Last two World Tour events for the 09 season

Anna and I are currently in Sanya, China for our second to last World Tour event of the 09 seaon. We have been preparing well in Auckland through the cold snaps, the rain and the start of the summer sun.

We were thrown a slight curve ball prior to this event with the introduction of a new ball, but only for this event. We had not been sent this new ball to train with like the majority of the other teams here and it is certainly different!! Its floating capabilities and texture make for some crazy serve receptions!! Its all lined up one second and not there the next.

However, there is nothing that we can do about this, no amount of complaining or protesting will change the status quo. We didn't have to qualify for this event which is always fantastic, so tomorrow our first game is against a good German team, but there are some good sea breezes which will make things interesting for teams not familiar with it and our preparation has been really good.

Next week we compete in Phuket, Thailand and that will be the last event of the season. It has certainly been a long one and we are looking forward to a break, although with next year a matter of a month and a half away by the time we return Im sure that time will fly by.

There will be a slightly condensed national tour in Januray with events in Christchurch, Wellington, Mount Maunganui and Auckland (Stanley Street tennis centre) so be sure to come along and enjoy a day in the sun and sand during that time.