing every detail I knew, where I would be staying for the next 6 weeks, and who I would be staying with, another two officers walked in to join the interrogation, and ask further questions.  The initial officer couldn't find any people on the system, and my explanation of using Blackberry Messenger to contact them seemed inadequate. My bags were called off the flight and my thoughts turned to maybe an early flight home.  Anyways, my bags were all checked, everything was cleared, and after spending 3 hours in intense interrogation, I was booked on the later flight and sent back through passport control just in case they hadn't checked my enough. 

I finally arrived in Chicago to stay with Jonas Knigge Laursen, before we drove to Madison for the Workshop Open in Wisconsin. We had three days to train, and a short 2 hour drive till the tournament started. Unfortunately the draw for Madison, meant that we in fact drew each other, and one of us would be out in the first round. Anyways, we trained at the University Club of Chicago where Jonas is the Assistant Coaching Pro. The club held the U.S Open this year, and I could see why! The club is amazing, very traditional, well maintained and central to Chicago City.  I was given my locker for the next few days, trained and ventured into the city for a browse. 

I was not disappointed, the City Is lovely, very pleasing to the eye, sky scrappers mixed with astonishing parks and lake Michigan within reaching distance.  Tournament day came, so we hired a car, but oh, not any car, we would only drive in style, and when I say "They see me rollin" I mean  a Lincoln Town Car, and drove to Madison..

Goodlife Open - Ottawa

My second stop on tour, took me east bound in Canada. I headed from Niagara to Ottawa via the train for 5 hours. I  set up camp with Adrian Dudzicki on the outskirts of the city and began training in preparation for the tournament.  Adrian and I had spent the summer in Australia together, so knew how to handle each others company, and the week was a blast.

With three days preparation, Johnny Wilson from the Ottawa Athletic Club, gave us some good advice and suggested some sessions in order to prepare efficiently for Thursday's first round matches.  The body was starting to feel good, more fluid and the strength and power was coming back..

Thursday came and I warmed up mentally and physically for my opponent Lawrence Delasaux, from England. We had played once before, and everyone knows how talented and tricky he can be, as I thought about my game plan and strategy.  Lawrence had been under the weather the week before, and I knew a strong mature performance could play tough on his mind. I began on good form, attacked when in-front, jumped on balls that were loose and managed to keep the tempo high.  2-0, 11-4, 11-8 and 5-2, Delasaux decided enough was enough, and withdrew from the match handing me the victory. Although I would grasp the win with two hands and look forward to my quarter-final match, you never enjoy winning in this style. 

What went wrong... well I learnt a few lessons from my second attempt Vs David Phillips. First one was preparation.. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. As much as I wanted to win, I needed to let my emotions subside and remain focused for the task in hand.  The excitement and adrenaline played on my mind, and that night I failed to get much sleep, as I began thinking about my match over and over. The poor performance indicator was my eating patterns. Due to the late night, I therefore slept in late in an attempt to regain the hours. This hindered the amount of time to eat, and instead of feeling light and energetic leading into my match, I felt lethargic and slow. Lesson learnt, I became clearly frustrated, and even at the top of my performance levels, a great performance would of been needed, while Phillips cruised to a 3-0 victory. I was disappointed in myself for obvious reasons of inconsistency, but also realised that Phillips had played well that day and maybe it was a step to far..

I stayed and watched some great matches, and enjoyed some good squash. Julian Illingworth, World no. 35 came out the winner, beating Joe Lee from England, ranked 77 in the finals. 

I regrouped, thought about my match, and started to think towards my next destination, Chicago, Illinois.  I would be staying with a good old friend, Jonas Knigge Laursen from Denmark. Jonas and I have grown up playing the junior European squash circuit together, but in different age groups, so knew each other well.  He is now the assistant squash coach, at the University Club of Chicago, situated in downtown next to Millennium Park. I was going to be based here for 4 days before we rolled up to Madison, Wisconsin. 

1st Stop Niagara Falls..

Well first place I visited was Niagara Falls..

Amazing tourist attraction, but a some-what surreal fake feeling town. The Falls are beautiful and pleasing to the eye, but the surroundings are filled with ghost trains, arcade machines, popcorn and fast food. This was my 2nd opportunity to play the White Oaks Cup, which was a 1 star event, which means the total prize money is 10,000 dollars. This gets divided down to each player according to their progressions in the competition. This stay was as enjoyable as the first, and the facilities are superb. 

