Imagine this: you're about to play in a Matchroom event, facing Sanjin Pehlivanović, currently ranked #26 in the world. You’ve got one rack to prepare before the match starts, but it feels almost impossible to settle in. There are people everywhere, many eyes on you, and the atmosphere is tense.
The table feels different from anything you've played on before—it's slick, and the pockets are unforgivingly tight. You know every shot needs to be perfect. When the match begins, Sanjin breaks and runs the table twice, making it look effortless. Meanwhile, you’re sitting there, hands shaking, trying to keep your composure in conditions that are anything but comfortable.
It’s hard to describe what goes through your mind in these moments. You’ve been waiting all year for this chance, and it means everything. The pressure is immense, and the respect you have for your opponent and the conditions only adds to the challenge.
Experiencing this kind of pressure firsthand is invaluable. It’s where you truly test your limits, where every mistake teaches you more than a hundred practice sessions could. It forces you to dig deeper, to find that extra gear you didn’t know you had. These moments of intense pressure are what separate good players from great ones—they build resilience, sharpen focus, and ultimately, make you a better competitor.
That’s why I always encourage players to compete as often as they can. To give you an idea of where my game was just a few days before the event, I want you to see the level of confidence and control I had. I played in a local event in Germany called Cash Clash, where everything felt smooth, and I was in top form:
But stepping into the Matchroom arena was a completely different story. It’s a clear reminder of how much the environment can impact your game. Playing a Matchroom event isn’t just about skill; it’s about handling the pressure, adjusting to tough conditions, and staying focused. It’s an experience every serious player should aim to have.
Cheers,
Shari