Another two tournaments this week, and I tried a few things, especially with the mental side.
At Wednesday's Under 55 average tournament, I went from one extreme to another. The previous couple of tournaments, I have mentioned that I feel tight and a bit nervy. My plan, therefore, was to just relax and not worry. I think I did that a little too much and lost focus. I didn't get down or annoyed by not playing well, but felt I just wasn't putting in the effort. Another aspect I noticed, was my grip. It just didn't feel right. This is almost definitely a mental thing, as it's the same gripped I've always had. I suppose I just play through it - it what I advise others, so will keep going.
For the first time in a very long time I didn't even make it out of the group stage. That won't happen again!
Wednesday 27th stats: Avg 42.28: First 9 50.53: 100+ 1: 140+ 0: 180+ 0
Thursday 28th November and back to it. This is an Open event of all abilities and I felt I might claw something back from the previous day, as I never expect too much from this event.
I hadn't really looked at the line-up beforehand and then saw a couple of real quality darts players signed up. The first was the American PDC Tour player, Danny Lauby. Actually this is not the first time we have played in the same tournament, but it's always a great thrill to play against one of the World's top players. Unfortunately I didn't get drawn in the same group, but that helped in other ways with my overall performance. The other was Tom Lonsdale. If you follow the Modus Super Series, you may recognise him. He has played a few times on that stage now, and made a semi-final too. Last year, he was very unlucky at Q School, where he made a late charge on the last day, but just fell short. Lonsdale also plays on the Challenge Tour. Outside of those two were several county players, another Modus player and generally lots of good players!
I have to admit, I still didn't feel right. The grip was really bugging me and I was going left into the 5s a lot. I even switched darts at one point, but switched back, once I realised it wasn't going to change anything.
I lost the first game fairly comfortably, but in the second, I got my chances and the win, as my opponent was well below par. So I reckoned on having to win one more game out of my three remaining group games to progress, barring any vastly shocking results.
My third game was my best by far, despite losing. My First 9 was mid 70s and average in the 50s. They were better than my opponents, although we all know it's all about the 'W', and not average.
I lost my fourth game, so it was just a straight shootout between myself and another player. Winner goes to the knockout stage. The first leg was messy. We both scored ok, but both then ended up on double 1, for what seemed like an eternity. I won that one luckily. Second leg we both played ok and he took the double. Into the last leg and I hit a couple of decent scores that were unmatched, so ended up with a comfortable go at the finish.
I was pleased with the fact I got out of the group stage, and that gave me back some of the confidence lost on Wednesday.
In the last 16, I really should have made things closer. I did have doubles to win legs, but just didn't have that killer instinct. I lost 3-0, but I did have chances.
Overall it was a better night, but need to sort this grip issue out. I do have my eye on a set of darts that may help with this, but will give the faithful Mervyn King's a little longer.
Thursday 28th stats: Avg 44.60: First 9 51.46: 100+ 5: 140+ 1: 180+ 0
