Thiyagarajan Ganesh Vs. Arthur Aung
Under blue skies and the pennants flying high, defending champion Thiyagarajan " Ganeshito" Ganesh took on Arthur " The Hun" Aung in a game that promised to be anything but friendly. Last year, Arthur had succumbed 6-0 6-0 to Ganesh in the Group stages but now he is looking for a much better performance. Ganesh, on his part, is making his tournament debut this year and admitted himself that he was very rusty from the long layoff.
Before the game, all the buzz was about Arthurs comments to the media. In a pre-match interview, Arthur admitted that this game represented a do or die situation for him since he has to beat Ganesh to stay alive in the tournament. He also reiterated his belief that Ganesh was a waning force and Arthur had the full capability to upset the cart. Ganesh just replied that he wanted to just beat Arthur and open his account in the tournament.
Ganesh opened up the proceedings by serving and it was apparent that he was extremely ring rusty as he uncharacteristically got broke on double faults to hand the opening game to Arthur. That should have made Arthurs confidence soar but instead Ganesh got his act straight and took the next 3 games without dropping a single point.Arthur rallied back to win the next game, 3-2. Ganesh was starting to sweat. The feeling didnt last long as Ganesh smashed Arthur to round off the set 6-2.
The second set was a totally different game though. Ganesh broke Arthur early on lead 2-0 and it looked as if Arthur was going to throw in the towel.Somehow Arthur came from 40-0 love down in the 3rd game to win on deuce and make it 3-1. But Ganesh held on for an easy 4-1 lead. It was game,set and match to Ganesh as the Burmese flags were flying at half mast but wait......is it a bird, is it a plane, no its..its.... Artie.....
Arthur once again held his serve to make it 4-2 but found himself on the brink when Ganesh blasted ace upon ace to stand at 5-2. When Arthur served erratically, Ganesh found the opening to make it 40-0 and 3 match points. Arthur though suddenly woke up. Kinda like waking up a dormant monster that has lain low for centuries at the bottomless pit of the deepest trench of the pacific ocean and which can destroy all the japanese and allied ships and.....ok, he is a Godzilla.And whoa, did he breathe fire. Arthur came back and held on for his 3rd serve game to make it 5-3 and then.......he broke Ganesh and moved to within 5-4. By now, Ganesh was actively drying his headband from all the cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. The comeback definitely sent a chill down upon everyones back. Alfred was seen in the stands taking his shirt off and plunging into the nearest fountain to cool himself off. Arthur though was completely oblivious by this time to everything. His eyes were focused on his prey, Ganesh that is. And when he smashed his way to another brilliant game, suddenly we were staring at a monumental upset in the making. Even the president of the Blue Ash tennis association was seen gaping in shock.
5-5! How could Ganesh lose his composure like that. Well, he eventually calmed himself down and held his serve to make it 6-5 and then blasted Arthur to finally break him and close the game at 7-5. Final score: 6-2 7-5 to Ganesh, though a standing ovation for Arthur for his brave resistance.
Ganesh now holds second spot in the Group behind I-Mam on games won but as I-Mam is likely to be scratched from the tournament for slack attitude, Ganesh is on course for winning the group. Arthur on the other hand, may still make the semis if I-Mam doesnt make it and as expected, Daitan fails to show up for any game.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
I-Mam receives abuse from fans
In a dramatic development, local fans have been threatening Robert I-Mam because of his lax attitude to the tournament. it is understood that I-Mam has told his personal circle that he'd rather be at the beach than play in the tournament. There has been no official explanation for his absence from the tournament and signs that he wont be back before the end of the May 11 deadline suggest that he is done with the tournament. On May 11, he will be officially scratched from the tournament.
