After work on Thursday, I headed to our office to ensure a proper checklist is done of the items that needs to be taken over to the venue. In a way it was good as we didn't miss out anything important which was needed for the competition. I had to cut small pieces of rubber to be placed on all 4 corners of the board to avoid damage during transportation. Later during the day, an interested player who badly needs to warm up his game dropped by for a few rounds of "sparring". It was good for me too as my form wasn't as consistent as it should. I was getting worried as D-day was the following day.
13th July (Friday) - Pre-Competition Day
The day started early for me as I headed to Wisma OCM to meet my friend, it was not so good a news as there were the only 2 who were going to be involved in making sure the equipments were transported safely to the playing venue. The truth is - this is no surprise. Anyway as we headed from 2 different directions and mode of transport - well mine was foot power while the other's was a car, we met at a mamak at about 10:30am for some light breakfast as we weren't sure if there would be any food available at the venue.
The guy who came to pick up the boards had to be briefed on how the boards needs to be handled as they were very new and we can't afford any form of damage. As the lorry transporting the goods arrived there and as we started arranging the stuffs in the venue, it was a good sight to see another member of our committee dropping by to give a helping hand. Of the 3, 2 including yours truly have bad back problems among other issues. My only worry was to prepare the whole venue for the competition was going to take its toll on me. This is not a 1st experience for me but it has certainly happened before where not many including the exco coming to help where help is needed the most.
Anyway, the whole venue was setup and I had to get back to the match fixtures. The reason for my head cracking up was due to the fact that the number of entries was odd for both ladies and men. Initially, there was 43 men and 15 ladies signed up for this event. But as usual, when no payment is made upon registration, players don't bother to turn up. As a matter of fact, they don't even bother to call and inform the organizers that they're unable to make it. Only very few did. This has been going on for years and it has to stop.
So as I couldn't really find a solution to the match fixtures, I decided to make sure the boards are stable and not shaky. All 20 boards had to be wiped clean. Once that's done, I prepared the baskets where the contents of it is:
- 9 white carrommen
- 9 black carrommen
- 1 red (Queen)
- 1 brush
- 1 pen (to fill up score sheet). Players were encouraged to write their own scores.
14th July (Saturday) - Competition Day
So the day was finally here. Woke up at 6.30am. Another friend came by my house to hitch a ride about 7.15am. We left my house at 7.30am and stopped at a rest area along the highway for a drink. Arrived at Dewan Komanwel, Majlis Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil at about almost 8.30am. Some players had already come. Keys to the venue was with our Asst. Sec who arrived at about almost 9am. Registration began at about 9.30am. Player's strikers were weighted and endorsed so that they don't use unapproved ones. Striker weight should not exceed 15gms. There were many new players who've been playing OutPocket for many years and are still playing but took time to come and experience the true carrom. A carrom which can truly show your skills. My only hope is that they'll adopt this format of carrom. This will be good for the carrom community all over Malaysia.
Since not all players who registered turned up, slight shuffling had to be done but not compromising on the number of groups for men which remained at 11 groups, while ladies had 4 groups. Competition commenced with preliminary group league matches at 10.30am and everything went well. Our VP1 arranged for a caterer to bring food which was to be sold to interested buyers. Lunch break was at about 1ish and 2pm. After lunch all knock-out rounds were played.
The day was totally stressful as my form was bad. There were inconsistencies but nevertheless, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ never let me down. Quarter-Finals was played like if it was the finals as the opponent was the defending champion. I managed to squeeze through by a slim 2pts margin.
When I stepped into the Semis, my form was back and I felt like I was "filled". Throughout the matches I never failed to pray and ask God for guidance. During the course of my matches I felt disappointed as I was unable to play at my best but I never stopped praying. And I was handsomely rewarded by gaining back my form. Won semis 25-6 and then as I moved on to the FINALS, the opponent was another tough one. Of course, it's the finals and what could one expect? My opponent was Big, Strong and Friendly and he was certainly a worthy opponent. I realised that he's not to be underestimated. He played quite a bit of control and trying to be defensive. In my heart I knew after the Semis that my Lord was with me.
As many pairs of eyes watched the game and I can't deny the fact that I was very nervous but still I managed to keep my cool. It was tough and nerve-wrecking but as we approached the last frame/board, I had a 9pt advantage and all I had to do is reduce the number of carrommen on the table without having to worry about pocketing the Queen. Somehow the form was so good that I even managed to cover the Queen and win the last board/frame. Final score: 25-12. I was the happiest guy around and as I was congratulated by my close friends and supporters, I thanked my God for the victory which was made possible only by Him. This victory is sweet in the sense that this will be the last edition of Corporate Cup which will then be replaced by another national championship.
Prize Money
Women
1. Champion - RM500
2. Runner-up - RM300
3. 3rd Placing - RM200
4. 4th Placing - RM100
Men
1. Champion - RM1000
2. Runner-up - RM500
3. 3rd Placing - RM300
4. 4th Placing - RM100
Results
Women
1. Suzana
2. Puspa
3. Zaida
4. Angie
5. Mery
6. Jamilah
7. Nurul Ashyikin
8. Mahanim
Men
1. Yours truly
2. Baharuddin
3. Suhaizan
4. Shamsul
5. Wan Arif
6. Ikhmal Faizal
7. Shaharuddin
8. Sahipul
Thank you all for your prayers and support. God bless.
Enjoy playing international format carrom.
15th July (Sunday) - Post-Competition Day
Extremely exhausted. No amount of sleep was enough for me to recover. Need more rest.
Tournament Pics
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| Medals & Hampers |
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| Women's Event taking place |
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| Women's Event taking place |
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| All events taking place |
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| Women's Event - 5th-8th Placing |
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| Women's Event - 5th-8th Placing |
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| Women's Event - 5th-8th Placing |
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| Women's Event - 4th Place |
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| Women's Event - 3rd Place |
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| Women's Event - Runner-Up |
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| Women's Event - Champion |
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| Women Top 8 with their Prizes |
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| Men's Event - Semi Finals 1 in the background and Semi Finals 2 in the foreground |
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| Champion's Medal & Prize Money |
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| Champion's Medal Up Close |
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