The World Men’s Team Champs just finished in France with England winning the title, but enough about England. Australia finished a credible 4th. We sent a pretty good team this year with me at #1, David Palmer at #2, Ryan Cuskelly at #3 and Matthew 'Killer' Karwalski at #4. It was a good mix of experience and fresh blood - me and Palmer having been on the Australian team for a few years now, and Cusk and killer making their debut. Unfortunately Killer didn't get to step on court but that's the way it goes sometimes. I have no doubt he benefited from the experience of being on the Australian team, and he will be looking to take that experience into future events.
As always, the team spirit in the Aussie camp was tremendous. None of us live or train with each other (apart from Killer spending some time with Palmer in Florida during the season) but the spirit and team atmosphere was as good as ever. I find it strange when people say there's no such thing as 'team spirit'. Yes, it is an individual sport, but when the chance to play for your country with your team mates arises, I can tell you, team spirit is alive and kicking.
Our run to the semi finals was exactly what we were after. We didn't drop a match during our 2 pool ties (Switzerland and Mexico), our round 16 tie (Pakistan) or our quarter final with Germany. We had a couple of tough battles along the way but managed to conserve a good amount of energy for the semi.
The semi against the #1 seeds Egypt started well. I went on first against Karim Darwish, 1 of 3 players currently in the top 10 I've never beaten. I managed to keep up my form of the last month and beat him 3-1. It was one of the best matches of my career and I couldn't think of a better time to beat him for the first time than whilst representing Australia. Next up was Palmer V Mossad. Two big blokes up against each other in a crucial match. Palmer showed glimpses what has made him one of the modern greats of the game but unfortunately Mossad played exceptionally well. One match all and it was down to Cusk V Momen. Cusk played an amazing match against the top 10 player and went down fighting. Cusk ended up suffering from cramps but was so close to pulling of a major upset.
We had to back up the next day against France for the 3/4 playoff after they too had a massive battle in their semi the night before. Again battling cramps, Cusk came so close to beating Castignet in the first match, losing narrowly in the 5th. I was up next and couldn't create another upset, as Gaultier won 3-0, therefore France coming 3rd. I think the crowd and everyone watching online wanted to see a Lincou/Palmer finale, but it never eventuated. That match would have been the highlight of the event in many eyes, including my own.
A great event overall and the best squash setup I have ever seen. Three all-glass courts in one building made for a spectacular setting! Thank you and congratulations to all involved.
