Cenian Open - IC Thread

[Ceni]

Sections 1 through 4 - who will go home, and who will stay in Cenial? We find out soon!

Section 1
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)                   6   6   0   6
Marc Fenberg (TSA)                        0   2   6   4

(Q) Sarah Yon (USD)                       6   6   5   6
(Q) Ben Robins (EST)                      3   4   7   2

Maya Cassington (ETM)                     6   6   6
Lacey Turner (BRI)                        3   2   4

(30) Duncan Newman (BRI)                  7   7   6
Samuel Gates (ETM)                        5   5   4

(27) Leone Na (BRI)                       5   6   6   4   6
(Alt) Lewis Diver (DRV)                   7   4   3   6   2

(WC) Fia Xal (CEN)                        2   6   6   6   0
Cristiano Erkisen (ALO)                   6   7   2   1   6

(Q) Joanna Cosby (USD)                    6   3   2
(Q) Ethan Stokes (EJM)                    7   6   6

(16) Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)         6   4   2   6   6
(Alt) Jacob Hunter (JAC)                  3   6   6   3   1


Section 2
(8) Javier Bochenek (EST)                 6   4   4   3
(Q) Elizabeth Hines (USD)                 3   6   6   6

Aaron Murphy (EST)                        2   6   2
(Q) Aqeel Khan (PAT)                      6   7   6

Mia Cassington (ETM)                      7   1   6   6
(WC) Andy Amada (CEN)                     5   6   1   0

(24) Natalia Emilia Garcia (CDO)          7   2   6   4   6
(WC) Ccyth Ccarlat (CTU)                  6   6   3   6   4

(23) Rory Hasselhoff (SLL)                1   7   2   6   6
(WC) Filipp Maksimov (ETA)                6   6   6   2   2

(Q) David Cho (TAI)                       2   3   5
(Q) Warrick Royle (ALB)                   6   6   7

Lonus Varalin (CEN)                       6   1   6   3   7
(Q) Luis Farias (SJG)                     4   6   3   6   5

(9) Lance Mance (BRI)                     6   2   3
Jack Lewis (EST)                          7   6   6


Section 3
(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)           6   7   3   6
(Q) Sar Kanova (NUD)                      1   5   6   0

John Wilmer (EST)                         6   5   6   2   6
(WC) Chun Gergtai (CTU)                   1   7   4   6   8

(Q) Riley Escobar (TAI)                   7   6   2   4   1
(WC) Astrid Cambar (VAL)                  6   4   6   6   6

(26) Abi Forrest (BRI)                    2   6   4   6   7
Samantha Deux-Brady (SLL)                 6   4   6   1   5

(29) Robin Kale (DRV)                     6   6   6   4   6
(Q) Bryce Lord (TAI)                      4   7   4   6   3

(Q) Mugoli Adsuw (CTU)                    1   4   3
(Q) Eduerde de Ainiene (CLG)              6   6   6

(Q) Charles Sayer (USD)                   6   4   6   6
(Q) Dong Si Yuan (TAI)                    4   6   1   4

(12) Ciache Nagya (CEN)                   6   6   6
(Q) Zia Daraz Digar (PAT)                 1   4   3


Section 4
(4) Ricardo Toli (BRI)                    6   2   6   7
(WC) Sam White (EST)                      4   6   3   5

(WC) Judah Smith (TAI)                    6   4   3   3
Margret Murphy (EST)                      2   6   6   6

(Q) Michael Yarborough (EST)              5   3   6   0
(WC) Karin Beattie (ALB)                  7   6   2   6

(18) Bishop Lou Kelly (EST)               4   3   6   4
(Q) Tayler Labeau (ALB)                   6   6   3   6

(21) Betty the Homeless Tadpole (DUH)     1   6   6   6
Louis Hurst (EST)                         6   3   3   3

Dušan Ivanovic (CDO)                      6   7   6
(Q) Violet Green (TAI)                    2   5   1

(Q) Cathy Crespo (USD)                    5   3   7   5
(Q) Gabriela Yount (ALB)                  7   6   5   7

(13) Brendan Hernandez (SLL)              6   6   6
(Q) Sven Anders (VAL)                     1   3   1

EDIT: I forgot a match...

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA NEWS NETWORK
THE SPORTS HOUR
Cenian Open
Opening Day Coverage

David Bishop reports with a backdrop of the National Racquet Club in the background.

BISHOP: After qualifying for the Ceni Open, Esperanza Cho chose not to participate in Singles Competition, choosing instead to focus on the Doubles Draw with her partner, David Cho. Judging by the results today, perhaps the rest of the Andromedan field should have followed suit.

Cut to footage of David Cho’s match.

BISHOP: After a relatively successful qualification round, Andromedans in Ceni fell in the Opening Round like dominoes.

Cut to footage of Violet Green’s match.

BISHOP: David Cho and Violet Green fell in straight sets, but some Andromedans didn’t go down without a fight.

Cut to Dong Si Yuan match.

BISHOP: The final game in Dong Si Yuan’s match lasted more than 20 minutes. Dong had the advantage twice before Charles Sayer finally held serve and won the match in 4 sets.

Cut to Bryce Lord match.

BISHOP: And Bryce Lord, the #3 ranked Andromedan player, held his own against the 29th Seed, Robin Kale. While he lost, Lord proved himself a worthy opponent.

Cut to Lord.

LORD: It was a hard loss, but just knowing that one of us can play so well against someone ranked among the top 30 in the world at this stage… I just wish I could have pulled through in the end.

Cut to graphic.

BISHOP: Here are the scores for Opening Day.

Warrick Royle (ALB) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 David Cho
Astrid Cambar (VAL) 6-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 Riley Escobar
(29) Robin Kale (DRV) 6-4, 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 Bryce Lord
(Q) Charles Sayer (USD) 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 Dong Si Yuan
Margret Murphy (EST) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 Judah Smith
Dušan Ivanovic (CDO) 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 Violet Green

Cut to Bishop and Lucius Webb.

BISHOP: With me tonight to assess the carnage is former Andromedan tennis Don and ANN correspondent Lucius Webb. What happened today?

Cut to Riley Escobar arguing with an official

WEBB: Reality happened, Dave. The Andromeda Tennis Association is a very small pond. International tennis is an ocean full of talent. It’s not realistic to expect one of us to just step on the world stage and dominate it. That’s what we saw today.

Cut to Judah Smith’s match.

BISHOP: So, should we cut our losses?

WEBB: Not at all, Dave. If players from our country ever expect to win at the international level, we first have to lose at the international level. I think retreating back to the islands would be the wrong move. Even today, both Bryce Lord and Dong Si Yuan showed promise. With just a few more breaks their way, both could have won their matches.

Cut back to Bishop and Webb.

BISHOP: What about tomorrow? What does the future hold?

