Yesterday afternoon became the end of my first international tour back since injury.
It has been a fun, exciting and interesting experience being away in Kuala Lumpur for the past 3 weeks. I had no expectations really. Being out of the game for so long I’m still finding my feet and going to keep persistent until it finally all clicks. I am pleased to say I only got better and better while I have been away.
Vicki Cardwell said after she watch me play in my first tournament back “give her 3 tournaments and Lisa will be back at her full potential”. With what I have learnt in the past 3 weeks with my performance I now know what I need to work on when I get back home to lift to that next level. I’ve also learnt a lot in these 2 tournaments on how to prepare and maintain my foot and body to deal with tournament pressure and stress a little better. It’s amazing on how different tournament play is to training and local events. WSA is the big league and everything is on the table when you walk onto that court to perform and strive to get to that next round. Another round in a tournament means added points towards that world ranking, a better ranking a better position you are in with sponsorship and selection to represent your country.
I made a decision after the NSC No.1 to hang around in Kuala Lumpur, as I was first reserve for the KL open. It’s not the nicest thing to wish for but I was hoping someone would pull out so I could move into the qualifying draw. I was lucky enough to get confirmation on the day before qualifying started that I made the draw ☺. I was drawn to play Nicolette Fernandes from Guyana currently ranked 31 in the world.
I had a great match with Nicolette is was a tough battle, the rallies were long and we were both very patient rallying it up and down the wall until the loose shot presented itself to go for the attacking shot and putting everything on the line. I started the match very focused concentrating on hitting good length and going for the short shot at the right time. Not forcing the attacking shot but letting the opportunity just come naturally. I won the first game 11-3 but finding it hard to withstand the long rallies and getting a little tired which was enough for Nicolette to take the win 3-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 in 50min.
I learnt a lot from Tuesday's match and I am happy to be back competing with the top 30 ranked players once again.
The thing that keeps me going and keeps me motivated are those glimpses of success, glimpses of fulfilling my potential. Returning to form and standing on that court after a setback is the greatest feeling. I couldn't help but think to myself when I came off the court yesterday that I have the best job. If you can call it a job and I am so happy to be back on tour!
Back the Bid #vote4squash
A few action shots of my match
