Kindred spirits

I entered the latest tournament as the 2nd seed...my highest ranking yet. I had a Friday night 1st-round match, but decided that a few pints with friends before the match was a good idea. "It's just the first round" I said. I've beaten 1st round opponents with my eyes closed. Well, of course I have...I've been getting 1st round byes for months. I can't even remember the last time I had to play an actual person that early on in a tournament. Just my luck though. The unranked guy they drew to play me was a top level player, who simply took some time from tournaments and thus lost his ranking.

My opponent was my age, had the same fancy bag, same racquets, the latest attire, the walk, the talk...you name it. As soon as I saw him I was like, "pffff, another phony like me". So, I called his bluff and we had a hell of a match. The problem was he did the same and eventually got the better of me. After the match, he asked if I'd practice with him sometime. I guess it gets pretty lonely for us phonies at this level...too good for the amateurs, not good enough for the pros. I lost my match that day, but I gained a friend. Hey "friend", that was my match you PUNK!