ALAN AIMS TO CATCH A FALLON STAR
ALAN SOUTAR hopes Mensur Suljovic is still bearing the scars of being a Fallon idol.
The Scot faces Austrian Suljovic in round two at the Ally Pally today looking to progress beyond Christmas on debut.
Suljovic is one of the game’s biggest names, but he has struggled in the past couple of years.
He was sent crashing out of the Worlds two years ago by Fallon Sherrock and was also thumped by her in a rematch at last month’s Grand Slam.
Soutar has seen Suljovic’s slide and is he looking to take full advantage today.
He said: “I think I can beat Mensur.
“I’ve never played him before, but if I turn up and play my UK Open stage game, I can win.
“I look at stats, at rankings, so I’m aware of what he’s been doing.
“It’s pretty obvious if he’s not at the Pro Tours, his form is going to struggle.
“He had a good World Cup, but maybe it was [Rowby-John] Rodriguez who pulled him through, so let’s hope the scars from Fallon are still sore and he doesn’t play his best against me.
“I’ve looked at the whole quarter I am in. People say they just look at their next game, but I look at the whole thing.
“The guys who have been here multiple times have a big advantage on me. I was really nervous in my first game but hopefully it’s away now.”
Soutar was impressive in his opening game against Diogo Portela and vowed to learn from the experiences of rising to the English boo boys.
He said: “I didn’t know what to expect, but if you are going to wear tartan breeks and a Scotland shirt in London, you are going to get abuse.
“It was good banter, but I needed to switch off from that and stop playing the jester. I need to use that against Mensur. Entertain a bit, but switch off and focus.”
Win or lose, Soutar will head back to Scotland for a couple of night shifts.
The fireman will be on duty on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before hoping to return to the Palace at the beginning of next week.
Soutar said: “It is a juggle but it depends how high I get in the rankings. Right now I need to keep my job.”