We get to stay at a 5 star hotel for free, which is included in the tournament package. The hotel is connected to the squash club.  For the next 6 days you can stay within the complex, and go without seeing sunlight with ease. Everything is well prepared, and the organiser Mark Sachvie, does a perfect job running the competition along side a busy amateur tournament, and makes sure the players are very well looked after. There's a starbucks, gymnasium, tennis courts, squash courts, pro shop, swimming pool, jacuzi 3 dinning rooms and much more.

I arrived on Sunday and wasn't set to play until Thursday. I was certain my bags would show up before I played, but how wrong I was. I lent a racket from a friend and fellow PSA player, Nathan Stevenson from Australia, brought boxer, lent kit and socks and played in a loosely fitted size medium U.S. Being 5ft 5, small UK is good, and we all know American sizes are slightly more generous than the british. 

Anyways, as much as the situation continued to stress me out, I knew I had to be professional and try to forget about the situation. I prepared well for my first match Vs David Phillips of Canada, but the outcome wasn't as good as hoped. I lost 3-1, and in patches, controlled and played good squash. David is a very steady player, hits good length and is tough to move from the T, due to his size and reach. I was disappointed, as I felt if the circumstances mentally had been better, then maybe I could of pushed my opponent more than i did. I lost 11-8, 11-3, 2-11, 11-5. 

For the next few days, I trained hard, got some good practise matches against Rasmus Nielson of Denmark and hit the gym for my two sessions a day.  The final was a tough affair between Julian Illingworth, the American no.1 and Mark Krajcsak, Hungarian no.1.  Julian, world number 35, looked a little jaded from his previous tough encounters, while Mark looked slightly fresher. Mark came through 3-0 but the score line of 11-9 16-14 11-7 showed how close this match really was.  It was a good match to watch and a few strange back-wall shot choices by Jules could of been his letdown.

The Saturday night held a squash function, where the PSA players socialised with fellow member and players while enjoying the semi-final matches. Myself, Kashif Shuja, Rasmus Nielson, Nathan Stevenson, Adrian Dudzicki Chad Dommasch, Mark Krajcsak and Dane Sharp enjoyed a few drinks and rested up for the night.I was beginning to prepare for my next stop in Canada, which was Ottawa for the Goodlife Open, the following week.

8 Week Tour of North America begins....

Well my travels on the PSA Tour (Professional Squash Association)  now expanded to the North America, and what a great continent it is. From past memories, I have had only positive experiences, fun occasions and plenty of success...

This continent is not only the most friendly I've visiting during my Professional Squash Career, but also the easiest place to spend extended periods of time, away from home. I mean I love visiting new cultures, attempting to speak foreign languages and trying local foods, but when your on your own, long journeys, lack of communication and hotels are sometimes daunting.  This is why the billeting (members of the squash club allow you to stay at theirs during the tournament) is so appealing, as you get to meet new people, costs are kept to a minimum and you get a better feel for the city, state and country. 

My trip consisted of an 8 weeks stint around the east coast of America. I would play two tournaments in Canada, before flying into U.S.A to play a further 4 - 5 competitions. The prize money varied between $6000 - $10000 dollars..  With a breakdown, depending on the round you proceeded to, before failing to win.  I was slightly anxious, but very excited for the trip. I knew my preparation in the gym had been going really well until 7 days before departure. That was when i was hit by the dreaded illness, that seemed to knock me harder than first thought. I spent the next week, bed bound, unable to train or play.  In an attempt to regain full fitness, I knew staying off court, would be crucial to boost my immune system before flying. 

Well.. the flight seemed fine, three seats to myself and a 5 hour sleep out of the 7 boded me well for my jet-lag. How wrong was I?  First my bags didn't get to the states, and second was that the following morning my body hit rock bottom. I was effected by the traveling worse than ever. Fever struck, no energy and tooth ache. I took some medication, and the turn around in 24 hours was somewhat better than I thought possible.

I continued my search for my bags with air Canada, and for the next 6 days I was bag-less, with only a one piece jumpsuit to my rescue. I needed to buy clothes, a tooth brush, vitamins, and many other essentials, which included star sport boxers from Walmart that later were binned due to poor performance. 4 phone calls a day, and I was told, "sorry sir we are unable to locate your bag, please can you give us more time" how my anger grew i tell thee. On to Niagara for my first tournament, with lent squash kit, racket (singular), socks, head bands and newly purchased casual clothing.  Not the best start to my trip I thought!? 

