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Sarah Fitz-Gerald world open notebook
From Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Oct 18, 2001 © 2001 Squashtalk
[last update wa s 18-oct-01 ]

2001 SquashTalk coverage will feature regular updates from squash journalist Elspeth Burnside.

Womens World Draw           Semifinal Report - Espeth Burnside

Obviously tonight was a big match and I am pleased to come out of it unscathed.

I PLAY CAROL AGAIN
Carol and I have played a lot over the years. My last loss to her was in the semis of the Worlds in Edinburgh last year and that was very much on my mind (and most probably hers) going into tonight's match. But having won the last 4 times we played gave me a big boost of confidence going into the match. That confidence allowed me to gain the ascendancy from the very beginning.

In the first game Carol adopted a play of slowing the pace, since she knew I liked hard-hitting and fast-pace. It didn't work --- as I was prepared for that approach and was able to still pursue my hard, length game. In the second, she came out instead with a bang and then began changing the mix from fast to slow. Again, I was able to adapt to that strategy. Then in the third, she got into her own pattern and took a stronglead. I was also unsettled after breaking strings on two separate racquets.

It wasn't until I was 5-1 down that I was able to turn the tables, up the pace and dominate.

REMATCH WITH LEILANI
I look forward to my rematch with Leilani tomorrow. Although I feel a lot of confidence from the way I am playing in this tournament and also from my strong 3-0 win in Qatar --- it is a new day tomorrow which will bring its own challenges. I have to remember Leilani's impressive play in Hong Kong in August, and be at the top of my game to meet the challenge she will offer.