Andy Gill Memorial Aug 2006.
This years Andy Gill memorial tournament has come round quicker than ever.
It provides a great week of match practise against good players in the lead upto the British Open.
My first match on Monday evening was against the German Mike Klose. Normally the first round matches are quite confortable and so I was surprised by how good the German was. I managed to win 3-1 but it wasn't without a fight, especially in the 3rd game where I was down 8-6 and came back to win 10-8.
Tuesday nights match was against Tom Javanaud of Cheshire. It was tough game but I managed to come through in five, 2/9, 9/5, 9/0, 7/9, 9/0. I was disappionted not to have won the match in four after being 7-5 up but I was glad of the win in the end.
Tonights match (Wed) is against Nathan Cole (formerly Langley). Having played him once before almost three seasons ago and losing I know it will be a tough one!!!! I started the match feeling quite good but Nathan was playing really well. Very sharp and not doing much wrong. I lost 3-0 and was disappointed as I wanted to do one better than last year and make it through to the semi final. I'll just have to wait until next year now!! However, Nathan will be tough to beat if he puts in the performance that he did against me!
After a withdrawal from a Pakistani i've been given a slot into the Men's 'A' event which will be played tonight at 9pm (thurs) against professionally ranked John Rooney so another tough match! I'm looking forward to it....
....The match against John went well. I got beat 3-0 but played quite well. As a professional man he was too strong and fast especially around the middle of the court. However, I really enjoyed the match and it was another hard session in the bank in preparation for the British Open. It's been a good week at Rochdale for me and I hope to go even better next year!