R3: Joelle 3/1, Or the Battle of the Heights…

[6] Joelle King (Nzl) v [10] Annie Au (Hkg) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 16-14 (49m)

What a great match that was, and on a personal note I don’t think I ever saw Annie run that fast or that much!!!

A battle of heights, literally. First cause one is veryyy tall, and the other one, well, not that much. And also because they both used the lob “à outrance”, quite a lot.

Annie is world famous for her lobs. But lobbing Joelle, pretty giangantic, ain’t easy my friends. And that was the key of the match. If the height/width was good enough, it would be Joelle in trouble, but a bit out of target, and it would open the volley for Joelle, and game over.

The last game had it all, 2/2, 4/4, 5/5, 6/6, and game balls for Annie10/7… no luck, and 10/10. Will follow two match balls, the second one is won thinks Joelle, but the ball got out! Never mind, back to work. Annie will have two more game balls, but it’s Joelle, finally, 16/14…. Never in doubt she was…

Joelle

I’m just happy that I was fighting. I have been facing some tough opponents, who have been playing well and even when I’m down and out I have been able to fight back, so I think regardless of my squash at the moment I think just having the hunger and desire back in my belly is the thing I take away each night and I’m most happy with.

We are complete opposite styles, size and everything – we are the opposite. It’s about trying to stay mentally composed with Annie, she’s such a good tactician of the game and if you let her in front she picks you apart, so I’m happy to come away with a win today.”