WEBB: We still have a few Andromedans left in the singles draw. John Galt and Maggie Cho look like they have the best chance to advance, but don’t count out Carmen Doyle and Louis Rich. I think they all have a puncher’s chance.

BISHOP: Doubles also start tomorrow. How about that?

WEBB: As you know, the very first International championship our country ever won was in doubles tennis. 20 years ago, Catherine Wynn and Antonia James held up the women’s doubles trophy in Delaclava. James’ twin daughters, Ashleigh and Amber Willis are here in Ceni. We’ll see what happens.

BISHOP: And whatever happens, you’ll see it here on Andromeda News Network’s Sports Hour. With Lucius Webb, I’m Dave Bishop. Back to you, Billy!

[Ceni]

Mister Johnathan
you used to hold that trophy up high,
but now your collection is dull
and covered with dust
you empty coke can of a man,
you rummage through the dumpsters
on the streets
looking for something to eat
you once wore those clothes with pride
but now they are only holding on to you
by a thread, in tatters,
leaving you cold
but i stand through your destruction
and i rise
i see who for who you really are
i stand
and i rise, mister johnathan

[Ceni]

Cutoff for the first day of the doubles main draw competition!

Singles - Sections 5-8

Section 5
(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)               6   5   6   6
(Q) Christian Lawrence (EJM)              2   7   4   3

Piper Antoine (SLL)                       6   2   4   6   5
(WC) John Banks (EST)                     4   6   6   0   7

(Q) Marcelo de Santigo (CDO)              5   6   6   7   4
Mary Moore (EST)                          7   3   7   5   6

(32) James Lindsey (MLW)                  6   3   2   6   6
(WC) Neia Dovan (CEN)                     3   6   6   4   1

(22) Jared White (EST)                    7   6   5   6
(WC) Jacien Fontiane (CLG)                6   4   7   3

Taylor Hetner (EST)                       5   6   3
Anna Sharonova (MLW)                      7   7   6

(Q) Gtay Cherheni (CTU)                   6   7   3   4   1
Marcos Perez (SJG)                        2   5   6   6   6

(15) Reagan Harris (SLL)                  6   6   1   2   6
Sonya Gredello (ETM)                      4   3   6   6   4


Section 6
(7) Kika Dovan (CEN)                      1   6   6   6
(Q) Jamil Khan (PAT)                      6   3   1   4

Deanne Smith (ETM)                        0   5   6   2
(Q) Mtyth Okmath (CTU)                    6   7   2   6

Simon Sanderson (DRV)                     4   6   6   6
(Q) Jonathan Walker (EST)                 6   3   2   2

(31) Elia Xal (CEN)                       2   6   6   6   6
(Q) Kat Valenti (ALB)                     6   2   7   3   1

(19) Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)              6   2   7   6
(Q) Louis Rich (EST)                      3   6   5   4

Derek Kyle (ALO)                          6   2   6   6
(Q) Gerdur Ivath (VAL)                    2   6   3   2

(Q) Fahad Landana (PAT)                   6   3   7   4   6
(WC) Euan Davidson (DRV)                  4   6   5   6   4

(10) Botack Andiam (CEN)                  5   6   6   6   8
Zachary Navarre (DRV)                     7   4   3   7   6


Section 7
(6) Brett Roley (EST)                     6   7   7
(Q) Vinicio Vestri (ALB)                  4   5   5

(Q) Adoy Gharhei (CTU)                    6   5   3   6   6
Zack White (EST)                          1   7   6   3   4

Derek Price (DRV)                         6   2   6   3
(Q) Laura Meyer (EJM)                     2   6   7   6

(20) Dustin Willenger (SLL)               4   2   2
(WC) Ellela Thotan (CEN)                  6   6   6

(28) Greg Meares (ETM)                    6   0   6   6   6
Mark Markos (SLL)                         2   6   2   7   4

(Q) John Galt (TAI)                       7   5   2   6   7
(Q) Valeria Rome (ALB)                    6   7   6   4   5

Elizabeth Taylor (EST)                    6   6   6
(WC) Mehwish Khan (PAT)                   2   3   2

(11) Johmer Vales (CEN)                   1   1   5
Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                     6   6   7


Section 8
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)                    7   6   6
Dud Choc (JAC)                            5   2   0

(WC) Carmen Doyle (TAI)                   6   7   6
Malcolm Press (ETM)                       2   5   4

(WC) Kutta Ka Bacha (PAT)                 6   3   4   6   6
(Alt) Darcey Baslet (BRI)                 3   6   6   4   2

(17) Jonathon Edwards (TSA)               6   6   7
(WC) Renata Baker (ALB)                   0   3   5

(25) Leo Garry (BRI)                      5   6   7   6
Dioro Hansil (CEN)                        7   7   6   7

(WC) John Banks (EST)                     3   3   7   6   6
(WC) Nikita Aleksov (ETA)                 6   6   5   4   4

(WC) Ccari Cherhla (CTU)                  4   4   4
(Q) Marguerita Cho (TAI)                  6   6   6

(14) Peter P Larry (BRI)                  6   1   7   6
Marc Burns (DRV)                          3   6   5   2

Doubles - Sections 1-2

Section 1
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                            6   7
Eva Fábia Soares/Vera Adriana Soares (CDO)            4   5

Gtay Cherheni/Adoy Gharhei (CTU)                      6   6
Aurelio Alves/Marcelo de Santigo (CDO)                3   2

Vinicio Vestri/Tayler Labeau (ALB)                    3   6   6
David Cho/Esperanza Cho (TAI)                         6   2   4

(15) Rory Meel/Haley Redknapp (ALO)                   6   6
(WC) Val Korekal/Jac Iegis (CEN)                      3   3

(13) Peter P Larry/Lacey Turner (BRI)                 3   6   4
Dušan Ivanovic/Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                  6   4   6

Les Lo/Bethaa Surr (CEN)                              5   6   7
(Q) Ccyth Ccarlat/Myth Gterhei (CTU)                  7   4   5

(8) Ellela Thotan/Ciache Nagya (CEN)                  6   3   2
(Q) Kat Valenti/Oda Mann (ALB)                        3   6   6


Section 2
(4) Perger Rianor/Ricpeer Rianor (CEN)                4   6   6
(WC) Bill Phy/Dud Choc (JAC)                          6   3   4

(WC) Will Nolovor/Kell Korden (CEN)                   7   6
Olivar Hakinen/Zachary Pederson (VAL)                 5   3

(Q) Warrick Royle/Lilli Royle (ALB)                   5   6   6
(Q) Violet Green/Bryce Lord (TAI)                     7   2   8

(11) Coosal Darlcheri/Gyrachor Rentos (CEN)           6   5   6
Ana Barros/Eugenia Soares (CDO)                       1   7   1

(9) Reagan Harris/Jen Walters (SLL)                   7   3   6
(Q) Dong Si Yuan/John Galt (TAI)                      5   6   3

Fahad Landana/Zia Daraz Digar (PAT)                   3   6   1
Amancio Raimundo Belo/Natalia Emilia Garcia (CDO)     6   3   6

Gabriela Yount/Valeria Rome (ALB)                     5   4
Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich (TAI)                      7   6

(5) James Lindsey/Pedro Mendoza (MLW)                 6   6
Aqeel Khan/Jamil Khan (PAT)                           3   4

[United States of Devonta]

Win!

