I played and lost in the first round last night.? It was one of the most amazing and worse racquetball experiences I've ever had. I will write in more detail when I have more time and have some pictures.? I'll write a little right now.? I only had four hours sleep that night, woke up at 5am to go to work.? My match was for 11pm that night.? I?took the subway to the tournament which took an hour and 45 mintures. I was falling alseep on the train.? When I got there in was one court made of all glass (every wall) in the middle of a shopping mall.? TV cameras everywhere!? I was rushed to play right away, didn't even have time to drink a Monster or stretch.? I went on the court and had to warm up with the lights off and stobe and lazer lights flashing all over the court while everyone watched.? I've never warmed up like that , and it was impossible. to see where I was even hitting it.? Then they had me wait near an announcer with my opponent.? When they called my name I had to walk across a stage next to the court and wave to the audience (100s of people) while pyrotechnics are exploding in front of me and TV cameras on me.? IT WAS CRAZY!? We then went to play.? I could not see the ball because it would get lost in the glass, reflections, lights, people outside the court, ect...I was also dying from the humidity and lack of air.? So I lost in two games.? Towards the second, I started to wake up a little and started hitting much better shots.? I really hate losing to someone I can beat any day of the weak, especially in that kind of atmosphere.? I know the other racquetball players? know that I can play 10xs better.? Anyways, I'll never lose in that situation again.? Also, I was on TV so I'm trying to get a copy, I will just hate to watch myself play my absolute worst.?
Chris Crawthor won the tournament easily.? After he had?won, there were fireworks that lasted for about 10 minutes!? Chris said that he felt like he just won the World Series.? Also, there were closing ceremonies?complete with singers.?
I also made friends with the players who are stationed in the Army here.? I'll be able to get on the base to play and also be able to buy Western goods.? Also, they have a Taco Bell there, which I always crave for some reason when I'm away for too long.
Here are the links to the videos I took at the tournament that I've posted on youtube, also the link to the pictures on photobucket:
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Bf492oTaY
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8cfT2QOz8
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=kaD0Jb5srE4
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=7mUDbnbmzs8
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=y1dHNri5lXI
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=RU8Ro_UZxFU

http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d191/raketbaler/korea%20racquetball/