DOING THE HAYDUK BLITZ

No offense to Matt Hayduk, but I’m sure all the pundits were not laying their money on him to win. In fact, if asked, I’m sure Matt would have placed his bet on any one of the other 23 competitors in the Blitz Tournament before himself.

But that is the beauty of this tournament. Anyone can win. Literally. Just ask Matt. Consider the path the he took to earn first prize– and he did earn it. First of all, hurdle one - the group round robin. JB Peabody won all 4 of games to end up first, where Matt, along with two others won 2 games. With 3 players tied for second place, the next hurdle to see who advanced came down to pure, dumb luck: drawing straws. Matt drew first, and from the groans and gesturing of the other two, had drawn well. He moved onto the next hurdle: the knock-out finals. His first game was against Charlie Severn who went on with a 6 point handicap. Perfect. Matt takes the game 15-14. Next in line was Jim Stroh who won his group round robin. Matt started with 9 points which proved to be more than enough. He won 15-11. His semi final was against Ryan Bendzinski. [Photo right: Ryan playing against Bob Rogers] Matt took 11 points into the game, again proving it was more than enough. The 15-9 win had (a surprised) Matt in the final. The other side of the draw could not have been any closer. Every single match ended up 15-14. (Kudos to me for the handicapping!!) Scraping through by this narrowest of margins was JB Peabody – the winner of Matt’s round robin group. Hurdle four: Overcoming a previous defeat. In the round robin, Matt was given 5 points head start on JB (he lost that game). For the final, I gave him 7. Perfect. Matt takes the final 15-14 topping off the faultless evening for the lad. Not only did he win the event, received some very nice prizes for his efforts, he also drank free beer. What more could you ask for? [Photo: Matt and JB in their final]

Special mentions:
Judy Doyle. The only woman to enter into the testosterone filled domain of the squash court arena. And she took it to the boys as well. Judy won group round robin, but was knocked out by Bruce VandeVusse (bully!) in the first knock-out match 15-14. (Bruce went on to lose the 3rd / 4th playoff to Ryan Bendzinski 15-13.)

Mac Nutter. Although Mac did not advance through the group round robin, his entertaining style of play kept us all rather captivated. He must be made of putty as he bounces off the walls and floor, rebounds back onto his feet, all while he doesn’t stop running. In need of 17 band-aids, Mac kindly pointed out that he almost scored the maximum amount points in the group as he either lost or won every game 15-13 or 15-14. Lamentably, that didn’t count.

The tournament took just over 2 hours to complete. We had 56 games played, 24 competitors, 1 keg emptied, zero racquets destroyed… Pat? 964 towels used, and 1 successful evening. Thank you to all who supported and played.

Cheers!!

THREE OF THE FOUR TOP SEEDS STUMBLE

Boasters League Quarter Finals –

Defending Champs (1) v The Trolls (8)
The “Defending Champs” took a page out of Ken Katz’s book and accumulated an impressive 10 out of a maximum of 11 bonus points. Captain Patrick Petz even managed to convince his number one player, Scott Adlhoch, who had not collected one bonus point all season, to play on Wednesday. (I hate to think what Patrick promised him…) Even so, “The Trolls” put up a commendable fight and kept themselves in the hunt just about all the way. The “Defending Champs” move on to the semis with a solid and well deserved win. Final score: 26-17.

Hell’s Kitchen (2) v Angry Dragons (7)
This was a lot closer than the final score suggests. There was only one 3-0 result out of the nine matches that were played. Unfortunately for “Hell’s Kitchen”, they only won 3 of the other 8 matches that ended up 2-1. They also hurt their chances by only collecting only 5 bonus points. The second seeds bow out of the league with a final score of 16-22. Against the odds, the “Angry Dragons”, who have been lingering at the bottom of the standings almost all season long, now find themselves in the semi-finals. They are not to be taken lightly!

Marauders (3) v Duck or Bleed (6)
In the closest battle of the week, this came down to the final reported match. Both teams gathered 7 bonus points on the night, so it was 100% the squash which was going to determine who advanced. In the match of the week, even though the score was 3-0, Joe Bobzin (“Duck or Bleed”) held off Matt Jarboe (“Marauders”) in a match that was anything but straight forward. Matt just doesn’t quit, not even if he’s sprawled all over the floor, 25 feet from the ball, and his lungs are oozing out of his nostrils. I am sure Joe was very pleased to get away with this victory. Before the last score was turned in, the “Marauders” held a 17-15 lead. However, Paul Ferrini saved the day for his team with a sound 3-0 win, pushing “Duck or Bleed” to the next round. Final score: 18-17.