---

I'm just here to win [Chorus]
Its not such a terrible sin
Give me the will
I'll make the way

Tennis is life [Chorus]
Don't let my win turn into martial strife
I can beat any one
My skills show like the sun

Don't bet on me loosing [Chorus]
Because I can give my opponent a bruising
Don't even try hard
Because I will catch you off guard

I'm just here to win [3x Chorus]

[Elejamie]

Despite his best attempts, Christian Lawrence crashed out at the first round of the Cenian Open last night. Despite losing the first set, he managed to bounce back, thanks to a series of aces. In the end, it was his opponent - Aline Luiza Romao of Costa de Ouro - who had the last laugh as she won 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

However, it wasn't all bad news as Laura Meyer overcame a disappointing first set to beat the Darvalian Derek Price 2-6, 6-2, 7-6, 6-3. Following the match, she said "It was a tough match, especially that third set, but I'm glad I got through." She joins Ethan Stokes - who, on Sunday, beat Joanna Cosby of the United States of Devonta 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 - in the second round.

Today, both Elejamian doubles teams - Juan Aldia and Alan Bukowski, who crashed out of the first round of the Santa Maria Open; and Pauline "Paul" Dresdner and her husband Jorge García, who were runners up in the same tournament - will begin their matches. When asked if he was looking forwards to the match, Bukowski said "If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose. Ne worin."

Apologies for not RPing the last few matches. I didn't do the qualifiers because it seemed like a massive workload and I didn't fancy doing a poem. I also missed the last one because I put it off for too long. Besides, only one of my players was playing at the time so... Yeah.

Alan Bukowski is half Iyilim (who are pretty much the indigenous people of Elejamie. The phrase "Ne worin", pronounced "nah woh-reen", basically means "No need to worry" or, more literally, "no worrying".

[The Andromeda Islands]

The National Racquet Club
Cenial Ceni
Tuesday of Week 1

An Eagle flies over the Racquet Club early in the morning, as the early matches start. One of them is an opening round doubles match between the Royles of Albundania and the Andromedans Bryce Lord and Violet Green. The Eagle lands on a railing.

Green and Lord are up 7-6 in the deciding set. As the Royles take a bathroom break, Lord checks his iPhone. He finds out that the Cho’s lost and Louis Rich lost. As Lord stares at the Eagles across the court, he has an idea. He turns to Green, who's sitting next to him.

GREEN: Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

LORD: If we lose, we go home. If we win, pancakes await us.

GREEN: Mmmm! Pancakes!

After the Royles get back from their break, their serve is broken. The match ends with Lord smashing the ball past Warrick Royle. The crowd cheers.

LORD: (yelling) Pancakes, Beeches! Pancakes!

The Eagle flies away, eventually landing on the net during the Carmen Doyle/Malcolm Press match. The Eagle sets off a censor. The crowd laughs. Malcolm Press, who’s attempting to hold serve at 5-6 in the second set, is not amused. Doyle is up 40-30.

Press attempts to serve again and the Eagle lands on the net again. After the Eagle flies away, Press’s serves. Doyle returns, painting the right line. The crowd cheers.

ANNOUNCER: Game and set. Doyle.

Doyle eventually wins in straight sets.

At about 2pm, Maggie Cho plays on the same court against Ccari Cherhla. Cho won all but one set during qualification and appears to be continuing her steady play, even as the level of competition has risen. Maggie Cho sees the Eagle as she serves for the match, causing her to make a foot fault. As the Eagle flies away, it hears the cheers of the crowd.

ANNOUNCER: Game, set & match. Cho.

The Eagle makes another appearance at about 4 o’clock to the Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich match. Rich lost his singles match this morning, but was holding up. Kazakova had shaved her head the day before. She had very little use for the niceties of the upper crust tennis crowd.

By the middle of the second set, Louis Rich had played his sixth set of the day. They were waiting for Gabriela Yount to serve. Kazakova sees the eagle flying down. Yount serves. The ball hits the eagle, resulting in the ball dropping well short of the net.

The crowd is confused. The refs are confused. Groundskeepers try to shoe the Eagle off the court. Rich himself is confused, but Kazakova isn’t. As the refs try to figure out what to do, Rich sits down for a moment. Kazakova sits next to Rich.

KAZAKOVA: Richie, do you believe in divine intervention?

Rich sits for a minute, watching refs and groundskeepers in a frenzy. He cherishes this brief opportunity to catch his breath and gather his wits.

RICH: I do now.

Once Kazakova and Rich win in straight sets, the Eagle appears again at 8pm on a stadium court where John Galt was playing Valeria Rome. Rome was one of the players who lost to Kazakova and Rich that afternoon. Galt and Dong lost their doubles match in three sets that afternoon. Galt was down 2 sets to 1. The fourth set was tied 4-4. The game had reached its third deuce.

Galt was exhausted. He gave serious thought to withdrawing from the match, but as he sees the Eagle land on the scoreboard, a hundred thoughts run through his head. He remembers the first tournament he won so many years ago. Back then, even people back home asked themselves, “Who is John Galt?”

Valeria Rome serves. After a long rally, Galt comes forward to the net. He attempts a lob. Rome attempts to smash the ball. Galt lunges and hits the ball back over the net. He’s flat on the ground.

ANNOUNCER: Advantage, Galt.

Galt gets up. His white tennis clothes are stained with grass. He looks in the stands and sees his doubles partner, Dong Si Yuan. If there have ever been two more different people on a doubles team, it’s John Galt, the 32-year-old bachelor from the wealthy family and 19-year-old Dong Si Yuan, an immigrant from East Asia who only started learning English a few years ago. He thought about their relationship, on and off the court. Dong gives Galt a thumbs-up. At that moment, he knows that he will pull through.

Galt wins 7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.

The eagle flies away.

[Electrum]

Electrum Lawn Tennis Association - News

Electrumite field cut in half after emotional first round

The first two days of competition have led to three of the seven Electrumites advancing to the second round of competition after a series of tough and gruelling matches.

The first day of the main draw featured matches from Section 1-4 of the singles - with Maya Cassington easily defeating journeyman and more experienced Lacey Turner from Britonisea, in straight sets with 3, 2 and 4 games. Ultimately it was Turner's uncharacteristically lackluster performance and poor serving which led to Cassington latching onto those opportunities to set up some nice returns. Up next will be Duncan Newman who himself defeated Samuel Gates in an extremely tight match - 7-5 7-5 6-4. Both players are strong servers with extremely high serving percentage rates, making it extremely tough to break. Unfortunately, Gates just got extremely unlucky and didn't even manage to take a set off Newman.

