Experience gives Janser the edge

It was a disappointing finish on a low note at the Mahindra International Squash Challenge, especially after the heady feeling of having wo...

It was a disappointing finish on a low note at the Mahindra International Squash Challenge, especially after the heady feeling of having won my first World Cup recently at Kuala Lumpur. But having accomplished what I had set out to right from the days I joined the Professional Squash Association ranks is a very satisfying feeling. I will be looking forward to defending my World Open title in Mumbai next year.

I do not want to dwell on my loss to Mark Chaloner, but I will surely congratulate him on the biggest victory of his playing career. The place is really hotting up for a grand finale and you could throw a blanket on any of these players to be lifting the Mahindra Cup on Saturday night.

The experience definitely tilts the balance in favour of Jansher Khan and he will be looking to win here as it is his debut tournament in India. And of course we have Peter Nicol and Jonathan Parke, who are attempting to outfox each other at each step in order to see who’s going to be ranked higher in the PSA ranking to be released on January 1.

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Something that I will be focussing upon next year will be to try and attain the No 1 position in the PSA rankings, which Jansher has been holding now for a long time. I think it’s definitely attainable, not only for me, but also for a few other players who, at the moment, have that slot in their sights.I am going to take a break now for a month as I have played seven tournaments in a row. I am also getting married on December 27 and I need time off to myself and my future wife. I have always enjoyed the support of my fiancee for the last few years and I am very happy to be getting married. She have been very good for my career.

I was pleased she was with me in Malaysia when I won the World Open crown and hopefully, she will be in Mumbai next year when I defend my title.