ITST - International Top Spin Tour

General - RaFa, three others honored as "ITST Player of the Year"

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:08:23 +0100

At it’s annual year-end banquet the ITST honored the stars who shone the brightest during the past twelve months. In all, four players had their name inscribed on the revered "Player of the Year" trophy - one player for each of the tours supported in 2008.

TOP SPIN (PC) - RaFa
For the second year in a row RaFa completely dominated the singles tour. Over the course of the season the unparalleled Argentine compiled a truly remarkable record of 84-1 (98.8%), winning 19 titles, including all four Grand Slam tournaments: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. The dominant World No. 1 also captured 8 Masters Series Shields, the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup and an Olympic gold medal. RaFa accumulated 2,120 ranking points, a new ITST record. In addition to his success on the mens’ singles tour, RaFa was no slouch on the others, ranked 2nd globally on the Sim tour (74-15, 7 titles) and 3rd on the women's (45-16, 6 titles).

TOP SPIN 3 (XBOX 360) - Swifty512
Swifty512 enjoyed an outstanding season, especially on the men’s circuit where he compiled a match record of 52-12. The outspoken Englishman, ranked No. 1 globally, captured three titles in all, most notably the Olympic gold medal and the Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid. In addition to his exploits on the mens’ tour, Swifty512 also enjoyed success on the ladies circuit. With 3 championships to his credit, Swifty512 posted a match record of 40-11, closing the season as the World No. 2.

TOP SPIN 3 (PS3) - Pogagna
Pogagna - the World No. 1 on both the men’s and women's tours - was head and shoulders above the competition for most of the year. On the men’s tour the Italian won 6 titles, posting a match record of 45-7. While the Tennis Masters Cup eluded him, Pogagna did win Olympic gold, the US Open and two Masters Series shields. On the ladies tour Pogagna lost just twice (36-2) while winning 8 titles, including the Olympic gold medal, Rogers Cup and Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

TOP SPIN 2 (PC) - WarGot
For much of the year WarGot controlled the tour like few have done in the past, plowing through tournament brackets en route to winning 16 titles, including triumphs at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympics. The bold Russian also captured 4 Masters Series shields. WarGot won 87.1% of his matches, compiling a sterling record of 81-12. In the closing months of the season WarGot proved human as rival Yeikey began to seize control, however when the dust settled there was no doubt as to who reigned supreme in 2008.

PC Men's Singles SIM - Ir0kuM4t4 Claims Tennis Masters, Turns Aside RaFa in Straight Sets

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:57:24 +0100

The fourth time proved to be the charm for Ir0kuM4t4 as he captured the elusive Tennis Masters Cup. A one-time finalist and two-time semi-finalist, Ir0kuM4t4 was finally crowned champion in Shanghai, defeating RaFa in the year-ending title match, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Ir0kuM4t4 wasted little time in setting the tone for the final, breaking RaFa’s initial serve in both the 1st and 2nd sets. The World No. 2 Argentine couldn’t recover, falling into a critical two set hole.

The 3rd set followed a similar pattern. Ir0kuM4t4 snapped RaFa’s delivery at 2-1 to take a 3-1 lead. The World No. 1 then added an insurance break to lead 5-2. A fighter until the end, RaFa didn’t go quietly, earning a break of his own before finally succumbing.

The win added an exclamation point to Ir0kuM4t4’s 2008 season - arguably the best of his career. The Portuguese ace closed the year with 1665 ranking points, 19 titles and a brilliant match record of 105-11. Despite the loss, RaFa retained the respect of everyone on the tour, his record still impressive at 74-15. The tour veteran, playing in his final tournament, captured 7 titles in 2008; 15 during his memorable ITST career.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Ir0kuM4t4: “As I said already before, Rafa was the most difficult opponent I ever faced. I really didn't know how should I play him. I couldn't find a weak point on his game, even when I won it was because some points I could guess what he would do, I mean, I think it was a titanic battle always.”

“I would like to say a few words to Santy (RaFa), as I already said him personally but would like to make it public. It was a pleasure to meet such a wonderful player, to assist to his evolution, one of the fairest players I ever met and most competitive, with such a will to always turn the tables and claim a victory when he was down with the score.”

“It was a pleasure for sure to play all this season and I would like to thank also to all the players I played this year and especially those who supported me (and mainly for this title). I would like to dedicate the title to Cristian(spin), Titou, Camy and Jorge (Jotito).”