Final week
The final week of the group stages is on us and so far, after a sensational start to the groups, things have petered out. Disappointingly, there have been no games for 2 weeks now and the prospects of players completing all their 3 games looks bleak.Lets analyze the situation:
Group A
So far, I-Mam is the only one who has a single victory in this section. Defending champ Ganesh has been the biggest disappointment, having failed to play a single game so far. He now has 6 days to finish all 3 games, a tall order. He is likely to play Arthur on tuesday and a win for Ganesh will set him up for a semifinal appearance. If Arthur beats him, it might be curtains for Ganesh. One complicating factor will be I-Mam not playing any games since his win over Arthur. So technically, if Ganesh loses to Arthur but is willing to play I-Mam who likely might fail to show up, Ganesh might qualify for semis by virtue of I-Mam scratching from the tournament itself. Every player has to play at least 2 games in group stages to not be a scratch. I-Mam is odds on to be a scratch because of his unwillingness to play. Very disappointing considering his overall good display in the tournament.That leaves Daitan who increasingly appears to be out of contention not having played a single game and looking unlikely to step onto a field. So its likely Ganesh and Arthur will go through to the semifinals as I-Mam and Daitan are on the verge of scratching.
Group B
The situation in group B is a little better. Mudassir has 1 win under his belt but will likely play Alfred on thursday to at least complete 2 games. So will Alfred ,who having lost his opening game to Dr. Barreau, looked likely on the edge of crashing out early but now has a lifeline because Dr. Barreau himself is close to scratching as he has also has failed to play a single game since his win over Alfred and seems increasingly unlikely to play any further part in the tournament. Nauman is going to face Alfred on wednesday and if he beats Alfred, has a chance of claiming a place in semis. looks unlikely though. So Mudassir and Alfred look likely to qualify at this stage.
So what had started as a very promising tournament has gradually become an after thought. Realistically only 5 players are in it at this point. But the tournament goes on into its final week...deadline day is 11th May.
Group A
So far, I-Mam is the only one who has a single victory in this section. Defending champ Ganesh has been the biggest disappointment, having failed to play a single game so far. He now has 6 days to finish all 3 games, a tall order. He is likely to play Arthur on tuesday and a win for Ganesh will set him up for a semifinal appearance. If Arthur beats him, it might be curtains for Ganesh. One complicating factor will be I-Mam not playing any games since his win over Arthur. So technically, if Ganesh loses to Arthur but is willing to play I-Mam who likely might fail to show up, Ganesh might qualify for semis by virtue of I-Mam scratching from the tournament itself. Every player has to play at least 2 games in group stages to not be a scratch. I-Mam is odds on to be a scratch because of his unwillingness to play. Very disappointing considering his overall good display in the tournament.That leaves Daitan who increasingly appears to be out of contention not having played a single game and looking unlikely to step onto a field. So its likely Ganesh and Arthur will go through to the semifinals as I-Mam and Daitan are on the verge of scratching.
Group B
The situation in group B is a little better. Mudassir has 1 win under his belt but will likely play Alfred on thursday to at least complete 2 games. So will Alfred ,who having lost his opening game to Dr. Barreau, looked likely on the edge of crashing out early but now has a lifeline because Dr. Barreau himself is close to scratching as he has also has failed to play a single game since his win over Alfred and seems increasingly unlikely to play any further part in the tournament. Nauman is going to face Alfred on wednesday and if he beats Alfred, has a chance of claiming a place in semis. looks unlikely though. So Mudassir and Alfred look likely to qualify at this stage.
So what had started as a very promising tournament has gradually become an after thought. Realistically only 5 players are in it at this point. But the tournament goes on into its final week...deadline day is 11th May.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Deposed!.......I-Mam comes out on top in the clash of the Chiefs
Arthur Aung Vs. Nabeel I-Mam
A bumper crowd was on hand as the marquee matchup of the Group A was about to get underway. Arthur " The Hun" Aung took on Nabeel " Robert" I-Mam in the battle of the Chiefs. Arthur is the current Chief resident but I-Mam is the Chief Intern and the pretender to Arthurs crown. Of course, in every succession fight, there comes a time when the old meets the new, the old order tries to resist the new one, the time comes for a change. The upstart thinks he can shake things up but the incumbent knows that his experience is what is needed, a steady hand to guide the people.