Her sister, Mia Cassington, now the number one player from Electrum (with a ranking of 42) also continued her winning form, taking four sets to down wildcard Andy Amada. The first set was extremely close with both players on serve until Amada's final game to force a tiebreak - where Mia went forty-love down to eventually break and steal back the set. Mia has the incredible talent of staying cool in those pivotal moments, and could serve her well for the next match against Garcia from Costa de Ouro.

On the second day of competition, In yet another disappointing performance which will see her slide down the rankings once again, Electrum's former #1, Sonya Gredello lost in a tough five setter to Reagan Harris, 6-4 6-3 1-6 2-6 6-4. It was a valiant comeback from Electrum's former number one, as she came two sets to love down to even the match, but her stamina could not hold on as Reagan Harris manage to break in the very last chance, after six deuces in a row to take the game, set and match. Gredello was quoted as saying in her post-match conference, "I will try harder next time, but I guess I need to really reconsider whether or not I should continue with my singles success, now that I am doing pretty well in the doubles."

She wasn't the only loser on that day though, which saw all but one Electrumite get knocked out from the competition. 34 year old Deanne Smith's age started to show as she struggled to perform her hardest against a fellow oldie, 29 year old Mtyth Okmath from Ctulhtii. Typical of what was expected, the points were short and truncated as both struggled to reach for those balls. Meanwhile, in Malcolm Press's match against U-21 Carmen Doyle, where an interrupter of the avian variety constantly setting off the let sensor on the net, distracting him so much that he lost the second set.

The Electrum Lawn Tennis Association is extremely disappointed by the organisers of the event for the inability to control wildlife in the tennis grounds, which could have an effect in the players ability to serve as well as affecting the outcome of matches. President Jonathan Meyer of the ELTA has called on the Cenian National Tennis Association and tournament organisers to immediately rectify the problem -- so that normal tennis played at the highest professional standards can resume being played.

Finally, 28th seed Greg Meares won a tough five setter against Super Llamaland's Mark Markos 6-2 0-6 6-2 6-7 6-4, and it was a titanic tit-for-tat battle of epic proportions. In an extremely close battle, Greg Meares could not force Mark Markos away in the fourth set, when Markos won the tiebreaker 7-5 after a minibreak was handed to him due to Meares antisocial behaviour. Meares got angry as he had lost a what he called 'a routine shot' which forced the tiebreaker, leading him to get warned after he sweared at himself. The breaking point was when he conceded the mini break - he had smashed his racquet several times - leading to him losing a point and therefore the tiebreak. For some reason however, the anger he got from that was channeled into the final set, releasing his pent up aggression seemed like a good thing as he won the final set 6-4 to book a spot against John Galt.

Tomorrow is the start of the second round in the singles, whereby Maya Cassington goes up against Duncan Newman, Mia Cassington against Natalia Emilia Garcia and finally Greg Meares against John Galt. It will also be D-Day for the doubles pairs, as all four of them will play in the same section. Stay tuned for more...

[Ceni]

CENIAN NATIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE

CENIAN OPEN - CONCERNS ABOUT ANIMALS

It has come to our attention that several animals have been spotted disturbing matches in the Cenian Open. Indeed, these events are extremely unfortunate to the players involved, and the Cenian National Tennis Association will take several measures to ensure that an incident of this type will not happen again. However, the Cenian National Tennis Association believes that the appearance of this eagle is an isolated incident and that incidents like this will not happen again. The nation of Ceni, as many people may or may not know, is a highly urbanized island in the Social Liberal Union. While several golden eagle colonies have made their nests among buildings and in the trees in the neighboring Cenial Park, these types of eagles do not make it their norm to soar among the highly busy and noisy courts of the National Racquet Center. We have consulted with a biologist who has dealt with this species often and he has told us that the type of behavior displayed yesterday was some sort of aggressive behavior against a small type of bird, most likely a sparrow. In pursuit of this bird, the eagle's path took it across the courts. As he was diving for the sparrow, the eagle came down on the courts. Seeing the people, he took a defensive posture on the net, refusing to move until he was sure that there was no danger. The tennis ball striking him was also interpreted as danger and indeed forced him into this defensive posture. Overall, we have concluded that his incident was caused by an extremely coincidental set of circumstances. Why the eagle chose to pursue his prey into the obvious danger zone of the courts is unknown, but this type of event should not happen again. We apologize for any inconvienience, and after consulting tennis rules, believe that any instance of wildlife drifting on to the court should be considered a "let" and the point should be replayed. Thank you for understanding.

[Ceni]

The Cenian Open continues today with the second round of singles. Cutoff.

Section 1
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)                   6   6   6
(Q) Sarah Yon (USD)                       2   1   2

Maya Cassington (ETM)                     6   7   6
(30) Duncan Newman (BRI)                  1   5   1

(27) Leone Na (BRI)                       6   5   6   6
Cristiano Erkisen (ALO)                   4   7   3   3

(Q) Ethan Stokes (EJM)                    7   2   2   3
(16) Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)         6   6   6   6


Section 2
(Q) Elizabeth Hines (USD)                 6   1   7   6
(Q) Aqeel Khan (PAT)                      2   6   5   3

Mia Cassington (ETM)                      6   6   6
(24) Natalia Emilia Garcia (CDO)          2   3   1

(23) Rory Hasselhoff (SLL)                6   5   7   6
(Q) Warrick Royle (ALB)                   1   7   5   2

Lonus Varalin (CEN)                       6   6   5   6
Jack Lewis (EST)                          1   4   7   3


Section 3
(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)           0   6   6   6
(WC) Chun Gergtai (CTU)                   6   2   4   2

(WC) Astrid Cambar (VAL)                  3   6   6   6
(26) Abi Forrest (BRI)                    6   4   4   4

(29) Robin Kale (DRV)                     3   6   3   6   6
(Q) Eduerde de Ainiene (CLG)              6   0   6   3   8

(Q) Charles Sayer (USD)                   4   2   6   4
(12) Ciache Nagya (CEN)                   6   6   2   6


Section 4
(4) Ricardo Toli (BRI)                    6   6   6
Margret Murphy (EST)                      1   0   1

(WC) Karin Beattie (ALB)                  2   4   3
(Q) Tayler Labeau (ALB)                   6   6   6

(21) Betty the Homeless Tadpole (DUH)     3   6   7   6
Dušan Ivanovic (CDO)                      6   4   5   2

(Q) Gabriela Yount (ALB)                  6   6   1   7
(13) Brendan Hernandez (SLL)              4   3   6   5


Section 5
(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)               7   6   6
(WC) John Banks (EST)                     6   1   2

Mary Moore (EST)                          2   7   5   3
(32) James Lindsey (MLW)                  6   6   7   6

(22) Jared White (EST)                    6   6   2   3
Anna Sharonova (MLW)                      4   7   6   6

