01-Nov:
"You warned me about Shahid"
 

As I told you, but then again, why would you remember, I was recording today, and also tomorrow all day. So, I didn't see any of today's matches, but I still managed to talk to Thierry after his very disputed match against Shahid Zaman ...

“You warned me the match was not going to be an easy one, and you were so right! It’s far from easy to play such a player, he gets in shots that are all but traditional in the squash world. I would go as far as to say that he is an exceptional player. He plays some remarkable short shots, and most of his shots went right in. He bombarded me as soon as the match started, and although I was prepared for his game, he still got me. I didn’t see much of the ball, to tell you the truth!

“The match lacked continuity, he was alternating winning shots and tins, and we were also in each other’s way a bit, so there was no real fluidity in the game. And I have to admit, I didn’t play my best game, I’m glad I only played 3 games, I think I succeeded to negotiate the crucial points. Also, I think Shahid got a bit tired here and there during the game. But he really is a very dangerous opponent, he played a very good match, and could be very good indeed.

“My game plan was to get the rallies to last as long as possible, to try and fix him, and also to slow him down. And it worked, he started to make mistakes. But once again, I didn’t play my best, I made too many mistakes, and that’s all due to the pressure that Shahid imposed on me.

“When you play Shahid, you can never relax mentally, because you always expect him to serve you with another of his extraordinary shots, and it pumps all your mental energy. I'm really glad I won 3/0….

“Next round, I’m meeting Adrian [Grant] , and I don’t think his marathon against Simon Parke will have any influence on our encounter, as he is extremely strong physically. And again, congratulations to Adrian to beat Parke in front of his home crowd, it wasn’t easy. No, our match is not going to be an easy one, he is a player in form, he had two very good tournaments, Hong Kong and Budapest, but I will do my best to try and destabilise him…”

Thierry Lincou