The Reach Arounds (4) v The Deconstructors (5)
In the only blow-out of this week’s finals, “The Reach Arounds” really defeated themselves. Due to either unavailability or injury, 3 of their team members forfeited their matches which immediately put them 9-0 behind before the night even started. Add on three more 3-0 losses for matches that were actually played, and an 18-0 deficit suddenly becomes insurmountable. Especially when only 5 matches are left to play. Rubbing salt into their already infected and festering wounds, “The Deconstructors” also picked up more bonus points. Final result: 27-11.


The semi finals are on St. Paddy’s Day. Be prepared for Patrick Petz’ green explosion. I wonder how many players will be struggling to perform…?

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – SINGLES

I was in the University Club of Chicago last weekend playing the Windy City Open and bumped into a few of their members who used to belong to the DAC. Every single one of those members spoke so fondly of the club and their admiration for it, and how much they miss coming here. There was a lot of name dropping going on, especially the name “Haggarty”. There was more than just one reason why it did come up, but mainly because of the amount of times it appears of our championship boards. It was all pure admiration (and probably a little jealousy!) but it made me feel very proud to work for a club where people in other cities would affectionately reminisce and wished they could still be members.

The 2010 Club Championships will give the name “Haggarty” another opportunity to be eternalized on our championship boards. Kirk’s main rival will once again be Peter Logan, who is actually the reigning champion and as keen as ever to maintain that title. However, no match is to be taken lightly – we all know what can happen if you underestimate your opponent!

There are 6 other categories to play in outside the Open - 2.5; 3.0; 3.5; 4.0; 4.5; 5.0. You can enter a maximum of 2 categories (no consolation draw). The draws will be a knock-out format with matches to be played best of 5 games to 9 points using hand-in-hand-out scoring.

ALL FINALS MUST BE PLAYED ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 – THE NIGHT OF THE AWARD’S DIVIDEND.

If you cannot play on that day, then you should not enter the tournament. The Club Championships are scheduled to start on April 1. (Yes, Easter weekend!). The draws will be played over the month of April. Matches will be scheduled with a deadline by which time it must be completed. It will be your responsibility to make sure that each match is completed by that deadline or risk being defaulted. If you will be away for a significant amount of time during the month of April, then think twice about entering.

Registration deadline is Thursday, March 25.

The winners and finalists of each category will qualify for selection to represent the DAC at the 2011 Farris Cup to be held at the DAC on January 8.

SHOW YOUR STUFF IN WINDSOR

So now is the chance to redeem yourself for not playing in Toledo, and enter the Tony Tomicic Challenge in Windsor! Check out the poster for all the pertinent details on categories, entry fees, what’s included, and the registration deadline.

Most importantly though, it is a great weekend of squash and we already know how social and hospitable their members are, and we know how much they support us, and we know that we need to support them in return, and we know they’ll have a keg… need I go on?

So – the weekend of March 26 – 28 is the date, you need your racquet, squash shoes, eye-guards, (no need for a ball, they provide that), passport, happy face, at least 5 lessons under your belt between now and then, solid pair of drinking boots (may want to pack 2, just in case), and some wicked squash form.

The entry deadline is Saturday, March 20. You can e-mail the tournament organizer – Dave Guthrie – on dguthrie@windsorsquash.ca or call 519-966-2141. Payment is required with registration, so it will be easier for you to register with Dave directly. I will be playing in the Open category and I hope to see your ‘stuff’ there as well.

SURVIVOR TOLEDO

How we don’t attract more DAC members to play this event is a mystery to me. Just one hour away, this tournament is designed – and advertised – as a ‘biathlon’. Play hard (squash that is) and drink harder. Like our tournament, their keg is an endless well. Unlike our tournament, they hire models to serve you that beer. As you can see from the photos, Justin Winkelman had a difficult time trying to stay away from them. Their ‘tag-team’ move was a popular strategy and they did an excellent job making sure not many of the patrons ever saw the bottom of their beer cups.