Part 2 continued....

What else kept you occupied through the summer?

Upon return from Australia, i began my next stint of an 8 week training program. Lots of strength and conditioning was planned, and I was extremely excited to get started.  I continued my part-time job working at All Saints. I enjoy this opportunity, which takes my focus away from squash 24/7, and the working colleges are good friends of mine. 

I also made sure to catch up with some of my close friends at home. Stability in life is very important, and balance of social downtime mixed with the professional sports athlete is crucial to prevent burnout I feel. M.Howe, a great reliable friend and I resumed our weekly Friday food conversations, and shared the previous 6 weeks of our lives. I caught up and socialised with my friends from school, and settled back into the routine of home.. Food cooked, washing done and my own transport.

That’s all in the present, lets go back to when it started, when and why did you start playing squash?

When did you win your first competition? You still have the trophy ?

First competition win seems a blur, but winning the Cammarthen Junior under 12's seems to ring bells, and regards to the trophy, its in the attic I'm sure.



When did you realize or think that squash could be a big part of your life?

- Squash in general changed in the year of 2001 for me. My parents could see by the age of 14 that my love for the game was started to take shape, and maybe i had some potential in the sport. They sent me to Jonah Barrington's Summer Squash Academy, and although the euphoria glow around Jonah was beyond belief, my knowledge was slightly misted. I sweated my heart and soul out on them courts for the next five days, for a yet unknown reward that would not only sculpture my squash career, but my whole life ahead of me. I had never pushed so hard, and ran as many court-sprints in my life. With Junior J.B screaming down my neck to go faster, i could only obey.. The end of the 4th day arrived and Jonah approached my with a proposition beyond my own belief. I remember every exact would as if it was yesterday, "how would you like to come to a school like this my boy"


http://www.omsociety.com/old-millfieldians/sports-news/Sports-News-Squash/



If you were not a squash player, what sport do you think you would be playing?

Well my passion of rugby is strong, and my school days of playing were most enjoyable. Unfortunately, as much as I love the sport I believe with my height and size, my career couldn't of blossomed in the sport as much as I would of liked.

How is the squash coaching? Do you see coaching as a natural progression for you after playing? What sort of coach would you describe yourself as?


Coaching seems a natural progression for any professional squash player, however the coaching life isn't easy one, and isn't for everyone. I could see myself coaching in the states full time for a few years but not for an extended period. I have a passion for fashion, and hope that may take me somewhere in life, whether it be designing, buying or merchandising. However, most of my life i have spent in sport, and could see a future in this field. Who knows, people's ideas change.. so watch this space. 



Who is your sporting idle? Any other influences outside of sport? 

Well I have many idles and influences I look up to. I believe that there are people like Armstrong, Ali and Federrer that you look up to, but there are the more important people than personally have a huge influence on your life.

The first person who made a massive impact for me was Jonah Barrington. J.B not only taught me about the physical side of the game, but also the mental strength needed to succeed in such a tough sport. Jonah's influences not only helped my sporting abilities, but extended to my outlook in life, and what I would need to sacrifice if i were to achieve anything in and out of the game. This man is great, his experience  and aura is something that you only get caught up in while spending time around him.


The other great influences in my life are my parents, and the stability they show behind the scenes. I have the up most respect for them, and truly believe that my career pays most credit to their dedication, to help me fulfill my dreams, goals and ambitions. My parents are very different people, and level me in their own ways. My mother is like my best friend, the talkative one, always there to listen, night or day. She helps me make decisions in my life and sways me when I'm uncertain. Whereas my father is the quiet one, shy one some say. Very emotional yet emotionless.  Although, he feels like my older brother, someone i can hang out with, learn allot from both positive and negative. His desire for my game is beyond imaginable.


Currently no. 123 in the world, a career high, what is the next goal? 

I am off to North America for two month stint, which consists of 6-7 Tournaments. I hope to be as close to the top 100 in the World by the time I return in preparation for the new year ahead.

I will spend October right through to December on the other side of the World, with a busy schedule of competitions. Return for celebrations and time with the family before i plan my excursions for the New Year of 2011.


Finally any words of advice for any up and coming juniors who are currently playing and entering competitions??

Train hard, be wise and do what you need to improve your game. Everyone is unique and progress your game in the way you believe how.  Be happy, stay positive, but always think more can be done. Lastly listen to your body and mind, its good at telling you when to rest, when you need to do more and when to be sincere...

