Not much should be read into Rodney's outburst against referee Jack Alan. I am not condoning his behaviour but it was probably only his frustration at losing at such an early stage from such an important tournament.

However, it is good for the game that lesser known players also taste success. It's never good to have the same set of players dominating any sport for a prolonged period of time. I am very pleased with my own form. I had the most convincing victories againdst Egyptian Amir Wagih. Honestly, I was totally prepared for the match and wasted no time in disposing off the Egyptian. I played good squash.

I watched Jonathon Power and Ahmed Barada play. Barada dropped a game to World No 5 MatrinHeath who I felt was a bit unfortunate to draw the Egyptian this early. I also watched Jonathon Power defeat Tim Garner and though Power won in straight games, he seemed to be having some trouble with his ankle.

Power and I are seeded to meet in the final but that possibility does not bother me much, as I've beaten Power in the last three finals that we played.

Like I said earlier, it is very important that I do well here. For me this tournament is still linked to the Mahindra International back in Mumbai and since I've been winning there for the last three years I would like to win the Mahindra Trophy this year too. Besides, it is the last tournament of the year for me and will be a nice way to round-off the year.

However, there will be no respite for me as my season begins again in January and I will probably have just a week off before it's back to serious business. I have to keep fit and on the top of my form and keep doing well if I wish to stay ahead.

In January, we have three tournaments inNorth America, with the one at the Grand Central Station the best. About one million people pass through there on a daily basis and most of them stop to watch, so the atmosphere is simply amazing. I also love New York, which is a fantastic city.

The next Wolrd Open will most probably be held in Cairo and that should also be a fantastic event. I would very much like to be there as the defending champion.

(Procam International)