ITST - International Top Spin Tour

Xbox 360 TS3 Women's Singles - oDEVILISHo Clips Geissbock 79, Bags Second Career Crown

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:48:17 +0100

In two sets, neither of them easy, oDEVILISHo captured his second ITST championship - his first of 2010 - narrowly defeating Geissbock 79 in the title match of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, 7-6, 7-6.

Even though the first set went to a breaker, oDEVILISHo appeared to be in control of the contest, firing 18 winners while committing no unforced errors.

A bit desperate, Geissbock 79 was more aggressive in the second set - throwing oDEVILISHo’s back to the wall on a number of occasions. The Scottish World No. 5 however was up to the challenge, deflecting a number of break chances to send the set to a tiebreaker. There, oDEVILISHo capitalized on his sound play, sinking Geissbock 79 to secure the ITST 500 clay court championship.

Match Statistics (oDEVILISHo/Geissbock 79)
First Serve Percentage: 73/91
Aces: 11/7
Double Faults: 3/0
Winners: 30/30
Unforced Errors: 3/3
Break Chances: 0/0, 0/4
Total Points: 77/73

The win padded oDEVILISHo's match record, now 11-5. In defeat, Geissbock 79 was left without a career title, his season mark now 12-6.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

oDEVILISHo: “Geissbock started strong in the second set, looking to bully me into a early mistake - think I was four break points down in the second game, but managed to hold strong. After that we both made a few errors but held serve to the tiebreaker. One chance is all I had and I grabbed it with both hands. Second serve just safely in produced the error into the net and the title was mine. Feels good. Great to come through and win this thing. It's my birthday tomorrow so this starts off the celebrations early. Great tight match. I’m sure Geissbock will win one of these soon.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - MURDA MINDSTATE Overpowers AMAZING ZIZOU in Mexico

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:38:34 +0100

In front of 6,000 tennis fans gathered at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess, MURDA. MINDSTATE outmuscled AMAZING ZIZOU in the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, bagging the ITST 500 title, 6-3, 6-4.

When the eventual champion walked onto the court, many thought AMAZING ZIZOU would depart with the crown as MURDA MINDSTATE appeared to be grossly out of shape. The excess baggage however didn’t slow the American down as he erased AMAZING ZIZOU in straight sets.

At the post-match press conference, MURDA MINDSTATE paid homage to his Spanish idol, Rafael Nadal. Most of the questions directed at the World No. 42 were answered with “Vamos Rafa!” The brief question and answer session however left most of the journalists puzzled as they were left to ponder: If MURDA MINDSTATE truly admires Rafael Nadal, as he says, why doesn’t he train more, so his height and weight is more in line with that of the ATP World No. 3?”

Match Statistics (MURDA MINDSTATE / AMAZING ZIZOU)
First Serve Percentage: 92/88
Aces: 6/3
Double Faults: 0/1
Winners: 33/11
Unforced Errors: 5/2
Break Chances: 2/11, 0/5
Total Points: 69/53

The title was the first of 2010 for MURDA. MINDSTATE, his match record now 8-1.

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Baghdad Kebab Disposes of RAE1980 on Mexican Clay

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:01:31 +0100

Baghdad Kebab’s recent dominance of the Sim tour continued in Acapulco where the World No. 1 Briton stymied RAE1980 in the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, 6-3, 7-5.

The first set was tight, the second even tighter as RAE1980, down but not out, bolted to a 3-1 lead. Not wanting anything to do with a deciding third set, Baghdad Kebab responded in earnest, quickly returning the favor and then breaking again to secure the ITST 500 clay court title.

With the win, Baghdad Kebab improved to 17-2. The title was his third of the season.

RAE1980, now 14-7 overall, once again was the bridesmaid as the World No. 4 German fell to 1-5 in head-to-head matches with Baghdad Kebab; three of those loses coming in finals.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Baghdad Kebab: “Another tough match. Rae played well again today but my form as of late has impressed even myself.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Vladaczv Shreds Hashy Roddick, Wins Dubai

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:52:56 +0100

In two comprehensive sets, Vladaczv lay claim to his ninth tour title, soundly defeating Hashy Roddick in the championship match of the Barclay Dubai Tennis Championship, 6-4, 6-2.

