BSPA Ilkley Open
The last event of the BSPA calendar was the Ilkley Open. I entered last minute as it's fairly local and having been on a good run lately I was looking forward to the event.<p>
I had a bye on Friday and so played Emma Beddoes first round Saturday morning. I was feeling good if maybe a little tired from the week of training behind me. I didn't make a good start, partly because I under estimated how well Emma was playing. I didn't get a tight enough length and was going short too early. I lost the first game quite quickly. Knowing I needed to up my game considerable I came out more focused in the second and third games taking a 2-1 lead without too much trouble. However, Emma made another big push in the 3rd game eventually going 10-8 game ball up. Desperate not to let it go tio5 games I pushed hard and managed to sneek it 13-11 after a few punishing rallies. Pleased to get off 3-1 and prepare for Dominique Lloyd Walter in the semi final later in the afternoon.<p>
The semi came round and I was more prepared for this match. My legs were feeling heavy at this point and so I knew I needed to be clinical with my play. I made a few errors to start but Dom also seemed abit heavy in the legs and so eventually I pushed through to take the match 3-0 without too much trouble. Through to the final against Vicky Botwright - again. This is our 4th match in as many weeks.<p>
Feeling alittle bit less tired today compared to yesterday I was looking forward to the final. I've won 3 times out of the last 4 matches but the pressure was still on her in my eyes as she was top seed for the event. I went on feeling calm and relaxed but focused. I played well through the match. I did make a few unforcd errors, more than normal for me but I think that they were out weighed by the amount of winners i'm starting to create throughtout the match. I won in 29min 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 and really pleased to keep my winner run going..... for photo's and further reports please see www.squashsite.co.uk