Marcos Perez (SJG)                        4   6   6   0   3
(15) Reagan Harris (SLL)                  6   3   3   6   6


Section 6
(7) Kika Dovan (CEN)                      7   6   6
(Q) Mtyth Okmath (CTU)                    5   3   4

Simon Sanderson (DRV)                     3   5   2
(31) Elia Xal (CEN)                       6   7   6

(19) Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)              6   6   1   7
Derek Kyle (ALO)                          2   3   6   5

(Q) Fahad Landana (PAT)                   7   3   4   6
(10) Botack Andiam (CEN)                  5   6   6   7


Section 7
(6) Brett Roley (EST)                     7   6   6
(Q) Adoy Gharhei (CTU)                    5   0   3

(Q) Laura Meyer (EJM)                     6   4   6   5   0
(WC) Ellela Thotan (CEN)                  2   6   4   7   6

(28) Greg Meares (ETM)                    6   1   4   0
(Q) John Galt (TAI)                       0   6   6   6

Elizabeth Taylor (EST)                    6   3   6   3
Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                     4   6   7   6


Section 8
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)                    7   6   6
(WC) Carmen Doyle (TAI)                   5   2   3

(WC) Kutta Ka Bacha (PAT)                 5   3   4
(17) Jonathon Edwards (TSA)               7   6   6

Dioro Hansil (CEN)                        6   6   6   4   6
(WC) John Banks (EST)                     3   2   7   6   0

(Q) Marguerita Cho (TAI)                  6   6   6   6
(14) Peter P Larry (BRI)                  7   7   2   7

Doubles - Section 3 and 4

Section 3
(2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM)                  6   7
Erika Müller/Anna Sharonova (MLW)                       3   6

(Q) Joric Novikov/Isahiah Talis (VAL)                   6   0
Ashleigh Willis/Amber Willis (TAI)                      7   6

Brent Wales/Tony Stark (USD)                            7   1   9
Sofia Khan/Sofia Akhtar (PAT)                           6   6   7

(14) Aline Luiza Romao/Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)     6   6
(Alt) Botack Andiam/Johmer Vales (CEN)                  3   2

(12) Samuel Gates/Greg Meares (ETM)                     7   1   6
(WC) Matt Grady/Piper Antoine (SLL)                     6   6   3

Joan Levitt/Deanne Smith (ETM)                          6   5   1
(WC) Nick Schentling/Jonathan Albrechtsson (SEM)        2   7   6

Mia Cassington/Maya Cassington (ETM)                    6   2   7
(Alt) Nashid Buat/Lena Buat (CEN)                       4   6   5

(7) Jared White/Margret Murphy (EST)                    4   6
Kika Dovan/Neia Dovan (CEN)                             6   7


Section 4
(3) Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)                   6   6
Avgusta Antin & Rapunzel Timone (SUM)                   2   3

Darrana Daroor/Kutta Ka Bacha (PAT)                     2   1
Fradina Johnson/Isabella Lopez (USD)                    6   6

Juan Aldia/Alan Bukowski (EJM)                          2   1
Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll (TAI)                         6   6

(10) Paul Dresdner/Jorge Garcia (EJM)                   4   6   4
(WC) Lasse Kristofersen/Sören Hölmlund (SEM)            6   2   6

(16) Leone Na/Abi Forrest (BRI)                         7   6
(WC) Filipp Maksimov/Nikita Aleksov (ETA)               6   3

Aaron Murphy/Taylor Mars (EST)                          3   6   7
Mandy Miller/Tara Chris (USD)                           6   1   5

Shaheer Shazib/Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi (PAT)               4   4
(Q) Ccari Cherhla/Czoth Cterlai (CTU)                   6   6

(6) Lance Mance/Ricardo Toli (BRI)                      6   6   6
(Alt) Dioro Hansil/Lonus Varalin (CEN)                  2   7   8

[Elejamie]

Yesterday saw Elejamians watch in shock as both Elejamian doubles teams - Juan Aldia/Alan Bukowski and Paul Dresdner/Jorge García - lost their first round matches at the Cenian Open. To add salt into the wound, Ethan Stokes and Laura Meyer, who won their first round matches, crashed out in the second round.

During Aldia and Bukowski's match against Judah Smith and Mark Driscoll of The Andromeda Islands, it was clear that Aldia was struggling, which caused them to lose 6-2, 6-1. Following the match, Bukowski said "I don't know what's wrong with Juan. He seems a bit more tired that usual. I hope he's alright." Meanwhile, Dresdner and García - who were 10th seed at the time - lost 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 to wild cards Lasse Kristofersen and Sören Hölmlund of Semarland.

The singles tournament wasn't that much better. Despite his best efforts, including just about winning the first set, Ethan Stokes lost 7-6, 2-6, 2-6, 3-6 to 16th seed Andre Pedrinho Delgado of Costa de Ouro. Laura Meyer fared a little better, but still lost to the host nation's Ellela Thotan 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 5-7, 0-6. She was unavailable for commentary after the match.

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA NEWS NETWORK
THE SPORTS HOUR
Cenian Open
Thursday Coverage

Dave Bishop reports from in front of the National Racquet Club.

BISHOP: Yesterday, at least three Andromedans in the Cenian Open benefitted from avionic intervention. Let’s see what little birdies had in store for today.

Cut to coverage of the Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll match.

BISHOP: Three of the Andromedans in the draw made their debut this morning in doubles competition. One of them was upstart Mark Driscoll. He and his partner, Judah Smith engaged in some heated arguments during their match, with each other.

Driscoll and Smith yell at each other. The chair umpire waits for them to calm down.

DRISCOLL: Hey! Give us a moment.

The crowd laughs. Cut to the Willis Sisters’ match.

BISHOP: Smith and Driscoll advance in straight sets. Across the way, Ashleigh and Amber Willis make quick work of their opponents in the second set after surviving a tie breaker in the first.

Cut to a brief interview with the Willis Sisters.

ASHLEIGH WILLIS: We knew that if we could win that tie breaker, it would take the wind out of their sails for the second set.

AMBER WILLIS: But we hadn’t quite expected such smooth sailing.

Cut to Bishop.

The Willis Sisters are one of four Andromedan doubles teams still in the hunt. But they will approach stormy weather in the second round as they face the #2 seeded team of (2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM). For singles coverage, let’s go to Lucius Webb.

Cut to Webb.

WEBB: Thanks, Dave. After being shut out in the first set, John Galt regained his composure and took care of Greg Meares, the 28th seed.

Cut to Galt interview.

GALT: Meares is more used to playing on this surface, but after the first set, I got my footing.

WEBB: You do realize that you just beat a top 30 player.

GALT: I didn’t really think about that, Dave. I just played my game, adjusted to counter his game and that was it. Believe me, it took a lot of adjustment.