Clearly, Arthur represents the Old order, I-Mam being the upstart, the new order. Its a clash as old as time and one thing we all know for sure, there will be blood (hmmmm....those maldito Oscars).
Arthur is seeded 5th and has been practicing a lot in order to reach the semis for the first time. I-Mam on the other hand is the 8th seed and the lowest ranked player left but such is his determination to re-write history books, he is leaving nothing to chance, especially not his pre-match routine of Yoga and Pilates.
Arthur sat down with the media before the game and proclaimed that he has to beat I-Mam comprehensively to make everyone believe that everything was steady and that his crown is not going to be usurped as the Chief resident. He also belittled I-Mam for his clumsiness in cutting a gash on his eyebrow in the previous game. I-Mam threw down the gauntlet by telling Arthur that may the best man win and if he wins the game, he takes over Arthurs mantle and crown. he also promised to fight tooth and nail.
With a simmering and at times, nasty rivalry developing between the two, everybody was anticipating a scintillating and bruising encounter. I-Mam, though, made everybody sit on the edge of their seats by taking a 3-2 lead from 1-0 down. Arthur was stung by Nabeels dancing after very point won and was seen growling at one point. One bad call from the judge made him lose his temper completely and he hurled his racquet on the court. His brother and coach, Alfred, had to calm him down. I-Mam was in his element now and capitalized on Arthurs frustration and immobility to take a shocking 5-2 lead. The next game was a titanic tussle between the two as the game went to a few deuces but I-Mam now has the reputation for being a slugfest master and finally broke Arthur to take the first set 6-2. The crowd by now was baying for Arthurs blood.
The players started the 2nd set in similar vein but I-Mam was not going to give up. he again rallied to take the lead over Arthur. Arthur, seeing his crown slipping away, was getting more and more desperate. Finally in the 6th game, after another bad call from the umpire, Arthur threw his racquet into the stands, leaped over the net (I`m still kinda fuzzy over how he managed that) and leaped on I-Mam who at that time was showboating and jiggling his hips at the crowd. Arthur kneed him in the small of the back and sent him hurling to the ground in agony. The security guys were on Arthur in a second and it took 6 of them to bring Arthur down. Finally, I-Mam after receiving treatment for 30 minutes was able to continue and acme back to win the 2nd set 6-3 and win 6-2 6-3 in one of the most dramatic encounters. The crowd was certainly left gasping.
So I-Mam has taken over the mantle of the Chief resident from Arthur, relegating Arthur to a pensioners state. All further vacation inquiries go to I-Mam, folks.He plays Daitan and Ganesh for a historic first time semifinal appearance.His confidence cant be any higher.
For Arthur, only tears and his broken dreams. Still he is not completely out. 2 wins against Ganesh and Daitan will get him through but it seems unlikely. It was just that kind of a day.
A bumper crowd was on hand as the marquee matchup of the Group A was about to get underway. Arthur " The Hun" Aung took on Nabeel " Robert" I-Mam in the battle of the Chiefs. Arthur is the current Chief resident but I-Mam is the Chief Intern and the pretender to Arthurs crown. Of course, in every succession fight, there comes a time when the old meets the new, the old order tries to resist the new one, the time comes for a change. The upstart thinks he can shake things up but the incumbent knows that his experience is what is needed, a steady hand to guide the people.
Clearly, Arthur represents the Old order, I-Mam being the upstart, the new order. Its a clash as old as time and one thing we all know for sure, there will be blood (hmmmm....those maldito Oscars).
Arthur is seeded 5th and has been practicing a lot in order to reach the semis for the first time. I-Mam on the other hand is the 8th seed and the lowest ranked player left but such is his determination to re-write history books, he is leaving nothing to chance, especially not his pre-match routine of Yoga and Pilates.