The Professor brought his best game to the ITST 500 hard court final as he schooled his Indian opponent, defeating Hashy Roddick in straight sets.

Ranked third globally, Vladaczv improved to 5-1 with his play in Dubai - play that also included wins over Suvis (6-2, 6-2), Kevin's (6-2, 6-1), Packos (3-6, 6-3, 6-2) and Djokovic_Fan (6-3, 3-6, 6-3).

By failing to capture what would have been his second tour title, Hashy Roddick slipped to 5-2.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Hashy Roddick: “Congrats for Vladaczv in winning the title. Two or three bad service game from me was enough for him to break and win the match. It was just one of the match where I played only half of my best. I hope to perform well in coming tournaments.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Women's Singles - Norberto Pushes Back Mack2300, Wins Dubai

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:22:45 +0100

World No. 10 Norberto H survived a brutal first set tiebreaker and then rolled in the second, securing his third title of the season by defeating Mack2300 in the final of the Barclay Dubai Tennis Championship, 7-6(13), 6-4.

The first set was memorable in that Mack2300 deflected a number of set points to send the frame to a tiebreaker. There, Norberto H persevered in one of the more thrilling extra sessions of the season, deflecting a number of his opponent’s set points before securing the hard-earned lead.

The second set would also be won by Norberto H as the Austrian snapped Mack2300’s serve at 3-3, and then held for the duration to claim the ITST 500 hard court title.

In defeat, Mack2300 was denied what would have been his first women’s title of the season.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Norberto H: “Not really a high-class match, but thrilling - especially the tiebreak. I was already having set-points on Mack's serve in the first set at 5-4, played a risk-return that I thought was unreachable and stopped playing - a big mistake, as Mack, the guy who is faster than light returned it, won the game and made it into the tiebreak, in which he had several set points himself. In the second, I had many break-opportunities (10 during the whole match), but failed on most - finally at 3-3 I was able to use one of those chances.”

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Djarvik Drives Thru Brgerflipr, Collects Sim Title No. 1

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:41:21 +0100

In straight sets, Djarvik harvested his first Sim title, defeating friend and rival Brgerflipr in the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championship, 6-3, 6-4.

Djarvik’s play was humming for most of the match - especially his return game - as the American World No. 7 captured the ITST 500 hard court championship in straight sets.

By defeating Ovhij (6-3, 6-4), Apathetically (6-3, 6-4), Alex13090 (6-4, 7-6) and Brgerflipr during his one week stay in Tennessee, Djarvik saw his 2010 match record improve to 17-6.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Djarvik: “First I want to congratulate brgerflipr for making a final, he had to win a few tough opponents, including World No. 2 Josenylund. We know each others game very well, it was a cat and mouse game of who can wrong foot the opponent first. Both of us defended really well and the major difference in the match were my returns. I felt just a bit more relaxed on my serve and that translated into my return game.”

Brgerflipr: “Congrats on another title my friend. If I have to lose to someone, it may as well be you. Too good today.”

PS3 TS3 Women's Singles - Matt4U2NV Rides Two Tiebreaks to First Career Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:27:02 +0100

Big things were expected of Matt4U2NV after he reached the final of the Australian Open. On the hard courts of Dubai, the Canadian appears to have finally tapped into his vast potential, escaping the grasp of Brgerflipr in the title match of the Barclay Dubai Tennis Championship, 7-6, 7-6.

Matt4U2NV’s third appearance in a final turned out to be the charm as the still blossoming World No. 15 improved to 17-4 by winning his first career championship.

Ranked second globally, Brgerflipr saw his match record fall to 8-7.

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles - Title Denied as Maximo Upends Petrelli83 in Open 13 Final

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:57:50 +0100

Petrelli83 arrived at his first ITST final with the hope of winning his first ever title. Those hopes were dashed by Maximo as the World No. 46 Spaniard defeated his Italian rival in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6.

Backed by a booming serve, Maximo was able to commandeer his second title of the season by claiming two hotly contested tiebreaks. His match record is now 13-4

Disappointed by the result but buoyed by his overall performance, Petrelli83 departed France with a season mark of 8-8.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Maximo: ”Tiebreaks are a lottery, I was more lucky today, that is all. It was a very close match without breaks points.”

