Robert Milkins, a professional since 1995, who was once ranked as high as 13th in the world, had too much experience for Aaron who was competing in his first ever professional match. Robert eventually beat Aaron by 10-1. But the match wasn’t as one-sided as the score suggests. During the first half of the match, Aaron competed really well, in particular in the tactical department. However he didn’t have Robert’s scoring power and struggled with the pace of the table that was … too slow! Indeed, in preparation of this match, Aaron had practiced on a very fast table. Yesterday, in the English Institute of Sports, its was chilly and damp, and the tables were playing slow (this was told to me by both Aaron and Robert independently).

Disappointment obviously, but a great experience nonetheless.