Arthur sat down with the media before the game and proclaimed that he has to beat I-Mam comprehensively to make everyone believe that everything was steady and that his crown is not going to be usurped as the Chief resident. He also belittled I-Mam for his clumsiness in cutting a gash on his eyebrow in the previous game. I-Mam threw down the gauntlet by telling Arthur that may the best man win and if he wins the game, he takes over Arthurs mantle and crown. he also promised to fight tooth and nail.
With a simmering and at times, nasty rivalry developing between the two, everybody was anticipating a scintillating and bruising encounter. I-Mam, though, made everybody sit on the edge of their seats by taking a 3-2 lead from 1-0 down. Arthur was stung by Nabeels dancing after very point won and was seen growling at one point. One bad call from the judge made him lose his temper completely and he hurled his racquet on the court. His brother and coach, Alfred, had to calm him down. I-Mam was in his element now and capitalized on Arthurs frustration and immobility to take a shocking 5-2 lead. The next game was a titanic tussle between the two as the game went to a few deuces but I-Mam now has the reputation for being a slugfest master and finally broke Arthur to take the first set 6-2. The crowd by now was baying for Arthurs blood.
The players started the 2nd set in similar vein but I-Mam was not going to give up. he again rallied to take the lead over Arthur. Arthur, seeing his crown slipping away, was getting more and more desperate. Finally in the 6th game, after another bad call from the umpire, Arthur threw his racquet into the stands, leaped over the net (I`m still kinda fuzzy over how he managed that) and leaped on I-Mam who at that time was showboating and jiggling his hips at the crowd. Arthur kneed him in the small of the back and sent him hurling to the ground in agony. The security guys were on Arthur in a second and it took 6 of them to bring Arthur down. Finally, I-Mam after receiving treatment for 30 minutes was able to continue and acme back to win the 2nd set 6-3 and win 6-2 6-3 in one of the most dramatic encounters. The crowd was certainly left gasping.
So I-Mam has taken over the mantle of the Chief resident from Arthur, relegating Arthur to a pensioners state. All further vacation inquiries go to I-Mam, folks.He plays Daitan and Ganesh for a historic first time semifinal appearance.His confidence cant be any higher.
For Arthur, only tears and his broken dreams. Still he is not completely out. 2 wins against Ganesh and Daitan will get him through but it seems unlikely. It was just that kind of a day.
Civil war as Mudassir beats Nauman in all Pakistan clash
Mudassir Vs. Nauman
In front of a packed house, Mudassir "Muddy" Akram took on Nauman "No Man" Rashid in an all pakistan clash. Although their country is not renowned for producing world class talent, these two are proving to the skeptics that might be about to change. Nauman is coming off a resounding mauling of Ada Costa 6-0 6-0 in the previous round and is looking pretty good for an upset. He is seeded 7th to Mudassirs' 2nd but according to him "this is a whole new ball game now".Mudassir has not practiced a whole lot thiss eason and Nauman intended to fully exploit that fact.
In the pre-match interview, Nauman told the press that although he recognized that Mudassir was a tough nut to beat, but he had detected some of his weaknesses and was not entirely sure Mudassir was focused and "right in the head". Mudassir, when told about these comments from his adversary, retorted that there was nothing wrong with his head but rather Nauman should focus on the game and not trying to upset his opponents.
In an address to the two contestants before the game, the Pakistani government representative at the courts expressed his wish that whoevere wins the clash will enhance the reputation of the nation.We shall see.
The match started with both players very cautious. Mudassir managed to win the first two games without too much fuss. But Nauman made a comeback and win the 3rd game to make it 2-1. Mudassir managed to make it 4-1 but was having lots of problems with his serves and had another break as Nauman fought back to make it 4-2. Mudassir finally relaxed enough to close out the set 6-2 but there were quite a few boos emanating from certain sections of the crowd, Swaroop pawar being the vocal leader.
Nauman looked determined to buck the trend in the 2nd set and immediately held serve to lead 1-0. he then had a chance to make it 2-0 by breaking Mudassir but was unable to hold onto a 40-15 lead in the game and eventually gave up the game after 3 deuces. From then on, Mudassir raced onto a 3-1 lead again and finally got his serves right and started mixing it up a little. the crows did the Pakistani version of the mexican wave a few times. Mudassir took a commanding 5-1 lead and smashed his way to an eventually emphatic 6-2 6-1 win.