Petrelli83: “The match was really close, decided by few points, but Maximo served too good for me. I'm happy because in this tournament I beat great players. I really didn't expect to beat Fedfan and Lonamer.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - EPOX FR Dispatches AMAZING ZIZOU in Straights to Claim Open 13 Crown

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:56:35 +0100

EPOX FR’s trek north in the ITST World Rankings continued in Marseille, France where the streaking Frenchman - playing in front of friends and family - disposed of AMAZING ZIZOU in the final of the Open 13, 6-2, 7-6.

Match Statistics (EPOX FR/AMAZING ZIZOU)
First Serve Percentage: 83/90
Aces: 16/1
Double Faults: 1/1
Winners: 38/7
Unforced Errors: 6/4
Break Chances: 2/5, 0/3
Total points: 73/59

The victory launched EPOX FR eight spots in the world rankings as the Top 10 threat is now ranked 13th globally. The title was his second; his match record now 22-6.

In defeat, AMAZING ZIZOU’s remains without a Sim title, his season mark still enviable at 11-5.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

AMAZING ZIZOU: “This match was 100% uninteresting. Even worse than a 40/90. Two rallies in the whole match. Congrats to Epox for his final victory in this tournament but not for his final. I'm glad Bashmakov leaves the Sim story because he was everything but Sim.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Baghdad Kebab Solidifies Ranking with Sixth Career title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:05:32 +0100

By successfully deflecting eight break chances, Baghdad Kebab wrapped up his sixth ITST title - his second of the season - battling past RAE1980 in the championship match of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championship, 6-4, 7-5.

RAE1980 played exceptionally well to earn the eight break opportunities. Baghdad Kebab played even better - especially when his back was against the wall - as the British World No. 1 improved to 16-2 with the ITST 500 hard court title.

A finalist three times on the Sim tour, RAE1980 departed Memphis still looking for his first tour crown, his 2010 match record now 14-6.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Baghdad Kebab: “I feel bad for Rae. He had 0/8 break points, I converted 2/7, so I took my chances. I know Rae is not in a good place after losing something like nine finals (Sim and MS) in a row. I know I would be tearing my hair out. There was nothing in it today, and I know Rae will bounce back like he always does.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - AMAZING ZIZOU Escapes Hole, Stuns Puttu Puttuu in Open 13 Final

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:12:42 +0100

The start was not what he hoped for but the finish was everything and more as AMAZING ZIZOU rallied to defeat Puttu Puttuu in the Open 13 title match - snatching the crown from his rival in three comeback sets, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.

The MS championship was the first for AMAZING ZIZOU who could barely contain his joy at the post match press conference.

“What a match. I don't really know where I found the courage to fight against the situation,” AMAZING ZIZOU said. “I was one set down, he was leading 3-0 in second, and again 3-0 in the first tie break. I had to struggle with my serve all match, and my nerves, because his returns were amazing and it was tensed on every point and curiously, we had lots of rallies with lots of risky game.”

The rising World No. 18 later added, “I really want to congratulate Puttuu or his great tournament and this great final. He played awesome and I don't really know when I look at the stats how I won this battle.”

With a frown on his face, Puttu Puttuu offered his thoughts about the ITST 250 title match.

“I am completely gutted to lose this final. I was leading 6-4 with a break lead in the second set when Zizou came back - played an amazing tie break in the second. I had no trouble with getting in a fight in the third set. Again, I had 3 match points at 5-4. Tiebreak, had some more on his serve. Nada.”

Asked about his plans for the future, Puttu Puttuu thought for a while before saying, “I dunno what to do, whether to stop for a few days, just chill away from the game.”

Match Statistics (AMAZING ZIZOU/Puttu Puttuu)
First Serve Percentage: 73/92
Aces: 5/10
Double Faults: 3/0
Winners: 44/50
Errors: 14/6
break Chances: 1/2, 2/5
Total Points: 111/113

AMAZING ZIZOU is now 9-2 overall; Puttu Puttuu, 14-4.

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Lonamer11 Fends Off Marlonbrando91 Challenge, Wins Open 13

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:31 +0100

A rising star on the tour, Marlonbrando91 was gunning for his first tour crown. The Frenchman however would have to wait another day as Lonamer11, the in-form World No. 30, lay claim to the ITST 250 chalice, 7-6, 6-4.