Three DAC members made the journey. Keep in mind that the Toledo courts are 2 and a half feet narrower than ours, same length, but the ‘T’ is closer to the back wall. The angles that you are accustomed to are now completely off kilter. Justin played the D event. He won his first round match 3-1 on Friday night in solid fashion, before succumbing 3-0 in his second round on Saturday. The games of that match were quite close, and Justin is fully aware that without some of his mistimed errors, the outcome could have been very different.

Robert Welch, also in the D event, lost his first round 3-0 – to a young girl barely in her teens. Now before we all start ribbing him for all eternity, we found out later that the girl was the pro’s daughter and grew up on these shoe-box courts and knew the angles very well. It turned out to be a tough draw for Rob! However, Rob went on the win the consolation event with a 3-0 thrashing of his opponent in the final.

Now everybody stand up and applaud the man of the hour – Anthony Fracchia! (Pictured left in red.) Guts, determination, a few desperate dives, he put his body in the line as he collected at least 5 squash balls in the backside (one hitting his cheek!), he battled muscle soreness, the referees, and even though he came out the other end wounded and bloodied, he is a true Toledo Tournament survivor as he won the C division in spectacular fashion. None of his matches were easy. He won 3-1 in his first match, 3-1 in his second, 3-2 in the semi final on Sunday morning in an extremely tight match that took an hour, and then he still managed to back it up with a 3-1 victory in the final! Congratulations Anthony! Make sure you see Tiffany for a massage…

On a personal level, I won the Open event winning all my matches 3-0. I played Ian Sly from Cleveland in the final in a repeat of the 2009 event where I just got through 3-2. This year, I was determined to keep the pressure on him and remain focused. Being a handy doubles player, Ian can hit the ball very hard and uses the angles smartly, but I managed to keep the ball tight enough to stop him from doing any real damage.

As usual, the Toledo Club looked after everybody exceptionally well. The Saturday night party in the club had a live band playing songs from the 70’s and 80’s, and the drinking went on until about 4am (as far as I know…!) Seriously, for a get-away squash weekend that could not be easier to get to, the Toledo Classic a must-do. I suggest you mark it on your calendars for 2011 (last weekend in February) and make a genuine effort to enter it. (Photo: Justin, me and Robert Welch)

A SHAMEFUL STAIN ON SQUASH

Firstly, I am somewhat astonished at the extent of the media coverage – worldwide - this has generated. Although I really shouldn’t be given the technological age we live in but when I was told that squash was on ESPN a couple of days ago I almost fell out of my chair. Really? Squash on US mainstream TV? Wow, I thought – what a coup for the sport. Of course, that initial excitement lasted about 10 seconds after I saw the video of Trinity’s number 1 player – 6 foot 5 inch Baset Chaudhry – celebrate his (and his team’s win) by an outrageous display of poor sportsmanship towards his 5 foot 7 inch opponent from Yale, Kenneth Chan.

If you haven’t already seen it, copy and paste this link and take a look at this clip. It’s self explanatory:

http://deadspin.com/5477217/squash-players-are-just-the-worst

Over the past couple of days, more information has come to light – along with a video of what lead up to this now infamous incident. This clip shows Chan getting in the face (or upper chest!) of Chaudhry in the second game. Not very respectful of the lad, but in my opinion, hardly as vicious as Chaudhry’s exhibition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUvVR2iwLPs&feature=player_embedded

Now, I don’t know who made this particular clip or who edited it, but I would bet a lot of money it was a Trinity fan. A lot of effort was put into making Chan’s transgression look worse than what it actually was. The slow-motion piece was totally unnecessary.

Okay. Both players were out of line. There was apparently a lot of trash talking going on during the match as well, but comparing the 2 confrontations, Chaudhry’s behavior (to me) is by far the greater evil here. Firstly, he just won the match easily. It wasn’t as if the match went down to the wire and both players were exhausted physically and mentally. (Not that that would be an excuse.) That’s like US Women’s hockey team spitting in the face of the Russians after annihilating them 13-0 at the Olympics. Secondly, he’s almost a foot taller and probably almost 100 pounds heavier. What a bully. Thirdly, he’s 25 and should know better. And fourthly, no matter what had transpired leading up to it, there is absolutely no excuse for Chaudhry’s actions.

