Tags:
Journalism of Courage
I got an off day on Wednesday after a long and tough five-setter match on Tuesday night and used it to relax and recoup. I enjoyed a relaxing day in the pool area of the President Hotel. I knew Alex Gough, the talented Welshman and in form at present would not be an easy player to beat. It was a satisfying victory.
Jansher Khan was pushed again by Australian Dan Jenson, but this time the match went to four games. He seemed a lot sharper than in his first round match and anybody who has watched Jansher playing only knows that he always gets better as the tournament progresses.
Jenson is among the exciting new group of young Australian players who are making steady inroads and are on the threshold of breaking into the top ranks. Jenson had a great game considering he has had a four-month lay-off due to a broken bone in his foot.
A very disappointed Martin Heath of the Scottish No 2, ranked 20 in the world, had to withdraw from his match against Ireland8217;s Derek Ryan due to a stomach upset. It would have been an interesting tussle for Heath against the world No 18. Yet, even due to the cancellation of one match, the quality of the day8217;s play did not suffer and the spectators returned a satisfied lot, thanks to the other three matches.
I8217;m playing Mark Chaloner in the quarter-finals on Thursday and after his straight games win over Chris Walker, he8217;ll be raring to go. Mark8217;s always a tough opponent and I8217;m sure he will be looking at putting in a big effort.Simon Parke versus Peter Nicol will be another quarter-final to look out for on Thursday. I8217;ve watched Parke in his first two matches and the world No 5 is looking extremely relaxed. I also used my free day to have a look at the friendly football match between the Mahindra team and squash players. There were a few glimpses of brilliance from Paul Johnson and Stephen Castelyn.