WEBB: As the sun set on the National Racquet Club it also set on the two Andromedan women left in the singles draw. Carmen Doyle lost in straight sets to #3 Ardil Navasal, a Cenian national. But the news of the evening occurred during the late match between Peter Larry and Maggie Cho.

Cut to Cho match.

WEBB: With the recent rash of avian activity, this time, Maggie Cho was the victim. With a chance to win the fourth set tie-break and even up the match, a raven or a magpie… Some sort of black bird decided to plant itself on the net, just as Cho was about to serve. Down by match point, the distraction caused Cho hit the ball into the net, which resulted in a four set win for Peter Larry.

Cut to an interview with Cho.

MAGGIE CHO: In retrospect, Lucius, I should have aimed FOR the crow. Losing like this, it’s for the birds.

Cut to Webb.

WEBB: After a gruelling qualification schedule and two rounds of singles competition, nine Andromedans still have a shot at a title here in Ceni. Four doubles teams remain and John Galt is still standing in singles competition. This is Lucius Webb, Andromeda News Network.

[Electrum]

Electrum Lawn Tennis Association - News

Cassington twins all that remain

Three Electrumites were reduced down to two yesterday after Meares's disappointing performance against qualifier John Galt. It was a very lopsided match with Meares easily taking the first set 6-0. However, it all went downhill after that, conceding the next three sets as 1-6 4-6 0-6. Meares explained his choke as this, "I had a niggling ankle injury that reappeared at around the start of the second set, so I had no choice but to give that set away, but then the third set I decided that I really needed to fight back, but he got that lucky break. I think by then my frustration got the better of me as he won that last set with a bagel." Meares is known for his frequent outbursts and was not afraid at all to vocalise, screaming in frustration multiple times during the match.

But, he was the only Electrumite to fall. Both remaining twins of the Cassington twins advanced into the next round of competition - the third round. Maya Cassington defeated seeeded Duncan Newman in straight sets 6-1 7-5 6-1 and will face world number one, Elaine Foyner at home. Meanwhile, in another surprise outcome, Mia Cassington defeated another seed, Natalia Emilia Garcia of Costa De Ouro - also in three sets. This is where it gets interesting - Due to Javier Bochenek being defeated by Elizabeth Hines, there are no more top eight seeds left in the section, opening up the draw for an interesting opportunity for all players in that section. Up next for Maya will be Elizabeth Hines herself, and should that go well, she is in the running to get even more points to go higher in the rankings.

That's not the only good news for the pair though - the two of them defeated the Buat siblings in the late afternoon to book a second round match in the doubles as well. Three of the four teams advanced to the second round, with Joan Levitt and Deanne Smith crashing out to a qualifying pair from Semarland. Gold medallists and Electrum Slam champions Rosa Levinsky and Sonya Gredello face the Willis sisters from the Andromeda Islands up next. Also, following up from their disappointing losses in the first and second rounds respectively, Gates and Meares formed a partnership which advanced into the second round as well. If all goes right tomorrow, we may see the first Electrum vs Electrum matchup in the tournament. It will be a fun and interesting day tomorrow, so remember to check your TV Guides for the local times for when the Cenian Open is on.

[Val Halla]

Cambar all that remains for Val Halla

After a disappointing few days for Val Halla in the Cenian Open, Astrid Cambar is the only member of the Val Hallan group of athletes.


With the elimination of Gerdur Ivath yesterday, and both doubles teams getting massacred, all of Val Halla's sporting hopes lie on Cambar's shoulders.


The people backing Val Halla's efforts were only left hoping, especially after losing her first match against world 26th ranked Abi Forrest of Britonisea, she fought back to win all following matches 6 sets to 4, taking her through to the 3rd round of singles.

[Costa de Ouro]

I Fight Back

---

Blood spurts out of my veins
like the guts from a butchered chicken -
but I fight back
My dry mouth demandes water, but is as
dry as a day in the Atacama without rain
but I fight back
I might be beat before I even started -
but I fight back
I fight back
despite the hardships
or perhaps because of them
I am a trampoline -
whenever something brings me down,
I come back up again
Because I fight back
I fight back against hopelessness and despair -
because there is always hope
I fight back against hardship
Because hardship can be overcome
I fight back
I fight back
I
fight
back

[Ceni]

This is your cutoff for the third round of the Cenian Open.

Singles - Round 3

Section 1
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)                   6   7   6
Maya Cassington (ETM)                     4   5   4

(27) Leone Na (BRI)                       4   6   3   3
(16) Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)         6   3   6   6


Section 2
(Q) Elizabeth Hines (USD)                 6   4   6   3   6
Mia Cassington (ETM)                      2   6   1   6   1

(23) Rory Hasselhoff (SLL)                5   6   4   7   8
Lonus Varalin (CEN)                       7   3   6   5  10


Section 3
(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)           6   6   6
(WC) Astrid Cambar (VAL)                  2   2   2

(Q) Eduerde de Ainiene (CLG)              4   5   3
(12) Ciache Nagya (CEN)                   6   7   6


Section 4
(4) Ricardo Toli (BRI)                    7   4   1   6   3
(Q) Tayler Labeau (ALB)                   5   6   6   4   6

(21) Betty the Homeless Tadpole (DUH)     4   2   6   6   4
(Q) Gabriela Yount (ALB)                  6   6   4   4   6


Section 5
(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)               6   7   7
(32) James Lindsey (MLW)                  0   5   6

Anna Sharonova (MLW)                      1   4   6   6   8
(15) Reagan Harris (SLL)                  6   6   4   1   6


Section 6
(7) Kika Dovan (CEN)                      2   6   6   6
(31) Elia Xal (CEN)                       6   4   4   3

(19) Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)              6   3   6   2   7
(10) Botack Andiam (CEN)                  3   6   3   6   9


Section 7
(6) Brett Roley (EST)                     6   4   6   1
(WC) Ellela Thotan (CEN)                  7   6   1   6

(Q) John Galt (TAI)                       6   4   6   6
Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                     1   6   4   1


Section 8
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)                    6   6   6
(17) Jonathon Edwards (TSA)               2   2   3

Dioro Hansil (CEN)                        6   6   5   7   4
(14) Peter P Larry (BRI)                  3   7   7   5   6

Doubles - Round 1

Olivier Mosconi/Renata Baker (ALB)                      6   7   7
Akhtar Khan/Mehwish Khan (PAT)                          7   6   5

This match should have occurred on MD1 but I accidentally left it out

Doubles - Round 2

Section 1
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                              6   6
Gtay Cherheni/Adoy Gharhei (CTU)                        3   3

Vinicio Vestri/Tayler Labeau (ALB)                      6   6
(15) Rory Meel/Haley Redknapp (ALO)                     4   3

Dušan Ivanovic/Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                    6   6
Les Lo/Bethaa Surr (CEN)                                4   4

Olivier Mosconi/Renata Baker (ALB)                      6   1
(Q) Kat Valenti/Oda Mann (ALB)                          7   6

