Burghley Open

After a 3 weeks break, the 3 amigos (Ben,Dan & Nizlan) decided to travel to Burghley for some action pack tennis. We got the brothers of destruction (Ben & Dan) wearing matching red outfit for the match. Looks like they're out for blood.

As expected, in the beginning, the players were rusty. It didnt take long for normal play to resume. Ben with his usual charismatic all round play (forehand, backhand, volley and dropshots). Dan was also evolving as a player with his increase in pace of shots, net play, improved forehand and his signature double backhand. After recovering from my wrist injury, I was free to play my normal aggressive game with a mixture of defensive shots. No particular player stands out today as everyone was evenly matched.

Next session will be held at the newly renovated centre court at compassheights. However, Dan will be missing in action. He will be attending some gathering at FIRE DISCO. E-tong might make his first appearence this year (maybe Shona too).. Adios

Under Destruktion!!!!

It's no secret that the condition of the centre court is in a bad shape. With enough funds from the fund raisings match we had last year, we decided to pump in some cash for some destruktive renovation for the centre court. The court will be closed until the 21 February 2011.

As such, Ben and Nizlan will play an exhibition match tonight before the reno works began. We might be joined by former skk no 1 E-tong if he can get a flight from Haiti. Currently, flights are fully booked for CNY. Dan will on military duties.

FYI, the reno works will be done by Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd...

Ranking & Updates

Ranking as 5 February 2011

1) Benjamin - 10, 250

2) Nizlan - 8,455

3) Dan - 8,205

* 4) Etong - 7,100

** 5) Shona/Melvin - ####

* Tong has registered back with the Sengkang ATP. His drop in rankings is due to his absence in this season early round games due to his project in Haiti. I believe once he is back and running, he should be running for top spot again.

** Shona and Melvin has yet to register for this year Sengkang ATP masters.

Its obvious that Ben has open up a gap at the top of the rankings. The press who has been writing about Ben's all rounder playing style (volley, slice backhand, forehands, smashes and whatever kinda shots..) noted that the other players will have some catching up to do. Dan has quietly but surely close his sights on the no 2 spot. Well done Dan. And the review from the CCK friendly show that Ben is indeed top of his game now and Dan has shown that he cam hang out with the best. Will we see Tong soon?? Stay tuned to find out!! Have a great weekend!!

Friendly Match

During the Chinese New Year period, Dan and myself were invited to Choa Chu Kang for a friendly hitting session with our cousin, the CCK number 1 at Yew Mei Green Condominium.



The match was a much closer affair than I thought. My cousin trained under a coach for a few months and then ditched the coach. I expected him to dominate, but our standards were close. Well, for myself I never had a coach. And I don't need one.

The rallies were superb against my offensive baseliner opponent. I expected him to run to the net more, but I was the one who had a greater court coverage. I played a pretty all-rounded game, with some angled shots and volleying. Midway through, it rained for a short 5mins when Dan was playing our uncle John Mcenroe who made a cameo appearance. Dan slipped and fell, injuring his knee but he played on in good spirit. He may not be the most technical player, but surely he is the fittest of us all.



I got to demo the popular Rafael Nadal racquet, the Babolat AeroPro Drive. It is a very forgiving racquet, with good power and easy to generate topspin. Babolat has a decent range of racquets with nice designs but unfortunately I'm not a fan of the players who use Babolat. (Roddick, Tsonga, Fognini etc.) and that's why I chose Head racquets (Murray, Djokovic, Tomic, Haas etc.)

Overall, the session was solid. Let's hope the Sengkang game can resume soon, with Dan just days away from purchasing his new Wilson racquet.