Last week was the last of the Thursday nights social competition until next year. To be honest I was pretty nervous as I was a couple of points behind Penn and in order to win the whole tournament, I had to win both matches that night. In the last season, I came in runner-up due to missing out on a day of matches during the trip to Gold Coast and so was a few points behind. Of course this time, (with no offenses to Penn) I wanted to win and didn’t wanna fall short again by a few points.
The coach paired me with Lady E during the ladies doubles against Penn and Lady L. Basically we just swapped partners from the previous week. Initially the bad downfall from the previous week had made me think my racket was not suitable and thus I started the doubles warm-up with my old Prince racket. Naturally it didn’t feel right because I was already used to the weight of the new Babolat racket and though I could get the shots in, they weren’t having enough top spin and power. Thus halfway during match play, I decided to switch back to my Babolat and I wouldn’t say that it helped me in a fantastic way but it definitely helped me hit more better shots.
Monash Tennis Academy Social Competition 2009 Winner Trophy
We finally won it 6-4 and I’ve really got to thank Lady E for helping me win the doubles. 
She really had some beautiful serves and great returns - something which she thanked her other coach (apart from Sam sshhh 
) for.
When we got to the singles, the nervousness was really hitting in because winning that was the ultimate decision maker between coming in First or Runner-up again. I decided to stick to my Babolat racket and went all out. For some reason (which really made my night), it felt like “Mel was back in the game again!” 
, I pushed myself to run and turn for most shots and even made a couple of really nice winners! Mostly with my forehand though… But I was up 5-2 when probably the nerves started to get the better of me and Penn was powering up her shots as well. Another 2 games went before I finally told myself, “This is it Mel, don’t let it go again!” and I prayed to God as well again. It finally ended with a 6-4 win and my trophy on the right says it all – A pretty happy camper…
juzmel
jimbo
longy83
jl1989
poyyun19
edlee
Posted by edlee on November 14, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Wow, champion!
Did you guys had a home match today? I say you and Yong practicing … by the time I hurried to book a court and came back you guys already left, haha.
When you mean James was away, as in outside the country?
Posted by jimbo on November 15, 2009 at 11:42 pm
A belated contratulations !!! all the way from Tokyo, Japan
hope that answers your question Ed. Hope you guys had a good meet for comp on Saturday and I look forward to seeing and getting back on the courts with you all soon 
Saiyonara
Posted by edlee on November 16, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Yo James,
Woah, Japan. How is it over there? Sounds really exciting, haha .. I’m so envious. I’m not sure if it is worth they hype, because after all, you’re there for work … right?
When will you be back? Hope you have a good time, and I’m keen on hearing some stories on your trip, haha.
Posted by juzmel on November 16, 2009 at 8:02 am
Hey Ed, yeah we had a home match on Sat and it ended quite early as we were practically trashed partly due to the fact we didn’t have the usual “Fantastic Four” around to play.
And so Yong and I decided to stay for a singles match between ourselves. I won 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. 
And it was all due to the sore shoulder he had or so he said… 
How are your exams? We should be hitting again 2moro, can u join us?
Jimbo, you so don’t wanna know the scores againts Parkdale on Sat – it was way more atrocious than against Glen Huntly and I think Parkdale is actually srtonger! Will update soon. Hope you enjoying your trip so far… Can’t wait for the “Fantastic Four” (U, Penn, Yong and I) of us to get back playing together for the Sat comps…
Posted by jimbo on November 17, 2009 at 9:44 pm
HAHAHAHA … so now you have beaten me and Yong, you should be proud of yourself. Although I had a broken leg when we played our match though
Yeah, Parkdale is sounding scary already, and I’m here on holidays getting fat on seafood AAARRGGHH. I think you guys will have to help me with some intensive training when I get back so I can get my touch and rhythm and fitness back.
Comiserations guys but we’ll just have to learn and keep improving.
I’ve been taking lots of photos Ed so when I get back I can show you and fill you in about what Japan is like, but so far I’ve only seen one tennis shop, and one person carrying a tennis racquet, how hopeless am I to be noticeing these things eh?
Have fun guys and girls, as I’ll feel really bad if you guys aren’t as I’m having plenty of fun here
changing ends now …. or terminal should I say
Posted by edlee on November 18, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Oh James, a broken leg? shhh. I strongly encourage you not to mention that in front of Mel
.
I’ll be waiting for the pictures though, but who says we aren’t having enough fun? (though you could say, not without being a little envious), haha.
Posted by juzmel on November 20, 2009 at 10:31 am
Haha it’s ok Ed, I already saw it but I was lazy to reply the other day…
Oh come on Boys, Jamesie, you had a broken leg and Yong had a sore shoulder, can you guys come up with a better excuse? lol
I told Yong ok then when you boys are fit and well, let’s have a re-match.
So okay I played Ed in singles the other day and we were pretty close at 4-3 when I gave it away 6-3 because I was too tired and hungry.. hehe so that’s my excuse…
And James, probably Ed will be gone back to Malaysia by the time you are back..
And yeah we probably did miss u a tad bit… 