Hey all, thanks for all the great support you have given me throughout the Championship, it has helped me no ends to know you're all right behind me in my quest to put Scotland on the World 9 ball map and I hope that I have done that with my play in this competition.
I was really pumped up for the match with Wu and believed deep down that I was going to beat him and if I had, then there would have been no stopping me to win to crown.
This event has given me a huge boost in confidence to know that I can compete with the greatest players in the World today and I expect bigger and better things to happen in future events.
Back to the match itself, I was deeply dissapointed with my play as I have played well above that during the competition to reach this stage. I missed about 3 pots and my safety game was not at it's usual best. I think these few factors were the cause of my defeat and I know for next time not to be so sloppy. I always felt that if I got level with him then I could surge ahead as he wasn't so comfortable out there today and was there for the taking IMO. There were a few times that a crucial roll went his way and he also played some great shots when required. In the end it was not to be and I was gutted after the game and still am now but time is a good healer and I look forward to my next encounter with him.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Manila, the people and fans are so friendly it feels like being back home.......they really took to the guy dressed in the kilt!
I've also enjoyed my time in the commentary alongside Jerry Forsyth and will be back there today for the Souquet v Liu match (qtr-finals). I have been asked to do the final match itself but I have a flight booked to get back home as Shirley has work on Monday. All the guys from ESPN Star Sports have enjoyed the Scottish accent on the games and they like the insight on the game that I can provide from a players point of view. I may have carved a wee niche on the sidelines for the future when I hang my cue up, who knows, eh?
I wore the kilt with great pride throughout the event and this also spurred me on to win matches. I was so proud to represent Scotland at these Championships and look forward to going back next year and doing it all again.
Thanks once again.
Pat