Mudassir now goes onto face Dr. Barreau, the conqueror of Alfred on friday in the clash of the two possible semifinalists. Alfred will be keeping a keen eye on that one.
Nauman now has an uphill battle to qualify. He has to beat Alfred on thursday and then hope that Alfred and Dr. Barreau beat Mudassir to have any chance of qualifying. Of course, he can also beat Dr. Barreau to reach the semis. We think not.
In front of a packed house, Mudassir "Muddy" Akram took on Nauman "No Man" Rashid in an all pakistan clash. Although their country is not renowned for producing world class talent, these two are proving to the skeptics that might be about to change. Nauman is coming off a resounding mauling of Ada Costa 6-0 6-0 in the previous round and is looking pretty good for an upset. He is seeded 7th to Mudassirs' 2nd but according to him "this is a whole new ball game now".Mudassir has not practiced a whole lot thiss eason and Nauman intended to fully exploit that fact.
In the pre-match interview, Nauman told the press that although he recognized that Mudassir was a tough nut to beat, but he had detected some of his weaknesses and was not entirely sure Mudassir was focused and "right in the head". Mudassir, when told about these comments from his adversary, retorted that there was nothing wrong with his head but rather Nauman should focus on the game and not trying to upset his opponents.
In an address to the two contestants before the game, the Pakistani government representative at the courts expressed his wish that whoevere wins the clash will enhance the reputation of the nation.We shall see.
The match started with both players very cautious. Mudassir managed to win the first two games without too much fuss. But Nauman made a comeback and win the 3rd game to make it 2-1. Mudassir managed to make it 4-1 but was having lots of problems with his serves and had another break as Nauman fought back to make it 4-2. Mudassir finally relaxed enough to close out the set 6-2 but there were quite a few boos emanating from certain sections of the crowd, Swaroop pawar being the vocal leader.
Nauman looked determined to buck the trend in the 2nd set and immediately held serve to lead 1-0. he then had a chance to make it 2-0 by breaking Mudassir but was unable to hold onto a 40-15 lead in the game and eventually gave up the game after 3 deuces. From then on, Mudassir raced onto a 3-1 lead again and finally got his serves right and started mixing it up a little. the crows did the Pakistani version of the mexican wave a few times. Mudassir took a commanding 5-1 lead and smashed his way to an eventually emphatic 6-2 6-1 win.
Mudassir now goes onto face Dr. Barreau, the conqueror of Alfred on friday in the clash of the two possible semifinalists. Alfred will be keeping a keen eye on that one.
Nauman now has an uphill battle to qualify. He has to beat Alfred on thursday and then hope that Alfred and Dr. Barreau beat Mudassir to have any chance of qualifying. Of course, he can also beat Dr. Barreau to reach the semis. We think not.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Bulldozed.......Barreau pulverizes Alfred
Alfred Vs. Dr. Barreau
This match got underway under a cloudless beautiful sky. Alfred "Fred Flintstone" Aung took on Dr. Jose " The Undertaker" Barreau in the opening game of Group B action. This was a crucial clash for both. Alfred has to win this game to make life easy for himself in a very competitive group, a defeat would leave his hopes hanging by a thread. Dr. Barreau on the other hand was making his tournament debut but had been spotted in sunny Florida polishing his groundstrokes and ferocious backhands. Although unseeded, many believe he will win it all come May. Alfred after his stunning 3rd place finish in last years tournament, is also gunning for all out glory. It promised to be a heavy weight clash.
The stands were packed to the rafters as the crowds hackled for the premium seats. There was a cacophony of noise as both players made their way onto the court. In a pre-match interview, Alfred spoke about his power game and how he planned to surprise Barreau with his array of shots. Barreau on the other hand was just happy to make his debut and was typically modest about his chances. He was also looking to make up for his friend Dr. Callirgos shock early exit from the tournament.