PC Men's Singles SIM - Nastase Streaks Past DupontDK, Wins First Career Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:35:55 +0100

In straight sets Nastase captured his first tour crown, soundly defeating DupontDK in the championship match of the first annual ITST Open, 6-4, 6-1.
The first set was tight however Nastase played better as the match progressed, overwhelming his Danish opponent in the second frame.

The victorious World No. 14 Argentine was near-flawless in capturing the ITST Open title, bettering [CHI]Juan (WO), Sharingan (6-1, 6-2) and Davidmario (6-1, 6-3) before dispatching DupontDK in the final.

With the win, Nastase improved to 27-22. DupontDK, still without a title, departed 2008 with a match record of 24-30.

Xbox 360 TS3 Davis Cup - Germany Done as The Netherlands Advances to Davis Cup Semifinals

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:07:27 +0100

Xohrum85 extinguished any plans the German team may have had for a comeback as the World No. 5 Dutchman carried his team into the Davis Cup semifinals, soundly defeating USFEDERER in the fourth rubber, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.
The methodical straight sets win provided The Netherlands with an insurmountable 3-1 advantage. They will now join Europe in the semifinals. The dead rubber will be contested by Hamburgerboy27 and ANILTJE.

Four other teams are in search of a semifinal spot. To date, Italy enjoys a 2-0 lead over France while Canada and Great Britain remain deadlocked at one.

Xbox 360 TS3 Davis Cup - Tantsupalavik Guides Europe Past the United States

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:54:01 +0100

With the deafening sound of drums and horns filling the arena between every point, the European team avoided what would have been the worst collapse in Davis Cup history. In the fifth and deciding rubber, Estonian Tantsupalavik battled past American Anteros15, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6.
Needless to say the match was extremely close as every set was decided by a tiebreaker. It was Tantsupalavik however who would redeem himself for his five set loss to Joesixtoe, claiming the fifth rubber to lead his resilient European team past the United States, 3-2.

Europe enjoyed what seemed like an insurmountable 2-0 lead before being reeled-in by the American team, specifically Joesixtoe. Anteros15 however couldn't complete the comeback, losing to Tantsupalavik for the first time in only their second career meeting.

With the win, Europe advances to the semifinals. The United States goes home.

PC Men's Singles - RaFa Ends ITST Career with Stirring Five Set Win in Shanghai

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:21:49 +0100

It was only fitting that the two best players on the tour, Rafa and Bergkamptheone, would meet in the championship match of the last tournament of the season - the Tennis Masters Cup. And to the surprise of no one, the match was a thrilling, hard-fought affair that entertained everyone in attendance.
RaFa, who announced his planned retirement prior to the match, took to the indoor hardcourt taking nothing for granted. After all, the Argentine was facing the only player to defeat him in 2008. As the match progressed, RaFa's respect for his World No. 2 opponent proved well-founded as Bergkamptheone, clearly in-form, commandeered a two sets to one lead.

With both confidence and momentum now on his side, Bergkamptheone then pushed Rafa to the edge of the defeat, bolting to a 3-0 lead in the the pivotal 4th set.

Of course RaFa wasn't finished.
As he has done so often when facing adversity, RaFa didn't waver, quickly regrouping and then snapping Bergkamptheone’s delivery twice to knot the match at two sets all.

Emotionally spent after fumbling the lead, Bergkamptheone didn’t bring his best game to the deciding 5th frame. The opportunistic Rafa took full advantage, quickly claiming the set and the coveted Tennis Masters Cup, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

During the trophy presentation, everyone in attendance rose to their feet to pay homage to the champion. None have been more deserving of the applause.
The title was the 19th for RaFa, the 51st of his unparalleled career. The dominant World No. 1, 84-1 in 2008, will fade into the ITST sunset with everyone’s respect and a brilliant career mark of 267-15 (94.7%).
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

RaFa: I’m very happy for this victory, for won again here in Shanghai. The match was incredible. Bergkamptheone was playing excellent. I want to congratulate Bergkamptheone, for me one of if not the best player that I play. I wanted to play my last match against him, it has been an honor to face him so often. Thank you very much. Thanks to ITST for this years here. I'm very happy. Thanks to all.”

Xbox 360 TS3 Men's Singles - AnOClife Denies Hamburgerboy27, Claims First Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:05:18 +0100

Competing in his first tour final, AnOClife captured his first tour crown, turning aside Hamburgerboy27 in the final of the first annual ITST Open, 7-6, 6-2.
Hamburgerboy27 gave AnOClife all he could handle in the first set but the American persevered. The rising World No. 70 then manhandled his German opponent in the second, claiming his first tour championship in straight sets.