If your fortunate and lucky in life, be sure not to waste it. Never regret.

Interview.... Part 1.

To Start my blog, I thought Orange Squash's personal interview by 

Damian Burgess

, would give you an insight into my life, my peculiar mind and how this little determined Welsh man operates. 

Here are the Q's

Quick fire questions.  

Full name?

- Peter David Creed

Hometown?

- Caerphilly, South Wales

Favorite holiday?

- Florida 

Music you are listening to right now?

- No Diggity - Black Street ft Dr Dre

Favorite food?

- Indian or Thai...

Now to the serious stuff…..

An interesting summer for you with the University Championships in Australia, coming home with Gold well done, tell us more about that trip, highlights and low-lights??

- Well Australia was a blast, not often do you get the chance to visit down under, while getting funded for the occasion. So first i was obviously extremely excited, but also very grateful for the opportunity. Rhwibina Squash Club helped me massively and without them it wouldn't of been possible. 

We had a great team, and the cohesion between the group was strong. From the moment we met at the airport, I knew only be positive times were ahead, and that this group, had the potential to achieve Gold, at the World University Championships. Our Team Manager was Andy Hibbert, who was a good friend of mine who I had represented in Avon league. Next was our Coach, Graeme Williams, who works as a regional squash coach for England squash and a new face to myself. On first instincts, I felt a good bond and knew he would be easy to get on with.. We were also lucky enough to have a personal physio by the name of Kate Watson traveling with us, who proved to be the backbone of the team behind the scenes. The players consisted of Joel 'Snoop' Hinds, who had I had shared 2 years at Millfield School with, a good friend and always an easy person to socialize. Chris Hall, who I had competed alongside most of my junior career. Emma 'JL' Chorley, who was also a Millfield representative and a school friend, and Kirstai Mcphee the Yorkshire pudding, who's accent not only could the other teams struggle to understand but also our own. 

On with the trip, 1st stop was a 4 day training camp in Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia. What an experience, and the perfect professional start to the trip. The place is incredible, first impressions were cheap, humid and laid back. I loved the place and cant wait to go back some-time soon. People are friendly, food, clothes and taxi's are in-expensive to say the least. We settled in the rooms, quick dip in the pool, some food and a casual night to help the 13 hour flight jet-lag, not to say i slept 9 hours. On court at 10-am the next day, the team expected some condition games and a mess around to get the body going. Coach Williams thought differently and 10 sets of ghosting would encourage our blood flow more quickly than most would of preferred, but impressions are important, mouth shut, push through and set an example were my thoughts. The next few days flew by, "genuine Rolex's" were purchased, Oakley sunnies and plenty of Casio treats were on show. We trained hard and focused on the challenge ahead. On our last day, the Senior Team announced their chosen captain, and much to my surprise but humbled delight, it was me. Smiles all round and now i can really start my antics with my new armband.. 

Touchdown Melbourne. drastic weather change which reminded me of being at home rather than Neighbours or Home and Away. We sized up our competitors and began getting used to our courts and homes for the next 2 weeks. The individual competition started and the team were treated to everyone winning the first two days. However, my standard of play was lacking due to poor preparation. Unfortunately I had picked up a niggle 3 weeks before, in Toulouse and was unable to train leading up to the trip. Confidence was low and my game was far from its peak. I lost in the Quarter-finals, and with a 3/4 seeding and my own expectations of a medal, I was deeply disappointed and unfortunately unable to compete to the best of my ability. Being named captain, I felt that my emotions needed to be set aside, and focusing on the other players medal chances were important. Joel won the Gold and rightly deserved it, failing to drop a game on course. Emma won Silver, which was a great achievement, and Kirsty pushed through to win a crucial Bronze medal and give us our trio of medals. 