That being said, we have all been at some time guilty of letting our emotions get the better of us and losing control. I will be first to put my hand up and admit that I have, in my youth, conducted myself dreadfully on the court and lost my temper. Looking back on my misbehavior, I still feel embarrassed and ashamed of myself – but I’m grateful that it wasn’t taped. Sadly, the difference with Chaudhry’s lapse of judgment is… that it was.

Check out this clip from ESPN ‘analysts’ who have probably never heard of squash much like mainstream America.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4935859&categoryid=2378529

I felt sick to the stomach that the first time squash gets on this program is because of this ‘misdeed’. The analysts are giggling like school girls all the way through the segment, doing nothing but poking fun at the sport. Squash is virtually unheard of in the general public in the US, and first impressions last a life time. To all the millions of Americans who saw this clip – and squash for the first time – I dread to think what they think of squash now!! For a sport fighting for exposure – especially in the US – this to me is a step backwards.

By all accounts, Chaudhry is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. (Although I have never met him myself.) This is so far out of character for the man and his coach, Paul Assaiante, is just as bewildered as anyone else. Apologies have been made all around, but should Chaudhry be punished? I think he should. Unfortunately for him, it was caught on video and has made its way across the globe and to television and has dragged the sport through the muck. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation; Chaudhry has taken a second to destroy it. What his punishment should be lies in the hands of the College Squash Association (CSA), but these guys are not professionals and do not get paid so a monetary fine is out of the question for the athlete (maybe not for Trinity?). Suspension? That would be the next logical step. The CSA is expected to rule on this in the coming days, but if nothing comes of this but a slap on the wrist, that’s an appalling precedent to set.

Regrettably, incidents like this in college squash have happened before. See this article relating to an incident this season at Dartmouth College involving fans heckling players from Harvard:

http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2009/12/10/dartmouth_heckling_at_squash_meet_prompts_apologies/

The CSA need to nip this in the bud before it gets out of control. Squash matches are not football or basketball games and fans and players need to respect their opponents with decorum and conduct themselves appropriately. Cheering is one thing, as soon as it becomes personal, it moves into another stratosphere. Especially in this politically correct world of the U.S of A.

And no matter what happens on court, after the match, that’s where it should stay – on the court. Shake hands, thank your opponent for the match, buy them a drink… basically, act your age.

THREE WAY BATTLE FOR LAST SPOT

Boasters League Round 8 –

It’s going to be close. Not only to see who will end up on top of the standings, but who will end up last and eliminate themselves from the play-offs. With 7 days to go before the deadline, the “Defending Champs” look comfortable in first place with a 14 point buffer over second placed “Duck or Bleed”, but have to sit out the final round next week and watch everybody catch up. If they can pick up another 15 or so points in make-up matches in that time, they may be safe but they certainly should not be feeling too relaxed in their current position.

The real battle, however, is at the other end of the ladder. “The Trolls” had a bye week this week which has ended up hurting them enormously and placed them on the brink. They were 22 points ahead of last place, but complacency had them pick up only 2 points in make-up matches and now they have dropped from 5th to 8th and just 2 points ahead of 9th. “Stimulus Package” are still last and as fate would have it, they play “The Trolls” in the final round. The “Angry Dragons” are still wobbling on the precipice as well and need to perform well this week, and the “Reach Arounds” are by no means out of the woods either and need to be careful as their 12 point cushion over “Stimulus Package” can be quickly eroded.

Match of the week for round 8 is a difficult choice. So many matches ended up with a 2-1 score line (14 of the 22 so far) and were very closely contested that I really can’t (or shouldn’t) pick one above the rest. But I will anyway. George Kordas (“Marauders”) [pictured left] and Jim Stroh (“Hell’s Kitchen”) had some excellent long rallies and both displayed some impressive court coverage. George has been on a notable improvement curve this season and has really stepped up his game (as he proved at the DAC Classic). Still, Jim held his own very well and although he ended losing 2-1, he can be pleased with the result.

One week to play before the play-offs. The team finishing last can start polishing their golf clubs. There are 7 days left to get your results in. The mad scramble starts… now!

DAC SQUASH CLASSIC - FEEDBACK FROM OUR FRIENDS IN LONDON

Even though the DAC Squash Classic tournament was a success and the positive feedback has been nothing short of flattering and rewarding, I thought I would share with you all a couple of letters I received from our friends in London, Ontario, who took the time to put that feedback on paper and send it to me.

