Have you ever lost a game where it absolutely hurt afterwards
My first major championships for Ireland against Estonia. It was 2-2 in the 5 th game and I lost 15-17. The match was watched by Gatien. After I lost I laid on the floor for about 20 minutes. I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn't believe it. Christof Legout came and hugged me and told me that next time would be my time to win. That was a nice moment. It was one of the nicest I’ve had. The game hurt but I felt better after that.
Have you ever lost your temper in a game because of something you or another player did?
Yes, many times out of sheer frustration. I used to have lots of anger to process especially after my father died. I couldn’t cope with it. Anger is often the easiest form of relief under frustrating circumstances.
What are your work/life/sport ambitions?
Like I said before, my work/life/sport is table tennis My ambition is to go as far as I can and use the sport to help me get there and in everything I do.
Do you do any mental preparation before your big matches? And if so what do you do?
I listen to music. If I’m nervous I play slow music. If I’m confident I play fast popular music.
If you have been playing for a long time what sorts of changes have you noticed in the game?
11-up is great. It has made the game more interesting. The bigger ball has made it more interesting. The free arm out of the way is better for everyone even though lots of top players still don’t move the arm away.
Which changes have been worse for the game?
I think all changes have been positive ones. I am not afraid of change. I embrace change!
Which changes have been worse for you?
I’ve used the changes to my advantage. I sometimes had a return-of-serve problem and the free-arm rule helped me a lot.
What have been the best changes from your point of view?
The free arm rule has helped increase my chances of winning bigger matches.
How did you get involved with Progress? When was that?
My father was founder of Progress, long before it was Progress in its current form. I was there from the beginning when we played at Tiverton Youth Centre I think. I remember when it was Progress, then it was YellowBrick Progress, then WHS Progress, Muner Estate Progress and some time later it because London Progress. I am probably the oldest player of the club. I’ve been playing for 20 years.
What has been your most difficult match to date?
First match at Drum Chapel, British League, Premier Division. I was used to winning in Division 1. I lost all 4 matches. I got hammered. Not nice especially after travelling all that way to Glasgow. I got spanked in true Progress fashion and sent back home!
End of Part 2
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