What a great week with good squash, new experiences and beating New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Test Series. I can proudly say that we as an Australian Team did an amazing job in the Test Series against New Zealand. It was a good display of squash from both the Australian and New Zealand team. The weather was hot and humid. Everyone was struggling in the court because of the heat. The ball was bouncy and it was pretty hard to suck some air on the court.

Honestly, I loved the experience of me been representing Australia. Australia is my newly country and I’m happy that within two years in my new country, I represented my newly country Australia. I played number 1 in U17s in the team event against New Zealand because I am ranked 1 in Australia.

First day of the Trans-Tasman Test Series: -

 I played my first match against New Zealand’s number 1 Max Trimble. I played very well in the first two games and he barely got some points in the first two games. Now, the real twist starts from here. I started to get nervous and pressurized because before my match I watched the U13s and 15s boys playing. Every match was tough physically, emotionally and mentally because everyone wanted to win for their country so I think there was only one U13 boy who won his match and the rest lost their matches so I was thinking that I have to win this match its important I don’t want to put my team down. So, what happened in the third and fourth game I got nervous and pressurized and lost the next two games and I was sad as well. The mental toughness comes at this stage I came outside after losing the 4^th game. I put some cold water, take deep breaths, prayer to my God (Allah) and started to focus on my game again. I went on the court and I had this good feeling that I could win this game. I started to play well and smart and I managed to win the 5^th game.

Second day of the Trans-Tasman Test Series: -

I played New Zealand’s no.1 two player Luke Jones. He is a very good attacking player. In the second day I got very nervous when I played him. This is the first experience that I had in this team event. I had a different feeling because I’m not representing my region, city or state. I am representing my country Australia. I played well in the first game and won the first game. After the first game I lost the next two games I got nervous and pressurized by the New Zealand team. They were cheering so loudly for his team member Luke. This particular match went for an hour. We both got affected by the heat and by the cheering of our team members. In the middle of the third game, Luke’s right knee was injured and it was bleeding. He was hiding it from the referee. Unfortunately, referee didn’t notice it. There was blood on the court. I thought there are a lot of risks of injury and it’s not good for him bleeding like that. I told referee about his injury and he got time for injury. I came out thinking and refocusing on my plan again. I told myself “I don’t want to lose this match. It is the last day for our team event. If I lose this match it will cost my whole team to lose this Test series.” My coach Robyn Prentice was with me. I am always thankful to her. She helps me a lot during my tough matches. We chatted for a while and I refocused again. I went on the court I knew Luke was broken physically and mentally. I went and manage to get the next two games and won my match. I was so happy that I won my matches for my team. Eventually, Australia managed to win 18-16 against New Zealand.

It was one of my best days. Do you know why? Guess what? I met with the legendary Geoff Hunt. Geoff is the guy that I wanted to meet when I 1^st started to play squash. There you go. I met him and I talked to him for a while and I asked for his number so I can go and train with him.

In the Oceania junior Championship, I finished runner up. I wasn’t happy of how I played in the final. I was nervous and pressurized by everything. It wasn’t my day on that day. I was sad and devastated that I lost it but I promised myself that I will train hard and my come back will shock everyone and I will win that tournament next year. I started training again few days after that tournament and I’m feeling confident and better and I will never give up until I became no.1 in the world.

At the end, I would like to thank my God (Allah) and everyone esp. my Parents, Coach Robyn Prentice, Raymond Payne, Adam Morgan, Shannon Anderson, my training partners, Rachael Grinham, Lisa Camelleri, Matt Hopkins, Sunil Seth, Max Moorhouse, all my best friends, Jackson Manteit, my sponsors Harrow, Acacia ridge squash club and there are more people who supported me.