ITST - International Top Spin Tour

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Anteros15 Deflects Late Picachu211 Rally, Wins Grand Slam Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:03:06 +0100

Comfortably up two sets to love, Anteros15 successfully held off a fierce charge by Picachu211 in the final of the Australian Open, winning the coveted Grand Slam title, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(2).

The beginning of the match was close, but only relatively so as Anteros15 secured the only service breaks in the first and second set, jumping to a commanding 2-0 lead.

With a wealth of championship match experience in his corner, Picachu211 did not come unglued.

Picachu211’s never-say-die attitude would shine in the third set as the Canadian won a nip-and-tuck tiebreaker to send the now heated contest to a fourth.

With a chance to even the match at two sets all, Picachu211 upped the ante. Still playing with confidence, Anteros15 refused to budge. With no player able to break, the fourth set, like the third, would be decided by an extra session.

Not wanting anything to do with a winner-take-all 5th set, Anteros15 brought his very best game to the tiebreaker, bolting to a 5-0 lead. Drained of any remaining hope, Picachu211's response was weak as Anteros15 - the northward bound World No. 15 American - would wrap his arms around the gorgeous Grand Slam trophy.

The tale of the tape would reveal that Picachu211 was the more aggressive of the two - launching 63 winners - however they came with a price as the World No. 58 committed 28 unforced errors; many coming when crucial points were being contested.

Match Statistics (Anteros15/Picachu211)
First Serve Percentage: 69/86
Aces: 2/0
Double Faults: 0/2
Winners: 36/63
Unforced Errors: 7/28
Break Chances: 3/11, 1/4
Total Points: 146/120

With the victory, Anteros15 remained perfect on the season, his 2010 match record now 11-0. In defeat, Picachu211 slipped to 5-1. He remains in search of his first Sim title.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Anteros15: “I am so thrilled to win my first major in Sim. I also want to congratulate Picachu on making it to the final. He threw so much at me that I'm surprised I won.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Women's Singles - Coolhand Texas Denied Career Slam as Norberto Wins Australian Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:28:49 +0100

A three-time Major champion, Coolhand Texas was trying to attain the final piece of his Grand Slam puzzle. It was not to be as the crafty American was turned aside by Norberto H in the extremely competitive final of the Australian Open, 7-6, 7-6.

After Norberto stunned Anteros15 in the Round of 16, the title of “favorite” was quickly transferred from the defeated World No. 1 to the unseeded Austrian.

No longer flying under the radar, Norberto H successfully handled the added pressure, defeating the highly regarded Crossers and Swifty512 before toppling Coolhand Texas in the ITST 2000 Grand Slam final.

The edge-of-your-seat match saw no service breaks. Norberto failed on three attempts; Coolhand Texas was unsuccessful on his lone opportunity. With all pistons churning, Norberto ripped 23 more winners than his often overpowered opponent.

Match Statistics (Norberto/Coolhand Texas)
Aces: 21/13
Double Faults: 2/0
Winners: 55/32
Unforced Errors: 6/3
Break Opportunities: 0/3, 0/1
Total Points: 88 /78

With one huge title in his back pocket, Norberto H, now 5-0, will no doubt be a force on the tour for the duration of the season, and beyond.

Coolhand Texas, always a force, returned to the United States to assess the damage; his career title count stuck on six; his 2010 match record now bearing a second dent at 11-2.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Norberto H: “I am extremely glad about winning this tournament. Going into this tournament, I would have never believed that I had even the slightest chance of winning here, as an exhibition match against Anteros - that I played one day before the tournament started - was the first women's match I ever played. I have to admit though, that I was very lucky to win this tournament - both matches against Coolhand and Anteros were only about who was lucky in the right situation - and that was me. So, I also feel sorry for those two opponents - for Anteros, who would have really deserved to win another Slam after such a long time, as well as for Coolhand, who could have managed to win the Career Slam.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Norberto Dispatches Coolhand, Wins Medibank

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:41 +0100

In straight sets Norberto H secured his second Sim title of the season, coasting past Coolhand Texas in the title match of the Medibank International, 6-4, 6-3.

