This year the National Championships Tournament only lasted for me until Saturday evening late. Bad stomach complaints made that I couldn’t play on the day of the finals.
The Saturday started early with a mixed double. I liked that very much. Together with Paulien van Dooremalen I played my first “mixed” tournament since almost a year. The first round was a nice one. We could get used to the hall and the shuttles and we won our match quite easily. Also in the men’s double we had a simple opening round. In the quarter finals Paulien and I met Jelle Maas and Iris Tabeling.  A tough match because these two are well tuned and have been playing very good matches lately. In the first game we had no chance whatsoever and it was noticeable that we both had not played a mixed for a long time. Also in the second game it was difficult but with hard work and fighting we managed to get a third game. In this third game we found the right rhythm and we decided the match in our favour. A very nice result and in line with our seeding. I think that there is potential in this mixed doubles. Â
In the mean time the breaks between the matches were getting shorter and we had to play almost continuously. In the quarter finals of the men’s double we really had to work for the result, also because Dave had told me not to be very concentrated and to have difficulties with recharging himself after his quarter final in his mixed doubles. Fortunately we won in two games and we could both start preparing ourselves for the semi finals in the mixed doubles against each other. This match was also scheduled for Saturday evening.
In the first game of this match we kept the score close until 17-16, but then Dave and Samantha took the lead and won the first game. The second game was a repetition of the quarter final against Jelle and Iris. Hard work and fighting for every single point made us win this game. In the final game it was clear that Dave and Samantha have played a lot more matches together. They played very well and they found the empty corners at our side. With a convincing score we were defeated in the semi final. Â
After the match I had a doping check. Funny enough it is always the same couple that is checking me. Of course I had to drink a hell of a lot to make me p and one hour later I was released. After a cooling down I could finally drive home at 10.30 PM. On the way home my stomach started to make trouble. Once at home it became worse and I really felt ill. I didn’t sleep a wink. The toilet was my best mate last night. It is really “shit” that the tournament had to end this way for me and of course for Dave as well.
I hope that I will recover quickly because I can’t wait to start training again!
Tags: Almere, badminton, doping check, Dutch Championships, jorrit de ruiter