Section 2
(4) Perger Rianor/Ricpeer Rianor (CEN)                  6   7
(WC) Will Nolovor/Kell Korden (CEN)                     3   6

(Q) Violet Green/Bryce Lord (TAI)                       3   6
(11) Coosal Darlcheri/Gyrachor Rentos (CEN)             6   7

(9) Reagan Harris/Jen Walters (SLL)                     6   6
Amancio Raimundo Belo/Natalia Emilia Garcia (CDO)       3   3

Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich (TAI)                        6   3   6
(5) James Lindsey/Pedro Mendoza (MLW)                   1   6   4


Section 3
(2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM)                  6   6
Ashleigh Willis/Amber Willis (TAI)                      4   2

Brent Wales/Tony Stark (USD)                            5   7   3
(14) Aline Luiza Romao/Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)     7   6   6

(12) Samuel Gates/Greg Meares (ETM)                     6   7
(WC) Nick Schentling/Jonathan Albrechtsson (SEM)        0   5

Mia Cassington/Maya Cassington (ETM)                    6   4   5
Kika Dovan/Neia Dovan (CEN)                             2   6   7


Section 4
(3) Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)                   6   6
Fradina Johnson/Isabella Lopez (USD)                    0   1

Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll (TAI)                         4   6   6
(WC) Lasse Kristofersen/Sören Hölmlund (SEM)            6   2   3

(16) Leone Na/Abi Forrest (BRI)                         4   6   6
Aaron Murphy/Taylor Mars (EST)                          6   2   2

(Q) Ccari Cherhla/Czoth Cterlai (CTU)                   7   3   1
(Alt) Dioro Hansil/Lonus Varalin (CEN)                  5   6   6

[The Andromeda Islands]

The Cenian Open
Court #6
Cenial, Ceni
Saturday afternoon

John Galt has the day off after his win over Zoran Jovanovic yesterday. He spent the morning practicing with Dong. He’s now watching the doubles match where Judah Smith and Mark Driscoll are playing Lasse Kristofersen and Sören Hölmlund. Most of the other players are watching the Willis Sisters in their doubles match.

Smith and Driscoll are already up 4-1. They broke their opponents twice during the second and Smith is serving to put them up 5-1. He serves. Hulmond’s return flies out of bounds.

ANNOUNCER: Game. Smith/Driscoll.

Galt feels someone touch his hand. He looks over. It’s Yelena Kazakova. She’s wearing a hoodie and a baseball cap to hide her bald head.

GALT: Everyone else is watching the Willis sisters?

KAZAKOVA: Yeah. It doesn’t look good though. They’re playing the #2 seeds. Besides, I think their minds are somewhere else.

GALT: What do you mean?

KAZAKOVA: They’re both getting married once they get back home. There are more important things than tennis, you know.

GALT: Believe me, I know. I saw Bryce Lord and Violet Green play earlier. If I didn’t know better, I’d think there was something between them. They play well together.

KAZAKOVA: It wouldn’t surprise me if there was something. Just like you and Dong.

GALT: And you and Louis Rich. He’s a country club boy, like I was. I’m surprised that a free spirit like you…

KAZAKOVA: Louis isn’t a stuffed shirt like you, Galt. Besides, I got you to admit that you and Dong are…

GALT: I’ve been thinking. Should I ask her here or wait until the tournament is over?

Kazakova is shocked. Galt wasn’t known for making bold moves, and now he wants to know if he should ask Dong Si Yuan to marry him.

KAZAKOVA: Sometimes, the here-and-now is the best moment, John. I’ve done some thinking too. Perhaps I should scale down my schedule. Focus on doubles with Louis.

GALT: Maybe. You two work well together out there. Upsetting the Lindsey and Mendoza this morning, that was a shocker.

KAZAKOVA: And even back home, the singles draws aren’t getting any easier.

Galt and Kazakova watch Smith and Driscoll serve for the second set. A number of other Andromedan players show up to cheer on the boys. They walk down toward Galt and Kazakova just as Driscoll wins the final point of the second set. The crowd cheers

ANNOUNCER: Game and set. Smith / Driscoll.

KAZAKOVA: You think they’ll pull it off?

GALT: If Smith can keep Driscoll calm, they should.

[Ceni]

Take Me to the Meadow
Please, take me to the meadow
where grasses and daisies grow
please, take me to the meadow
in the midst of the dark forest
please, take me to the meadow
where lovers elope and families picnic
please, take me to the meadow
an island of calm in a stormy sea
please, take me to the meadow
where I can be free in this world
where I am hemmed in
please, take me to the meadow

[Ceni]

This cutoff will take us to the doubles and singles quarterfinals!

Singles - Round 4

Section 1
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)               7   7   6
(16) Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)     6   5   3


Section 2
(Q) Elizabeth Hines (USD)             3   3   6   2
Lonus Varalin (CEN)                   6   6   3   6


Section 3
(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)       4   6   6   7
(12) Ciache Nagya (CEN)               6   1   4   5


Section 4
(Q) Tayler Labeau (ALB)               7   7   7
(Q) Gabriela Yount (ALB)              6   5   5


Section 5
(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)           6   6   6   6   6
Anna Sharonova (MLW)                  3   7   7   3   4


Section 6
(7) Kika Dovan (CEN)                  6   7   7   6
(10) Botack Andiam (CEN)              7   5   5   3


Section 7
(WC) Ellela Thotan (CEN)              6   3   1
(Q) John Galt (TAI)                   7   6   6


Section 8
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)                6   6   6
(14) Peter P Larry (BRI)              3   4   3

Doubles - Round 3

Section 1
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                              6   6
Vinicio Vestri/Tayler Labeau (ALB)                      4   2

Dušan Ivanovic/Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)                    3   6   6
(Q) Kat Valenti/Oda Mann (ALB)                          6   3   3


Section 2
(4) Perger Rianor/Ricpeer Rianor (CEN)                  5   2
(11) Coosal Darlcheri/Gyrachor Rentos (CEN)             7   6

(9) Reagan Harris/Jen Walters (SLL)                     6   4   3
Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich (TAI)                        4   6   6


Section 3
(2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM)                  6   6
(14) Aline Luiza Romao/Andre Pedrinho Delgado (CDO)     1   4

(12) Samuel Gates/Greg Meares (ETM)                     3   2
Kika Dovan/Neia Dovan (CEN)                             6   6


Section 4
(3) Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)                   2   2
Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll (TAI)                         6   6

(16) Leone Na/Abi Forrest (BRI)                         5   7   6
(Alt) Dioro Hansil/Lonus Varalin (CEN)                  7   6   4

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA NEWS NETWORK
THE SPORTS HOUR
Cenian Open
Monday morning, ADET (Andromeda Eastern Time)

Dave Bishop reports from inside Beginnigans, a popular hang-out for Andromedan players. He sits across from John Galt.

BISHOP: Yesterday, the Cinderella story continued for John Galt in the singles. He won his Sweet 16 match against Ellena Thoton. John Galt is here with us.