Norberto's dominating performance in the ITST 250 hard court final buoyed his 2010 match record, now 11-1. In defeat, Coolhand Texas failed to captured what would have been his first Sim championship, his season mark still comfortably on the plus side at 7-3.

Match Statistics (Norberto H/Coolhand Texas)
Aces: 16/2
Double Faults: 0/5
Winners: 35/15
Unforced Errors: 8/9
Break Opportunities: 3/8, 0/3
Total Points: 66/49

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Norberto H: “After finishing our Australian Open women's final, our concentration was pretty much gone, resulting in a match that does not belong to our best. After losing to me before, Coolhand did not really seem to be motivated, so this was a relatively easy win.”

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles - Coke4 Torpedoes Matt4U2NV, Wins Medibank

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:04:11 +0100

In straight sets Coke4 captured his first title of the 2010 campaign - the seventh of his career - taking down Matt4U2NV in the championship match of the Medibank International, 6-1, 6-4.

The conditions were less than ideal but Coke4 persevered, riding the wave of an easy first set and a comfortable second to secure the ITST 250 hard court title.

Match Statistics (Coke4/Matt4U2NV)
First serve percentage: 88/93
Aces: 5/3
Double Faults: 0/1
Winners: 27/13
Unforced Errors: 2/6
Break Chances: 3/6, 0/0
Total Points: 50/30

Despite the loss, Matt4U2NV remains on everyone’s list of players to watch in 2010 as the World No. 64 Canadian defeated four seeded players in advancing to his first career final.

With the win, Coke4 remains perfect on the season, his match record now 11-0.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Coke4: “The conditions were hard today and we both struggled with that, however I feel I played really well and I also feel he played very well, but not at his best. He got a lot of balls back and served pretty good. I'm happy I got here as I had to play some tough opponents. So did Matt and he played an unbelievable tournament by beating some top players.”

PCTS2 Men's Singles - WarGot Thumps Merzlikin, Wins Australian Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:33:25 +0100

In search of his first Grand Slam title, Merzlikin was denied by a player who has denied many in the past. In four sets, tour veteran WarGot proved too much for his upstart countryman, capturing the Australian Open crown, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Neither player appeared at the post-match press conference to offer details, though one might assume WarGot was a bit too confident at the onset of the match. The Russian World No. 1 however woke up in plenty of time to defeat the man who upset Yeikey in the Round of 32.

After fumbling the opening set, a more focused WarGot won the next three to secure his third Australian Open title; the sixth Grand Slam championship of his career.

During his fortnight in Melbourne, WarGot lay waste to five competitors. In addition to Merzlikin, victims included: Gordofast (5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3), Luciano (6-2, 6-3, 6-2), Aske (6-1, 6-0, 6-4) and Rafanadal (6-3, 6-0, 6-0).

WarGot is now 5-0 for the season; 205-49 since joining the tour in March of 2007.

PCTS2 Men's Singles - Cedric Survives Marathon Five-Setter, Wins Australian Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:44:15 +0100

Cementing his status as the World No. 1, Cedric battled past Don in the final of the Australian Open, narrowly defeating his friend and rival in an epic five set affair, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Dictating play from virtually all corners of the court, the favored Cedric roared to a one set lead. The top-ranked Frenchman was then in full command of the second set before Don came roaring back, knotting the now heated contest at one set all.

Don used his newfound momentum to snatch an early break in the third set. At this point, the now up-to-speed Pole appeared well on his way to winning his first Grand Slam title.

Not deterred, and still confident, Cedric doubled his effort, breaking and then breaking again to commandeer a once improbable two sets to one advantage.

As tough as nails, Don refused to fold. The World No. 3 battened down the hatches, solving Cedric’s almost impenetrable defensive game to send the now epic Grand Slam final to a deciding fifth set.

The final set of the match was very much like the first four - too close to call. Midway through the frame however, a small crack however would appear in Don’s game - a crack that the opportunistic Cedric quickly exploited.

Serving at 3-4, Don’s game was inexplicably derailed as he began spraying balls that earlier had found their mark. Cedric’s game remained on track, resulting in the end of Don’s title chances.

