WANT TO BE CROWNED CHAMPION?

2015 Singles Club Championships – Apr 1 – May 7

Nothing like the thrill of victory. Winning is such a powerful narcotic, it’s the main reason we continue to battle our fellow man in just about anything imaginable. Celebrating a win, bragging about it, thumping our chest in triumph, and seeing our name etched in glory for eternity had led to some outrageous, spur of the moment celebratory demonstrations that are nothing more than brutally cringe worthy… The sport of soccer has taken goal celebrations to unprecedented levels, including clothing removal, choreographed less-than-appropriate acts involving team mates. The NFL isn’t too far behind with the most egotistical athletes on the planet, it’s ludicrous to me that they actually spend time practicing their touch-down dances.

On the other side of the coin, there is also nothing like the agony of defeat. We have all been there. To me, a measure of a true sportsman is the manner of how they accept losing, bounce back from it, and never give excuses. But, it’s funnier to watch the meltdowns, much like the car crash you know is coming and cannot turn away from. And actual losing doesn’t have to trigger it – a bad call can cause us to chuck a wobbly and blow all our gaskets... I’m sure Detroit basketball fans remember Ron Artest from the Pacers charging into the stands to take on some Pistons fans in the fine art of fisticuffs. John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, even Serena Williams are well known for some career defining meltdowns. And squash has had its fair share of bad boys on tour – for example, Aussie Anthony Hill was awarded a conduct match after being head-butted by his Pakistani opponent Mir Zaman Gul in 1984 during the first round of the British Open. It was a “mild” head-butt; Anthony milked it for all it was worth.

It takes a certain type of personality to be a champion. You need to believe you can win, but still respect your opponent. Overconfidence is a no-no. You need to be a hard worker and be prepared to try your best, but also be able to stay somewhat relaxed. You need to be mentally tough, ride the waves, take the hits and recover.

The 2015 DAC Singles Club Championships will give you the chance to exhibit your winning qualities. Do you have what it takes to be the champion? The tournament will start on April 1 and go through to May 7. If you play, here is what you need to be aware of:

Categories: 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5

• You can enter ONE category only. Choose wisely. Choosing un-wisely will only have me move you.
• Mark down May 7 on your calendar. It is the night you are required to play the final. If you cannot be present on May 7, then either don’t play or lose early.
• Deadlines will be given for each match. Do not fall behind. That may result in forfeits. We cannot afford to get behind because, reading the point above, all finals must be played on May 7.
• I know Easter and school holidays are during April. So, if your vacation plans take you away from the DAC for a significant amount of time, then do not enter. You risk breaking point 3 and then point 2. (This says all finals must be played on May 7.)
• I cannot make this any clearer: ALL finals must be played on May 7.
• Matches are best of 5 games to 11. (No consolation).

So challenge yourself. Enter, do your best, there’s nothing more you can do anyway. Registration deadline is March 25. Winners and finalists of the Club Championships will qualify to represent the DAC in the 2016 Farris Cup next January (an event we kicked $%#^ in this year!!)