R3: “Much better than last time” says Tinne against Farida

Tinne Gilis (Bel) 3-1 Farida Mohamed (Egy) 9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 (40m)

A tense first game, a few discussions with the ref, but after that, Tinne managed to hold her shots nicely and send the ball where her opponent didn’t expect it. Which is a bit of the purpose of squash. And guess what, it worked for her beautifully.

Tinne :  When you play Farida, you know there are going to be traffic issues, and a few contacts. But if you hit your targets and don’t let her do that, it’s fine.

Today I think that is one of the best matches we ever had. There were still too many decisions and discussions with the ref but the match before was so, so much worse, I was very edgy, I was playing loose and she has a big swing and takes her space, that’s how she plays, so, you have to adapt.

I tried to focus on my targets and not letting her coming into me and playing the ball away from her, and after the first game I managed to do that.

I am very happy that I mentally managed to stay focused the whole match.

It was a very special day today, my sister, her fiancé and myself, all of us trying to get to the quarters of a platinum, and it might be the first time we succeeded! So I didn’t want to be the only one NOT to qualify, I cannot be the only one losing, so it was extra motivation. And I’m very happy and proud the three of us are now in the quarters. Yes, happy and proud.