Comfortably ahead at 5-3, Cedric successfully protected his delivery to corral the Australian Open title - the second Grand Slam championship of his so far brilliant ITST career.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Cedric: “What a match. I'm just exhausted coz I thought to play a Don that I know, and I suddenly played an amazing baseline player that seemed not in danger on baseline. I think winning (the 3rd) set was the key of the match. The 5th set I found myself behind on all, baseline play, volleys, serves, but Don allowed me to break him whereas he was just a wall during all the match and that gave me the victory. My second Slam, it is a great feeling, and Don deserves one. I’m a bit disappointed for him but I’m sure he will take it soon, that’s all I wish for him.”

Don: “Great match, two hours long. Every rally was really scary exhausting. We both played at very, very good level, but Cedric played like a wall in defensive, barely hits any forced errors (I could dream only about his unforced errors) and at end he was just little too solid for me, again. But I am happy too, I played very good, and if we see at my latest results, I should be happy that I was in Aussie final and I took two sets from Cedric in top form.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Anteros15 Survives Baghdad, Will Play Picachu211 for Grand Slam Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:13:26 +0100

In front of 16,900 people crammed into Rod Laver Arena, Anteros15 pushed aside a defiant Baghdad Kebab, advancing to the final of the Australian Open. The unseeded American will next face Picachu211, a straight sets winner over ACEUSAM.

Camped in Melbourne to cover the tournament for the ITST, Coolhand Texas filed the following report.

Anteros15 v. Baghdad Kebab

One of the more interesting matchups of the tournament as this semifinal featured the No. 1 seed and power-hitting Baghdad Kebab versus the unseeded speedster Anteros15.

In the first set, Anteros15 showed why he was in the semifinal with his quick movement and consistent play. Baghdad Kebab's big serve and punishing groundstrokes were on display.

With neither player able to break, both went into the opening set tiebreak with little momentum. Anteros15 however would strike first, claiming the crucial mini-break to take the first set.

The second set saw more of the same, despite the fact that Anteros15 was hoping his momentum would allow him to gain an early break. Once again in the tiebreak, it was Anteros15 who struck first. The American then defended the mini-break to take the second.

Up two sets to love, Anteros15 hoped to break early in the third and finish the match, but Baghdad Kebab hung-in and forced another tiebreak. This time it was Baghdad Kebab who would win the brutal tiebreak.

Baghdad hoped he could stretch the match to five sets, but Anteros15 struck quickly, breaking the Brit in the fourth set, and holding for a spot in the final.

Score: 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4

ACEUSAM v. Picachu211

In the second match of the evening, the No. 9 seed ACEUSAM took on Picachu211, another unseeded player who fought his way to the semifinal. At one point, Picachu211 had played three five-setters in a row. This time Picachu211 started strong, breaking ACEUSAM then holding for the set. Picachu211 was able to do the same in the second set, giving him a two sets to love lead. In the third, Picachu was really finding his form, breaking his misfiring opponent twice to earn a spot in the Grand Slam final.

Score: 6-4, 6-4, 6-2

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Anteros15: "Tough, intense match. I am very happy to be in the finals of my first Slam."

Baghdad Kebab: "Congratulations to Anteros, this was a really tight fought match. He showed the mark of a champion with his fighting spirit. The match stats were very close apart from the break points to which I had none. I am pleased with my run, and I will be bounce back."

Picachu211: "I started the match well, broke him at love in his first service game. And even though his attacking game put me on defense all the time, I managed to hit more shots to his weaker forehand and he missed a lot. That kind of set the tone of the match. ACEUSAM hit more winners (33-24) but he also hit way more errors (31-6), including 15 double faults. He was definitely not at his best, but I managed to play my style and win this in straight sets."

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Niku Clips Bendra3 in Germany, Wins Challenger

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:52:46 +0100

In straight sets, Niku lay claim to his first ITST title, edging Bendra3 in the championship match of the Heilbronn hard court challenger, 7-5, 6-4.

The match was close, however Niku played the big points better as the Italian World No. 104 improved to 9-3. In defeat, Bendra3 remains without a title, his match record now 6-3.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Niku: "What can I say? Excellent match. I know Bendra3, he is a friend, and I know it would have been hard, such a great player."