The first letter is from all the players from London Squash Racquets Club and the second letter is from one of their members, Ted Collins. Ted lost the final of the 3.5 division to his fellow club member John Anderson.

These letters are not just a reflection of the quality of the tournament, but the DAC and all the members and staff as a whole. We should all be proud!

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – DOUBLES

Who will be the next pair to have their names forever etched onto the legendary DAC Championship Boards? It is time for the 2010 DAC Doubles Club Championships. This year, we are adding a fourth category to the event. You now have the option of playing in the A; B; C; or D draw.

The event is scheduled to start on Monday, March 15. Please take careful note of the following:
• You MUST register with a partner
• All matches are best of 5 games
• There will be NO consolation draw
• Each match will have a deadline to complete. It is the player’s responsibility to complete the match by the deadline or risk being defaulted.

The winners of the A category not only immortalize themselves on the hallowed championships boards for all eternity, they also qualify for selection for the next Farris Cup scheduled for early January 2011 (@ the DAC).

So do your homework, pick your partners carefully and start preparing for competition! Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 10.

BLITZ IT!

NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS

Scheduled for Friday March 12.
A unique in-house event, the Blitz Tournament gives members a chance to play against people you would not normally step on court with. Every effort is made to mix up the levels and get you the widest variety of players possible. Matches will be scheduled to start at 5pm. With handicapping issued on all the matches, the games can take anywhere from 15 minutes to just a couple of rallies – hence the name “Blitz”! Join in on a great fun, social evening of squash!

Take note of the following:
• This is for ALL levels of players
• Maximum 40 players – minimum 16
• Players will be randomly arranged into groups to play a round robin format
• The top 2 players in each group will move onto a knock-out draw. In the event of a tie, straws will be drawn to see who advances
• Players will be handicapped according to their level
• Each ‘match’ is one game to 15 points using point-a-rally scoring, no tie-break
• Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Keg provided
• You must be a Blackballer to participate

Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 10.

SPREADING OUT

Boasters League Round 7-

As week 6 saw the standings tighten up, week 7 has once again spread them out. With only 2 weeks of the regular season to play, the top 4 teams have pretty much guaranteed a place in the play-offs, while the bottom 5 teams fight to stay out of last place and avoid elimination. “Stimulus Package” were already sitting in that position and had to suffer through the ‘bye’ this week but they actually came out the other side with minimal damage. Four points off 8th last week, they are only 5 points back now, and have a real possibility of catching the “Angry Dragons” who are apparently determined to get through the season playing the least amount of matches they can.

“Defending Champs” and “Duck or Bleed” have opened up a small gap on the rest of the field and week-to-week are flip-flopping the 1st and 2nd spots. However, it is no guarantee that finishing first makes it an easy run through the play-offs (as history has proven many, many times) and from the 7 rounds played so far this half, the “Defending Champs” have a 4-3 record (and have the last round ‘bye’), and “Duck and Bleed” have a 4-2 record which just goes to show that all teams are vulnerable.

Match of the week goes to Anthony Fracchia (“Duck or Bleed”) and Ken MacDonald (“Marauders”). From the grunts, groans, and loud grumblings that were rather audible sitting outside the court, these two were really leaving it all on the floor. The good-spirited contest had terrific scrambling rallies and left them both breathing heavily – Anthony finally took the match 2-1 and extends his record to 5 and 1.

And don’t forget… DEADLINE TO COMPLETE ALL THE MATCHES IS THURSDAY, MARCH 4. Late results will not be taken into consideration so don’t wait too long to organize!!

SQUASH TOURNAMENT, TOLEDO-STYLE!

Now that the DAC Squash Classic has whet the appetite of our members, the Toledo Squash Classic is the perfect opportunity to satisfy that craving. Running from February 26-28, this is the one road-trip a year that you’ll be talking about for the next 12 months.

John Seidel (squash pro and athletic director of the Toledo Club) does a remarkable job in getting this event together. Emphasis is on the festivities rather than the squash and when you walk in the club on Friday night and ogle 4 models walking around serving you beer, you know you are in for a delightful weekend! That is not to suggest that the squash is taken lightly – although it is an experience in itself to play on those shoe-boxes… I mean courts.