As the match started, it quickly became clear that Alfred was struggling to adapt to his opponents game. The crowd was quickly on its feet as Barreaus plethora of deadly net play and baseline returns forced Alfred firmly on the backfoot. And unfortunately for him, he never recovered from it. Sweat was trickling down his brow and I am sure, dread down his spine as e was faced with the reality of near certain defeat. But the question remained, by how much. Clearly, Barreau was in no mood for mercy and tore Alfreds game apart. Superiority firmly established, he easily claimed the first set 6-0.
The second set was a similar story as Alfred never found his rhythm while Barreau was on song throughout. By this time, all the flags were waving for Barreau as he raced into a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set. Alfred was trying to salvage a single game. Quite a surprising result as Barreau closed the second set also by a 6-0 margin and won the clash 6-0 6-0.
This crushing win has set up Barreau as the firm favorite to win the tournament. No one had anticipated the dismantling of Alfred in such a manner . This sends out a very clear message to the other group players that Barreau is definitely here to stay at the top.
Alfred on the other hand is in dire straits already. He has 2 games left and has to win both to progress to the semifinals. In his own words, he has to beat Mudassir to be able to qualify and get a second shot at Barreau if he reaches the final.
This match got underway under a cloudless beautiful sky. Alfred "Fred Flintstone" Aung took on Dr. Jose " The Undertaker" Barreau in the opening game of Group B action. This was a crucial clash for both. Alfred has to win this game to make life easy for himself in a very competitive group, a defeat would leave his hopes hanging by a thread. Dr. Barreau on the other hand was making his tournament debut but had been spotted in sunny Florida polishing his groundstrokes and ferocious backhands. Although unseeded, many believe he will win it all come May. Alfred after his stunning 3rd place finish in last years tournament, is also gunning for all out glory. It promised to be a heavy weight clash.
The stands were packed to the rafters as the crowds hackled for the premium seats. There was a cacophony of noise as both players made their way onto the court. In a pre-match interview, Alfred spoke about his power game and how he planned to surprise Barreau with his array of shots. Barreau on the other hand was just happy to make his debut and was typically modest about his chances. He was also looking to make up for his friend Dr. Callirgos shock early exit from the tournament.
As the match started, it quickly became clear that Alfred was struggling to adapt to his opponents game. The crowd was quickly on its feet as Barreaus plethora of deadly net play and baseline returns forced Alfred firmly on the backfoot. And unfortunately for him, he never recovered from it. Sweat was trickling down his brow and I am sure, dread down his spine as e was faced with the reality of near certain defeat. But the question remained, by how much. Clearly, Barreau was in no mood for mercy and tore Alfreds game apart. Superiority firmly established, he easily claimed the first set 6-0.
The second set was a similar story as Alfred never found his rhythm while Barreau was on song throughout. By this time, all the flags were waving for Barreau as he raced into a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set. Alfred was trying to salvage a single game. Quite a surprising result as Barreau closed the second set also by a 6-0 margin and won the clash 6-0 6-0.
This crushing win has set up Barreau as the firm favorite to win the tournament. No one had anticipated the dismantling of Alfred in such a manner . This sends out a very clear message to the other group players that Barreau is definitely here to stay at the top.
Alfred on the other hand is in dire straits already. He has 2 games left and has to win both to progress to the semifinals. In his own words, he has to beat Mudassir to be able to qualify and get a second shot at Barreau if he reaches the final.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
GROUP STAGE
So here are the final groups
Group A
Ganesh
Daitan
Arthur
Nabeel
Group B
Mudassir
Alfred
Barreau
Nauman
As per rules, there has to be one game at least per week otherwise, there will be a walkover.
Group A
Ganesh
Daitan
Arthur
Nabeel
Group B
Mudassir
Alfred
Barreau
Nauman
As per rules, there has to be one game at least per week otherwise, there will be a walkover.
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