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Norberto Too Good for Anteros15, Wins Australian Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:17:59 +0100

In full command of his game, Norberto encountered little trouble with Anteros15 in the championship match of the Australian Open, erasing the World No. 3 American in four sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

After two weeks of tennis in Melbourne, the ITST tour now knows one thing for sure: if Norberto H is on top of his game, there is no beating him. Anteros15 can bear witness to that claim as the previously red-hot Yank was unceremoniously shown the door by his hard-hitting Austrian rival.

In addition to his hugely successful high-risk game, Norberto brought his very best serve to the Grand Slam final. Combined, it spelled trouble for Anteros15 who was trying to secure his second Grand Slam title (w. US Open, 2009).

In addition to his wicked serve, on this day, Norberto's return game was even better as the World No. 2 consistently put Anteros15 on the defensive - evidenced by the 13 break chances Norberto secured during the ITST 2000 hard court final.

Of the 13 break chances, Norberto capitalized on three. Anteros15 earned just four break opportunities during the match, snapping Norberto’s delivery just once in the second set.

Match Statistics (Norberto H / Anteros15)
Aces: 9/12
Winners: 53/39
Unforced Errors: 10/2
Break Chances: 3/13, 1/4
Total Points: 112/98

Norberto’s 2010 match record swells to 14-1 after defeating some very stiff competition at Melbourne Park; victories that included a tough opener against Bkristian (6-2, 7-6, 7-6) a beat down of Taca575 (6-1, 6-2, 6-4) a stiff test from Niten Doraku in the quarterfinals (7-6, 6-4, 6-2) and a challenge from Swifty512 in the semifinals (6-3, 7-6, 7-6).

The title was the 12th of Norberto's career; the Grand Slam championship, his second (w. Wimbledon, 2009).

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Norberto H: “To be honest, I did not think that I could beat Anteros - who is the God of TS3 in my opinion, but today my serve worked perfectly and really helped me, to deal with Anteros' outstanding returns. My returns were on fire today - as well as my risks. Except for losing concentration for just a moment in the 2nd set (which was enough for Anteros to break me), I think I could not have played much better than I did today.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Anteros15 Topples Picachu211 in Straights, Advances to Oz Open Final

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:40:32 +0100

In three comprehensive sets, Anteros15 dispatched the World No. 1 in the semifinals of the Australian Open, defeating his Canadian rival Picachu211, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5.

Safely through to the final, Anteros15 will play Norberto H for the Grand Slam title. Norberto advanced to the title match by erasing Swifty512, 6-3, 7-6, 7-6.

Anteros15 and Norberto have met eight times over the course of their career. Neither player will walk onto the court at Rod Laver Arena with an edge as they split the eight matches; both players winning four times.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Anteros15: “For the last two matches I've had against Picachu211, I've felt in control. From the start, I felt like the aggressor. I broke in Picachu211’s first service game and held easily through the first set. The second and third sets were closer. Picachu found his range and hit excellent drop shots. I luckily broke at 6-5 for the set. The third set was almost exactly like the second with me breaking at 6-5 for the win. Picachu is a great player, and I'm glad he is a friend on tour. I'm sure he'll win many more Slams.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Women's Singles - Norberto and Coolhand to Battle for Aussie Open Crown

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:10:43 +0100

Two players with completely different backgrounds have advanced to the championship match of the Australian Open. On the hard courts of Melbourne, Coolhand Texas will been gunning for his fourth Major title; Norberto H his first.

Not only is Norberto in search of his first Grand Slam title, the Austrian is searching for his first women’s title - in this, the first women’s tournament the respected ITST veteran has entered.

On the flip side, Coolhand Texas will be attempting to add the only missing piece to his Grand Slam puzzle. The American World No. 2 has already been crowned champion of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. The Australian Open chalice is the only missing piece.

After perking some ears with the polishing of Anteros15, the World No. 1, in the Round of 16, Norberto qualified for the Grand Slam final by dispatching Swifty512, 6-3, 6-2. Coolhand Texas booked a seat in the ITST 2000 title match by clipping Djarvik, 7-6, 7-5.

PS3 TS3 Women's Singles - Josenylund Overcomes Strong Arm of Matt4U2NV to Win Australian Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:24:05 +0100

The Australian Open championship was decided by two tiebreakers. In both, Josenylund found himself holding the short end of the stick. The tenacious World No. 6 however would rally, twice, claiming he biggest title of his ITST career, 7-6(11), 7-6(5).

