14-16 November is the always prestigious HSK cup. A big norwegian cup for juniors and seniors. This tournament was the first time I beat the former no1 player in Norway, and climbed the throne myself. its also the club where I worked and played for 3 years to improve my game.
I was given a brutal draw, as I played last weekends finalist in the first match, then national team prospect Lars Klæning 2nd round, seeded to play Norway no3 Ronny Aasbø in the semi final, and Norway ranked 1 and current national champ Kristian Solhaug in the final.
I was keen as ever and waltzed over my first and second round opponent both in 3 games, trying my best to keep focus and not show weakness.
The surprise came in the semi final as former Norway no1 and national champ Hansi saw off a recently ill Ronny in 5 tough games. I remember having to push for 5 hard games against Hansi in my 2nd national title. Its never easy against a never-say-die opponent with the capacity of a duracell bunny on steroids.
Focus was good in 3 games, and dropped for 1 game.... ergo. 3-1 win after a well played and entertaining match.
In the final, after an impressing dispatch of Sindre in the semis, with great pressure play, was nemesis, Kristian AKA Kissa AKA Norways driest humour. The player I battled with for 5-6 years over the no1 spot in Norway. He had it when I took it, and after 4 consecutive years, he took it back.
I had my game plan ready since last year after I lost my title to him. And it went exactly as expected. I knew I had the skill and capacity to beat him. But I knew i could not show weakness, or let him in at any moment. My coach told me after the nationals that the moment I took my foot of the gas, he sniffed a weakness and took full advantage. That could not happen again. Feeling mentally a lot healthier this time, my game plan held up. But it was still a tough battle. He is a master in pulling the most out of his last 5%, and even though he can barely move, he still keeps retrieving and can apply pressure at any time. I kept my calm and kpet squeezing, squeezing, applying more and more pressure until he cracked. it took forever, but it worked.
now I have money to survive the month...I think. And get a haircut
I was given a brutal draw, as I played last weekends finalist in the first match, then national team prospect Lars Klæning 2nd round, seeded to play Norway no3 Ronny Aasbø in the semi final, and Norway ranked 1 and current national champ Kristian Solhaug in the final.
I was keen as ever and waltzed over my first and second round opponent both in 3 games, trying my best to keep focus and not show weakness.
The surprise came in the semi final as former Norway no1 and national champ Hansi saw off a recently ill Ronny in 5 tough games. I remember having to push for 5 hard games against Hansi in my 2nd national title. Its never easy against a never-say-die opponent with the capacity of a duracell bunny on steroids.Focus was good in 3 games, and dropped for 1 game.... ergo. 3-1 win after a well played and entertaining match.
In the final, after an impressing dispatch of Sindre in the semis, with great pressure play, was nemesis, Kristian AKA Kissa AKA Norways driest humour. The player I battled with for 5-6 years over the no1 spot in Norway. He had it when I took it, and after 4 consecutive years, he took it back.
I had my game plan ready since last year after I lost my title to him. And it went exactly as expected. I knew I had the skill and capacity to beat him. But I knew i could not show weakness, or let him in at any moment. My coach told me after the nationals that the moment I took my foot of the gas, he sniffed a weakness and took full advantage. That could not happen again. Feeling mentally a lot healthier this time, my game plan held up. But it was still a tough battle. He is a master in pulling the most out of his last 5%, and even though he can barely move, he still keeps retrieving and can apply pressure at any time. I kept my calm and kpet squeezing, squeezing, applying more and more pressure until he cracked. it took forever, but it worked.
now I have money to survive the month...I think. And get a haircut
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