The girls took to a recovery session in the morning, followed by some relaxation before again practicing on the glass court (sunnies required) Quarter finals: Aus v Malaysia Again on the glass court, Camo showed her tenacity by coming from 2 sets down to fight out the fifth with Malaysia’s Delia Arnold. Unfortunately she lost the fifth game. I then had to play World number one, Nicol David and played well to get the second game. However, Nicol’s experience proved too strong on the day and Australia went two nil down. Donna won the dead rubber 2 nil against Sharon Wee. Playoffs: Aus v Holland Australia was demoted to the back courts again and came up against Holland. The result was as close as it gets. Donna played well to beat Annalize Naude in 4 games. I then played Vanessa Atkinson and was having problems breathing due to my asthma and lost in 3. It came down to Camo and Orla Noom. Again, Camo came from two sets down to set up the fifth set. Saving match ball, Camo won the match and the tie for Australia 2-1. Her effort proved that she was player of the tournament in my eyes. Play of the Day: Camo’s awesum effort. Payoff 5th-6th: Aus v Ireland The final day saw Oz play the Irish. I went on first and again struggled to breath and went down to Madeline Perry in 3. Camo was determined not to play another five sets and did well to win three consecutive 11-7 games. Donna then came out firing, winning the first game against Aisloing Blake 11-2. Unfortunately Blake found some form and won the next three games, giving Ireland the win.
Australia placed 6th overall and I am very proud of the girls, who gave every effort. Many thanks goes to Michelle Martin Victoria Simpson for all of their help during the tournament.
Kasey