Matt4U2NV brought a monster serve to the Grand Slam final - a serve that troubled Josenylund throughout much of the match. Encountering few chances to break, Josenylund relied on his gut-check play in two very tense tiebreakers to corral the coveted title.

In the first breaker Josenylund was dumped into a 5-2 hole. With his opponent just two points shy of a one set lead, the pride of Finland rallied to commandeer the extra session, 13-11.

The second breaker followed a familiar path. This time Josenylund trailed 4-1 before finally roping his stunned opponent - and the cherished ITST 2000 hard court title.

During his two week stay in Melbourne - in addition to his upending of Matt4U2NV in the final - Josenylund battled past Ovhij (7-6, 7-6), hammered Pyid (6-0, 6-2) survived Brgerflipr (7-6, 6-7, 7-6) and squeezed past Advocateof04 (6-7, 6-4, 7-6).

Matt4U2NV, the World No. 38 Canadian, qualified for his second career final (no titles) by upsetting Alex13090, 7-6, 7-6.

Josenylund is now 5-0 on the young season; the title was his fourth.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Josenylund: “I’m very happy and relieved that I came through in straight sets. Matt4U2NV’s serve was crazy. He most have had somewhere around 20-25 aces. I think I haven't failed reaching a final yet in women’s so I’m looking to continue that streak for as long is I can.

PS3 TS3 General - New DMT Courts

Rob ITST (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:20:29 +0100

Don_ has been generous enough to re-create the DMT courts with new colors - including the option of white or black lines!

You can find the link to download these courts in the following forum thread: CLICK

The courts are available with white or black lines. Here are a few examples:

Hard 1:

Carpet 1:

Clay:

Grass:

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles - Alex13090 Stuns TOMO, Bounces World No. 3 From Oz Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:03:17 +0100

Playing the best tennis of his career, Alex13090 recorded arguably the biggest win of his career, toppling TOMO in the Round of 16 at the Australian Open, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6.

TOMO was favored by many to depart Melbourne with the Grand Slam prize. For good reason as the Japanese ace brought a career record of 45-6 to Australia, often dominating while winning eight titles in 2009. Alex13090 however wasn’t intimidated by his opponent's gaudy numbers, removing TOMO in three tiebreak sets

Safely through to the quarterfinals, Alex13090 will next play Apathetically, the World No. 10. Apathetically advanced by outlasting Patko7, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Coolhand Texas Rallies to Deny ILuvBillVal First Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:54:57 +0100

In three comeback sets, Coolhand Texas took down upstart ILuvBillVal in the championship match of the Medibank International, winning the ITST 250 hard court title, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.

Coolhand Texas had never played ILuvBillVal and it showed in the first set as he was virtually helpless, surrendering his serve on two occasions.

The second set took a harsh turn for ILuvBillVal as Coolhand employed his wealth of experience - making adjustments that quickly turning the tide. His game now humming, the World No. 6 American commandeered the next two sets, winning his second title of the season; his sixth since stepping onto the tour in January of 2009.

MATCH STATISTICS (Coolhand Texas/ILuvBillVal)
First Serve Percentage: 87/98
Aces: 5/4
Double Faults: 1/0
Winners: 48/23
Errors: 10/7
Break Opportunities: 1/2, 2/3
Total Points: 88/33

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Coolhand Texas: “I haven't played IluvBillVal before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. He played great the first set, very consistent. In the second, I finally became more aggressive with my returns and was able to push him off the court. In the third set, neither one of us saw a break point, but i was able to use my big returns to put him on defense in the tiebreak, and I held my serve from there. ILuvBillVal is a tough newcomer, and I’m very happy to have survived in this final.”

ILuvBillVal: “In the first set I came out feeling pretty confident immediately. I was controlling most of the rallies and serving well. The second set was a different story. Coolhand came out using perfect angle risk and just smacking me around the court. Eventually earned a break and then the set. The third set I concentrated more on my serve to allow a chance to break for me, yet I couldn't. I was happy to be a part of the tournament and I hope I can play well in the future and see many more finals.”