During his trip to the final AnOClife proved quite resilient, dropping the opening set three times before rallying to victory - defeating Hobbes2103 in the R16 (5-7, 6-0, 6-0), NorbertoH in the quarterfinals (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) and compatriot Anteros15 in the semifinals (4-6, 6-3, 7-6).

The win left AnOClife with a season mark of 10-15. In defeat, Hamburgerboy27 was denied his first men’s championship, his 2008 record now locked at 14-5.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

AnOClife: Great match. Glad to have won my first title. Congrats to Hamburgerboy27 too.”

PC Men's Singles - ThierryH Too Good, Overpowers Pablojack to Win ITST Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:36:32 +0100

ThierryH stumbled out of the blocks but quickly regained his footing, defeating Pablojack in the championship match of the ITST Open, 6-3, 6-2.
Pablojack secured the early break to take a 3-1 lead but ThierryH came storming back, winning 11 of the next 13 games to claim his first title of the season.

ThierryH's one week stay in Paris was close to prefect as the German World No. 17 erased Lemieux66 (6-0, 6-0), Ir0kuM4t4 (6-3, 7-6) and G-spiN[Arg] (6-3, 6-4) before dismantling Pablojack in the final.

With the win, ThierryH closed the book on the season with a mark of 8-2. Ranked 14th globally, Pablojack bid adieu to 2008 with a match record of 25-33.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

ThierryH: “Pablojack started well but failed to take advantage of more break points which he had when he was leading. Afterwards, I controlled the match until the middle of the second set when he seemed to come back, but once again he missed his chances."

Xbox 360 TS3 Davis Cup - Joesixtoe Leads American Charge, Draws U.S. Team Even with Europe

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:19:49 +0100

Facing a monstrous uphill climb, a steel-nerved Joesixtoe dragged his United States team back into contention, claiming two rubbers from the once confident Europeans. Considered dead just days ago, the Americans are now one win shy of advancing.
After NorbertoH dropped RobITST in the opener, Mack2300 upset Anteros15 (7-5, 7-6, 7-6) to give his European team a stunning two rubbers to none lead.
Granted the opportunity to be a hero, Tantsupalavik was taken down by Joesixtoe. In five sets the World No. 7 Yank denied the pride of Estonia, 2-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Mack2300 then attempted to do what Tantsupalavik couldn't, defeat Joesixtoe. The American again wasn’t cooperative, bettering the Irishman in four sets, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6, 7-5. The once lopsided Davis Cup quarterfinal was suddenly level.

Europe now faces an uphill climb. The fifth and deciding rubber will be contested by American Anteros15 and Tantsupalavik. The pair have played just once before. On the clay courts of Ukraine in mid-September, Anteros15 defeated Tantsupalavik, 7-6, 6-4.
In other Davis Cup action:
Italy is in full control of their match with France, leading 2-0. Retos11 eased past Tomiltom (6-2, 6-1, 6-3) while Atr3jus defeated AMAZING ZIZOU (6-4, 6-4, 7-6).

Great Britain and Canada are level at 1-1. Both favored players prevailed as Canadian Picachu211 won his rubber (d. Vodusam2k8, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6). Englishman Swifty512 eclipsed Koptamizo (6-4, 6-2, 6-1).

The Netherlands leads Germany, 2-1.

PC Men's Singles SIM - RaFa Survives Camyspin Test, will Play Ir0kuM4t4 for Shanghai Title

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:28:35 +0100

Favored to advance, RaFa received a scare from ITST-Camyspin in the Tennis Masters Cup semifinals, struggling early before advancing to the championship match, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.
RaFa, the Argentine World No. 2, will lock horns with Portuguese star Ir0kuM4t4 in the title match. The two highest ranked players on the tour will meet for the 28th time in their veteran careers. With a head-to-head record of 17-11, Ir0kuM4t4, the World No. 1, will take to China’s hardcourt, favored to capture the coveted year-end crown.

PC Men's Singles - Bergkamptheone, RaFa to Play for Year-End Crown

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:08:50 +0100

To the surprise of no one, the two best players on the tour have advanced to the final of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.
RaFa advanced to his 20th final of the season by defeating Davidmario, 7-6, 6-4. Bergkamptheone, the only player to defeat RaFa in 2008, earned a ticket to the title match by straight-setting rikardo12_lpSoldier, 6-3, 6-2.

The meeting between RaFa and Bergkamptheone will be their twenty-seventh. RaFa, the World No. 1, is 21-6 in those matches, though the Argentine did succumb to Bergkamptheone just six weeks ago in Madrid.

