This year the Antwerp Open was held at the Belgian Royal Yacht Club in Antwerp. An entirely new location for this event. The location in itself was okay. Though in my opinion maybe a little too small and with very little seating for players and supporters. Also... Not enough toilets. Only 3 stalls for the women and 2 for the men... Insufficient to say the least.
Anyway....
The pairs were being played on the Saturday. I played the mixed pairs with Dirk van Duijvenbode (NL) and the ladies' pairs with Bianca Moyson. (BE)
First up was the mix. We had a bye in the first round which meant we had to mark one of the first games. Our first game was at 11:30H against a Belgian pair; John Liekens and Linda Lockhamper. Dirk and I had never played together before, so I didn't really know what to expect. I know who he is and that he plays PDC Youth, but... There needs to be a "click". We won 3-0. Second game we played another Belgian pair (what are the odds); Sharon Bracke and Mike Huygen. This game was quite a bit tougher but we won 3-1. We lost our next game 3-1 against Vladimir Andersen (DK) and Sabrina Spörle (D). Neither of us played really well. Probably because we both let ourselves get distracted by the opponent.
But, we made it to the last 16 so it wasn't too bad I think. :)
Winners: Tony Eccles/ Fallon Sherrock (UK)
Runners-up: Jamies Hughes/ Paula Jacklin (UK)
In the afternoon the men's and ladies' pairs were played.
I paired up with Bianca Moyson for the first time. Our first game we came up against another Belgian pair; Hilde D'Haeseleer and Rita De Schrijver. After a bit of a shaky start we won 3-1. :) Think Bibi was a little bit nervous. No need for that though. I know she's got it; she just needs to relax and play her own game.
Next game we played Paula Jacklin and Sue Gulliver (UK). Much tougher game and unfortunately we lost 3-1. Did get a chance to go 2-2 though... Better luck next time. Again; last 16 so not that bad. :)
Winners Ladies Pairs: Deta Hedman/ Fallon Sherrock (UK)
Runners-up: Trina Gulliver/ Casey Gallagher (UK)
Winners Men's Pairs: Ron Meulenkamp/ Razna Madars (NL/ LV)
Runners-up: Marco Flach/ Roy Gokoel (NL)
Tomorrow... Singles.