Their five courts are two and half feet narrower than ours – the old hardball size. It takes a bit to get used to the new angles. I’ve played this tournament for the past 5 years and I still cannot figure out the proper ‘tactic’ to use! Click on the picture above to see all the details of playing categories and special hotel rates. I urge you to enter this event and support them as they have supported us over the past few years at our tournament. I will be playing in the ‘pro invite’ category, and I already know of at least 2 DAC members committed – join in, you will not regret it!

TIGHTENING UP

Boasters League Round 6-

Six rounds in, and less than 20 points separate first from eighth. I can’t remember the standings being this close with only 3 rounds to play before the play-offs start. Keeping in mind that the 9th team will be eliminated, “Stimulus Package” currently holds that distinction and even though they are only 4 points from 8th, they have the ‘bye’ week in round 7. Their play-offs are fading quickly unless they start making up many of the matches they still have open.

“The Deconstructors” made the biggest move this week jumping from 8th to 4th with a solid showing last night against “The Trolls” who are now 3rd and only 4 points off the league leading “Duck or Bleed”. It was rather quiet on the courts for a league night, which I suppose after the weekend tournament is not too surprising, but if a couple of the teams would have a played a few more matches, the standings could have a very different look. The “Defending Champs” and the “Marauders” only had 2 (out of 11) results completed – they are only hurting themselves.

Time is winding down – there are only 3 rounds to go and the deadline to complete all the matches is Thursday, March 4 (inclusive). As always, I expect a scramble to complete them, so no one should wait until the last few days to start to organize their opponents!

Match of the week goes to Ted Mabley (“The Deconstructors”) and Rick Florka (“The Trolls”). Both new to the league this year and playing in the number 10 position, these two had a very close contest and both players after the match complemented each other on a great game – Ted ended up with the 2-1 victory.

WHAT A CLASSIC!

As Peyton Manning started his final drive in the 4th quarter poised to tie the game and send the Super Bowl into overtime, I was lying on my couch praying for the impossible – he wouldn’t do it. I was exhausted and was struggling to keep my eyes open even though it was a thrilling game. Sure enough, a miracle occurred, Manning was intercepted, the Saints scored a touchdown and the game was over. I could go to bed. As determined as I was to watch the whole game, I doubt I would have stayed awake for a 5th quarter. On top of that, I wanted the Saints to win anyway because my boss is a die-hard Colts fan and has been rubbing our noses in it…

The overtiredness was welcoming. The DAC Squash Classic had come and gone and I was quietly content with the outcome. 144 registrations spread over 7 singles and 3 doubles categories, 90 of which were non-members, we got though almost 200 singles matches and over 35 doubles matches, 170 people at the dinner, and for me, countless hours of organization and prep work that was worth all the effort and time, made the countless hours I worked this week a lot easier.

Now for the results:

Doherty Dominates Doubles
London’s Rob Doherty hits a mean doubles ball. He covers the court remarkably well. He paired up with his wife Laurie in the C draw (brave, brave man!) reaching the final in comfortable fashion where they met tough resistance against Mark Stone and Teresa Ashworth from Windsor. The Stone / Ashworth pair won their first round 17-16 in the 5th, the semi in 5 as well, and took the Doherty’s the distance too. They couldn’t pull out another 5-set victory, but made the Doherty’s earn every point. It was an excellent final. Rob paired up with Caleb Quinlan in the A draw and again reached the final without too much trouble. There, they encountered the very tough duo of Mark Eugeni (Windsor) and Jon Uffelman (BAC). Another 5 set contest as the London pair countered Mark’s well known power skillfully and fed more off a few of Jon’s errors. They dictated the 5th game and ran away 3-2 winners. In the B draw, the father-son team of Gerry and Sean Guay (Windsor) performed well above expectations taking out fellow club members Mike and Kevin McKittrick 3-0 in the final.

Fabulous Fabbri…
Playing in his first ever squash tournament, Tom Fabbri in the 2.5 category did a lot better than I am sure he predicted. Reaching the final, he dropped only one game. Unfortunately for Tom, his finals opponent – Justin Jacobs from Franklin – was a little too strong and he went down 3-0, but he can be very proud of his achievement.