PS3 TS3 Men's Singles - Diegoel10 Wins ITST Open, Outlasts The_Hoff78 in Three Set Classic

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:40:05 +0100

Diegoel10 won’t soon forget his first tour title - neither will his shattered body or frayed nerves as the Argentine defeated The_Hoff78 by literally the narrowest of margins, winning the ITST Open, 6-7, 7-6, 7-6.
The ticket prices were ridiculously high, but those in attendance got more than their money's worth as Diegoel10 and The_Hoff78 went toe-to-toe on the indoor hardcourts of Paris, France.

Both players relied heavily on their delivery as no service breaks were recorded during the edge-of-your-seat final. In the deciding third set, The_Hoff78 held the upper hand, earning three break chances. Diegoel10 however dug deep, calming himself after every point to climb out of what many thought was an inescapable hole.

Ironically, the third set fell into Diegoel10’s lap when he mishit a groundstroke. With match point on his racquet, Diegoel10 inadvertently tapped the ball to his opponent. Possibly thrown by his good fortune, The_Hoff78 failed to put away the bunny, giving his opponent another chance. With the struck ball within his reach, Diegoel10 drove a stake into the heart of his opponent with a blistering forehand. The marathon was finally over.

The hard fought victory left Diegoel10 with a season mark of 5-1. Welshman The_Hoff78 will depart 2008 with a match record of 3-1.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Diegoel10: “It was an incredible match, against a very good opponent who hits the ball very hard. We dominated our serves from beginning to end.”

PCTS2 Men's Singles - SERJJ Too Good, Wins ITST Open

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:06:04 +0100

In straight sets SERJJ captured his first tour crown, defeating Koape in the championship match of the ITST Open, 7-5, 6-2.
SERJJ’s one week stay in Paris was close to prefect as the Russian World No. 54 erased Pollack (6-1, 6-0), Titepute2008 (WO) and Antonio (6-2, 6-1) before dismantling Koape in the final.

With the win, SERJJ will close the book on 2008 with a mark of 5-3. Ranked 44th globally, Koape will bid adieu to the season with a match record of 4-4.

Xbox 360 TS3 Davis Cup - Germany Avoids Extinction as StrategyGuide94 Survives Bout with Arnovic

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:39:10 +0100

Pitted against a very good Dutch team - and sitting in a deep two rubber hole - StrategyGuide94 got his German team on the board, sidestepping elimination from the 2008 Davis Cup by defeating Arnovic in five sets, 6-7, 7-6, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
The Netherlands raced to a commanding two rubber lead as Xohrum85 bettered Hamburgerboy27 in three sets (6-4, 7-6, 7-6) and ANILTJE, in fours sets, eclipsed USFEDERER (6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4).

Xohrum85 had nothing but praise for his opponent’s game, after the match stating: “I didn't know Hamburgerboy27 before but he made quite an impression. Very solid ground game and it was very tense and close. We both made some miles on the court today.”

With the weight of advancing sitting on his shoulders, Arnovic tried to seal the deal for his Dutch team but fell to a very determined StrategyGuide94 after owning a two sets to one lead.

Despite the setback, the Dutch team is favored to advance as Xohrum85, ranked 4th globally, will next play USFEDERER, the underdog World No. 24.

In other Davis Cup action:

Europe has the early advantage over the United States as the hard-hitting NorbertoH bettered the serve and volley game of Rob ITST, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6. Canada enjoys a 1-0 edge over Great Britain as Picachu211, in three tight sets, took down Vodusam2k8, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6.
Play continues on Sunday.

PS3 TS3 Women's Singles - Liverpool101 Topples Pogagna, Wins Sony Championship

Cro Morgan (ITST - International Top Spin Tour) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:57:53 +0100

Facing a formidable challenge - pitted against the dominant World No. 1 - Liverpool101 passed his final exam with flying colors, upending Pogagna in the title match of the Sony Ericsson Championships, 7-6, 6-3.
Only nine total points separated the two finalists however it was Liverpool101 who captured the pivotal points - especially in the first set tiebreaker. The ounce of of momentum and spoonful of confidence the Englishman harnessed by winning the opening set would ultimately prove to be the difference.

The title was the 4th for Liverpool101 who will say goodbye to 2008 with a season mark of 15-4. Pogagna - who tasted defeat for just the second time - will fade into to the season sunset with 8 titles and a still brilliant match record of 36-2.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Liverpool101: “Could have gone either way.”