The Team Event was next and we were seeded top dogs. Anything but a Gold medal in my eyes would of been a disaster. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to use my own leadership skills and performances to help the team achieve this goal. The groups stages were successful, the team progressed and the semi-final was in-sight. We won 3-0 comprehensively against the Americans, and now could focus on fulfilling our seeding. We decided that a game of Lazer quest would be the perfect occasion to build our already strong team bonding, and gather the team's energy levels before our final battle. The boys yet again succeeded to win at all costs. Back to the hotel, and an After 8 challenge was set by Coach Williams. This consisted of placing the chocolate mint, on your forehead, and attempting to gather the sweet in ones mouth without the use of your hands. El-Captino myself was victorious with a 2 second achievement, from the flick and catch technique. Although my dislike for the actually sweet was very evident.  The next morning, Joel and I knew that in order to win gold we both had to win, as their women, ranked 16 in the World  was  pretty unbeatable. Joel gave us a scare and after a sketchy, hard hitting affair, got us into the deciding rubber. Being named captain was one honour, but the opportunity to bring the Gold home for the team, was unbelievable and an unforgettable experience. I felt good, and the body and mind felt although it had reached its peak. Its these occasions in life that we train for, and wish to never forget. I won 3-0 and put the GBR Squash Squad at the top of the podium. We had won Gold, Well done to the whole team, and thank you all for the experiences we shared with each other along the way. 

There are always highs and lows to every trip, I hadn’t played well, but managed to finish on a high. The team were amazing, and I wouldn’t of changed one single thing about the trip. The planning was professional, we trained hard, played hard and achieved what we set out to do. We celebrated  our success, a mild hangover was evident and the day had come  to return home, well for most of us. A very sad affair, but we all new it was looming. The GBR squad left Melbourne, Australia, and only Mr Hall and myself were left behind. 

For the next week, me and Chris intended on seeing as much of Australia as possible, maybe a few pubs and get a further insight into this exciting country, everyone seems to enjoy. We had allot of fun, met some nice people and ate out a few times, while enjoying some hostels, and not enjoying others. Hostels become a mixed bag, you get what you pay for. Cheap = Working people living like slobs, with no-intent on being clean. Medium to expensive = pretty much hotel/travel lodge like, with the possibility of a jacuzzi and sauna. We enjoyed our experiences and the time came for me to be left on my own for the next 4 weeks to compete in Sydney and Rockhampton. To my own confusion of driving this small distance, i was told a 12 hour drive was not ideal and flights were booked.  I left for Brisbane, to train and stay with a good friend Steve ‘Stavros’ Finitsis. An Australian born but Dutch resident, ranked within the Worlds top 75. I met a another dutch star, Frank Hartkoren, who I knew from Juniors, but had never had the chance to socialize with. Great guy and a good squash player. Our other living partner was Courtney ‘Kanye’ West, very nice chap, got some skills and eager to move West bound. 

Rockhampton was a disaster, i had lost my way. My head was confused and my game was lacking in precision. The temperature was 25 degrees + inside, and warming up was an affair of 2 shirts.  I lost in the Quarter-finals, and knew that i needed to find my mind quick in order to finish this trip on a positive rather than negative.  

Sydney was next and a slightly bigger tournament lay ahead. I stayed with an old friend Simon Rawlins, who i pay thanks to for putting me up. I trained and began to focus on myself rather than others. Round 1 was successful, and i managed to win 3-0. Next I was playing a good Friend Campbell Grayson’s younger brother boo boo, Alex. Such a nice chap, and at 1-0 down i decided i needed to change my game plan, get myself in gear and push hard. I came through 3-1, and was into the Quarter-finals. Justin Beard was my next opponent, and due to my own gracious beard attempt, felt that I deserved the name a little more.. Anyways, squash, I knew Justin had battled harder than myself in the previous rounds. I kept the pace high, executed my length shot better and created many opportunities. I pulled through 3-0 and felt the joy, confidence and gratitude of why we train in our own sports, for the result and achievements. Now i had to focus on my semi-final, and be humble about my results so far. Jens Schoor was my opposition, and a tricky person to play on cold courts. I struggled to find any momentum, and points seemed hard to get. I had bad starts in each game and within quick time I was out of the competition. I had learnt allot, and thought hard about my experience that week.

I had enjoyed the previous tournament with mixed success. I had met some awesome people, Frank became a close friend, Adrian Dudzicki the philosopher had shared views, and i felt my social network was growing.  Sarah Cardwell was friendly and inviting with many of the other Australian and Kiwi players, going by Alex Grayson, Peter Taylor, Nathan Stephenson and an old friend Rasmus Nielson. 

My time was coming to a close in Australia, i had one last visit to Canberra to watch the Australian Open, and spend some time with a close friend Joey Barrington. I hadn’t expected to be commentating at such event, but Joey’s surprise attack, was to much delight and a good little earner. I enjoyed the down-time after my previous 5 weeks, and continued my training while socializing with the best players in the World and some great friends. 5 days later i was on the plane home and my Australian Adventure, down under was finished. Thanks to everyone i met, people who helped me and Team GB.