Match Statistics (Lonamer11/Marlonbrando91)
First Serve Percentage: 59/91
Aces: 5/3
Break Chances: 1/8, 0/3
Winners: 29/38
Unforced Errors: 8/8
Total Points: 83/68

The title was the second for Lonamer11 as the Dutch ace improved to 11-3. Disappointed with the result but extremely confident with his prospects for 2010, Marlonbrando91 departed Marseille with a match record of 13-8.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Lonamer11: “Close match, it could go either way. Brando is a rising star and I see him going in the Top 10 at the end of the year.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Rob ITST Upsets World No. 1, Advances to Dubai Semifinals

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:49 +0100

American Rob ITST could be on the road to his first tour title as the underdog World No. 27 toppled Picachu211 in the quarterfinals of the Barclay Dubai Tennis Championship, 7-6, 7-6.

Match Statistics (Rob ITST / Picachu211)
First Serve Percentage: 92/93
Aces: 4/4
Double Faults: 0/0
Winners: 32/20
Unforced Errors: 14/12
Break Chances: 0/0, 0/2
Total Points: 74/70

In the top half of the draw, Rob ITST will next play either RAE1980, Synesthesia70 or USFEDERER for a spot in the ITST 500 hard court final.

In the lower half, Norberto H looms as the Austrian World No. 2 is also through to the semifinals, having defeated ILuvBillVal in his quarterfinal match, 7-6, 7-6

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Rob ITST: “Always a pleasure to play Picachu. So much more variety than a typical 40-90 match, and so much more strategy involved than just blasting winners constantly. Picachu played well, and deserved the win as much as I did. I was lucky to escape the only two break points of the match, and even luckier in the tie-breaks.”

Picachu211: “I had my chances in both sets. In the first set, I held a set point at 30-40 5-6. And in the second set, I had another break point. But he put so much pressure on my serve all the time, and he was acing me left and right in the beginning of the match. Overall, I think I played a good match, two lob winners, one dead drop shot, but he played one of the most amazing drop volley to save the second break point. All in all, he played much better on crucial points than me.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles SIM - Djarvik Again Denied as Norberto Outlasts Hard Luck American

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:03:03 +0100

On the clay courts of Chile, Norberto H delivered the goods, winning two hotly contested tiebreaks to turn aside Djarvik in the final of the Movistar Open, 7-6, 7-6.

Appearing in his second final of the season, Djarvik was gunning for his first title. The American World No. 11 however would again return home empty-handed, falling to his Austrian rival at the jam packed Hacienda Chicureo Club.

For Norberto H, the championship was his third; his match record now 18-3. In defeat, Djarvik stumbled to 13-6.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Norberto H: “I'm glad about this title, as now that Bashmakov's power has been reduced that much, it might be my last SIM title. I really did not play at my best at all, my risk-shot timing was completely gone. Fortunately I was lucky in the tiebreaks.”

Djarvik: “What can I say, Norberto won the match fair and square. I tried my best and had set points in the first tie break, but Norberto was able to string a few double trigger returns to steal that one. I am happy to be in my second final in a row.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - Serbian Djokovic_Fan Flattens Fast Fading Hew in Morgan Keegan Final

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:33:15 +0100

Djokovic_Fan’s task of winning the hard court title got easier as the match progressed as the in-form World No. 4 leveled Hew in the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championship, 6-4, 6-0.

The ITST 500 title match was setting up to be a barnburner as only one service break was recorded in the tight opening set.

To the surprise of everyone in attendance, the second set was nothing like the first. His fighting spirit possibly broken, Hew offered little resistance as Djokovic_Fan - the wind at his back - galloped past the Ukrainian World No. 7.

His career now in full bloom, Djokovic_Fan improved to 25-2 with the win. The title was his fourth of the season, the seventh of his career. In defeat, Hew was denied a look at what would have been his first championship of 2010, his match record still better than most at 19-6.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Djokovic_Fan: “Very good match, but only for me. In first set I made one break on start of the match and hold my serve until end of set. In second set I started to play better and better and Hew level fallen a bit, so I won much easier than expected. Another title for me, pretty amazing start of season.”