Six Questions: Robert Fletcher
New World Champion Robert Fletcher took some time over the past few days to answer a lightning round of six questions just after his blitz through the ACWC.
#1 - So, you really just rolled through this World Championship (23-0) at a time when it seems like there are a lot of players out there with legitimate title chances. Can you explain how that happened? Is it your that playing has moved to another level or are there other factors?
I think I just played really consistently, I didn't do anything fancy, I just played solid croquet all week. I had played deep into Worlds before, so I knew what to expect in the later rounds.
#2 - Despite the 3-0 score, the final with Paddy seemed fairly interactive. Can you talk about how that match went and maybe what the key to you gaining control?
It was interactive, mainly due to the hoops being put in new holes that day. Surbiton has a clay base which makes for very tough hoops, plus the variable pace of the lawn. We both took some time to adjust to the hoops, but it was probably my shooting throughout the first two games that made the difference.
#3 - A World Championship is an incredible lifetime achievement and you've done it at the age of 20. It would almost seem to be overwhelming. Can you describe what it was like once you got that final peg out?
I was relieved, that the match was over (as it had been long and tough), and delighted to have come through on top!
#4 - Can you give us any insight on what you think distinguishes a top 10 world player from the rest of the field?
Top 10 players are generally good shots, consistent TPers, good at pegged off tactics and have a better mental approach than other players.
#5 - And what is your approach to Association Croquet in the actual game -- do you feel like you are playing against your opponent, the court or yourself?
The court when I am playing breaks (i.e. what lines of play I should take or what strokes to play), but I am definitely aware of who I am playing with regard to leave setting and choice of shot.
#6 - What's in your future plans, both near term and long term?
Short term; preparing for the MacRobertson Shield in NZ this December, which will include the Australian President's 8, and the Australian Open singles and doubles Championship. Long term; continuing to improve my game and working toward retaining my World title.
Photo provided by Adrian Wadley. See the full gallery here.
I've watched a few different email conversations sprout up around the topic and at least one has angled into a "we need to" or "we should" thread that may be accurate but likely will have little impact. I don't know that I can truly assess the issues that affect the progress of the WCF and the associations of Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, but I believe that I can speak to the challenge that the USCA faces.