Magnificent MacDonald…
Waving the DAC flag with gusto, Ken MacDonald is our lone title holder for this year. He won the 3.0 final in probably the best match of the day with a memorable comeback after finding himself 2-0 down against Dan Driscoll (Life Time Fitness). Urged on by his fellow members who were watching, Ken refused to crack under the pressure and pulled out the 5th game 9-7. Taking into consideration that he won his semi final earlier that morning 9-7 in the 5th as well, it makes the victory all the more sweeter.

Kordas So Close…
DAC’s third finalist was George Kordas in the 4.0 draw. Admitting he was sore on Saturday morning (he did play in the 4.5 as well), George was in unfamiliar territory. Pain from playing was new to him, but it wasn’t surprising after his Friday night marathon 3-2 victory over Brad Steel (Life Time Fitness) which took well over an hour. However, like a real trooper, George soldiered on and reached the final where Scott Fisher from London was waiting for him. With not much left in the tank, George’s run ended with a 3-0 loss, but looking over the result it was a terrific accomplishment.

The Rest…
Not diminishing the importance of the other categories, but the DAC membership was only present on the other side of the glass. The 32-man 3.5 draw had two buddies from London battling it out where Jon Anderson got the better of Ted Collins 3-0. Jim Stroh did reach the semi final of the 3.5 and lost 3-1 to Jon, and there is never any shame in losing to the winner! The 4.5 category went to a youngster from Windsor. Sean Guay won a very long and hard fought 5-setter over Ted Hickey (London). Sean played very well all weekend and every time I see him play I can see not only improvement in his game, but in his on-court temperament. The 5.0 final featured the up and coming junior Michael Snower (BAC). At 17 he is definitely an impressive player as he carved his way to the final with consummate ease. He met his match, however, in the form of Mike Twiner (Windsor) although it wasn’t easy. Mike won the challenging match 3-1. It was a great effort from Michael and I am sure by this time next year he will be competing for the 5.5 title. Speaking of which, in the 5.5, Mark Eugeni repeated his 2009 effort and went through the draw without dropping a game. He played Damon Bourne (Madison, WI) in the final who found himself simply out played as Mark took advantage of every loose opportunity that came his way.

The Party Left-Over’s…
No DAC tournament is complete without the party. Mike Counsman couldn’t make it this year, but the lads from London made up for it. Saturday morning had Caleb Quinlan stagger into the court area 5 minutes before his doubles match still in his Friday night get-up, his tie down to his belly-button, shirt a mess, and what was later to be determined as his socks (not underwear) hanging out of his pockets. Still disorientated, he asked how to get to his hotel room. I also heard rumblings of other queasy stomachs, and I am thankful none of the ‘festivities’ ended up on our court floors!

It’s all about having a fun. It was. It was a success, I believe most (if not all) had a great experience, and many are marking it down for 2011. If you do us the honor of entering our event, we will do you the honor of looking after you the best we know how.

Cheers!

NEW LEAGUE LEADERS

Boasters League Round 5-

Despite a poor showing last night with only three round 5 matches completed, ‘The Reach Arounds’ have taken over the reins as Boasters League number one team. The fact that ‘Duck or Bleed’ had the bye this week unquestionably helped matters, and ‘The Reach Arounds’ tenure atop the standings will most likely be short lived in any case as they are scheduled to sit out in week 6.

Only 2 points off the leaders, the ‘Defending Champs’ jumped from 4th to 2nd as they beat up on ‘The Deconstructors’ who are still tenuously holding on to the last finals position in 8th spot. Currently on the outside looking in, ‘Stimulus Package’ are on a free-fall and need to pick up their game. Dropping from 5th to last place, even though they are picking up a fair amount of bonus points and playing a decent amount of matches, they need to start winning a few games as well. They have only won just over 20% of the matches they have completed so far. I can’t forget to mention the ‘Angry Dragons’ who at last have scraped themselves off the cellar floor and moved into 7th place and are actually now only 7 points off 4th. It appears they are on their way up.

I am giving match of the week to Matt Hayduk (‘Marauders’) and Blake Kenny (‘Stimulus Package’). Matt has been working on his game recently with a few lessons and regularly taking part in the Court Conditioning Training and the ‘sacrifice’ is starting to pay off. He won 2-1, and was very pleased with the way he played and the improvement he is making. I have to mention Bob Rogers (‘The Reach Arounds’) who extended his incredible win streak to 29 with his 2-1 victory over James Van Dyke (‘Hell’s Kitchen') - and in saying that I have probably just placed a huge target on his back.