Bishop turns to Galt.

BISHOP: Were you surprised at the crowd reaction yesterday?

GALT: Not really. Ellena Thoton is Cenian, so the crowd was understandably hostile, by tennis standards, at least until the end.

BISHOP: There are still four Cenians in the draw. You could also face the defending Champion in the semi-finals.

GALT: Dave, I’m just happy that one of us from our small country was fortunate enough to make it this far in the draw. I just play my game and hope the clock doesn’t strike midnight too soon.

BISHOP: Speaking of Cinderella stories, what about the two teams still in the doubles draw?

GALT: Well, I’ve played Yelena Kazakova and she’s tough to beat in any venue. She and Louis Rich are playing like veterans in that draw.

BISHOP: What about Smith and Driscoll?

GALT: The boys have exceeded expectations. Sometimes, a doubles duo just clicks right. I’m personally surprised that Judah Smith and Mark Driscoll have come this far.

BISHOP: A lot of people are surprised. With John Galt, I’m David Bishop.

Bishop takes off his mic and shakes hands with Galt, wishing him good luck.

--------------------

At around 3pm, Judah Smith serves. He tries to aim the ball right at Leo Garry. He serves. Garry’s return floats out of bounds.

ANNOUNCER: Game, set and match, Smith / Driscoll.

The sky is overcast. The players have heard thunder throughout the last few games. Thankfully, it hasn’t rained yet. At that moment, it hadn’t occurred to either the boys that they had just defeated the #3 doubles team in the tournament. They are just happy to finish the match before it rained. Once they find their way to the locker room, Smith checks his iPhone while Driscoll get ready to shower. Smith is surprised to learn that Leo Garry and Elizabeth Quehall were the #3 doubles team in the world.

SMITH: Hey, Mark. You up for Begnnigans for an early dinner? We’ll watch Louis Rich and his b*tch play from there.

Louis Rich’s partner is Yelena Kazakova.

DRISCOLL: Aren’t they playing right now?

--------------------

Across the way, in one of the Grandstand courts, Yelena Kazakova and Louis Rich are playing Reagan Harris and Jen Walters of Super Llamaland. Their match started a little earlier than the Smith / Driscoll match. They’ve held serve and are even at 3 apiece in the final set when the rain starts. The players retreated to their locker rooms. Rich changes his clothes. Kazakova takes her clothes and wrings them out in the shower.

As Rich comes out, he notices that Kazakova hasn’t showered or really changed her clothes. She’s barefoot.

KAZAKOVA: You brought a whole change of clothes, didn’t you Richie?

RICH: Yeah. In case these got wet.

Kazakova shakes her head as she puts her sneakers on. Rich notices that she didn’t put her socks on. Rich decides not to put on the fresh pair of socks that he brought. He’s learned a lot just from watching Kazakova. He leaves the socks in the bag and puts his shoes on.

The rain stopped after about 15 minutes. The match resumes about 15 minutes later. The momentum has changed in Rich and Kazakova’s favour. They broke Harris and Walters in the first game after the rain delay. Walters is serving now, down love-40 at match point. She serves. Rich returns the ball right back to Walters. Walters hits the ball high up, in the hopes that it will land in bounds. It lands about 5 inches short of the net. The crowd cheers.

ANNOUNCER: Game, Kazakova and Rich.

--------------------

Back in the locker room, Rich and Kazakova change into street clothes.

RICH: You up for Beginnigans?

KAZAKOVA: Sure, this time.

Kazakova usually made her own meals in her room. She normally keeps a strict diet, but sees no harm in going out once in a while.

RICH: I’m curious. Why didn’t you wear your socks when we went back out?

KAZAKOVA: What?

RICH: Your socks. You took them off when we went in and you didn’t put them back on. Is it some spiritual thing, like that Yoga stuff you do all the time?

KAZAKOVA: No. I just don’t like the feel of wet socks on my feet.

Rich is surprised.

RICH: Really? That’s it?

KAZAKOVA: Richie, do you like that cold, wet feeling on your feet?

RICH: I guess not.

Both Rich and Kazakova are nearly dressed.

KAZAKOVA: Does Beginnigans have like “cheese burger” cheese burgers or fast food type cheese burgers?

Rich is confused.

RICH: They make real cheese burgers.

KAZAKOVA: That’s good. I haven’t had a real cheeseburger in a long time.

[Ceni]

Here are your quarterfinals cutoffs!

Singles - Quarterfinals

Finals
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)             4   6   6   6
Lonus Varalin (CEN)                 6   4   1   4

(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)     6   7   6
(Q) Tayler Labeau (ALB)             4   5   3

(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)         6   3   6   6   6
(7) Kika Dovan (CEN)                7   6   2   3   2

(Q) John Galt (TAI)                 4   6   6   3
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)              6   2   7   6

Doubles - Quarterfinals

Section 1
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                      6   6
Dušan Ivanovic/Zoran Jovanovic (CDO)            3   3


Section 2
(11) Coosal Darlcheri/Gyrachor Rentos (CEN)     4   7   2
Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich (TAI)                6   6   6


Section 3
(2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM)          6   6
Kika Dovan/Neia Dovan (CEN)                     2   4


Section 4
Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll (TAI)                 6   6
(16) Leone Na/Abi Forrest (BRI)                 2   3

[The Andromeda Islands]

National Racquet Club
Cenial, Ceni
Wednesday

After an impressive run, John Galt’s star finally fell yesterday against #3 seeded Ardil Navsal. Galt is the first Andromedan singles player to advance to an international tournament quarterfinal in nearly two decades.

Galt sits with his fiancée, Dong Si Yuan, in the stands as Yelena Kazakova and Louis Rich struggle against Cenites Coosal Dorlcheri and Gyrachar Rentor for a place in the semi. Their match is in a tie-break. Neither side has broken after about 20 points.

Meanwhile, in the stands, Galt is approached by five young fans. Four of the five are women. The tallest one is about 6’3” and sits next to Galt. She starts to speak.

GALT: After the tiebreak’s over.

Kazakova serves. The ball is returned. Rich makes a desperation lob from the baseline. Rentor smashes the ball, gaining the first mini-break of the tie-breaker.

GALT: Check out their body language.

Kazakova and Rich are bouncing as if they’re ready for a third set. Meanwhile, Dolcheri and Rentor appear exhausted.

GALT: The Cenites are spent. They don’t have another set in them. Kaz and Rich do.

The young man sits behind Galt and Dong. He hands his tennis program to Galt.

YOUNG MAN: Excuse me, Mr. Galt. Can I have your autograph?

GALT: In a second. What’s you’re name.

YOUNG MAN: Russell Knox. This is Lupe Gomez, my partner.

Galt realizes that these five are the next crop of Andromedans to join the international circuit. Meanwhile, Dolcheri serves for the second set. Louis Rich returns Dolcheri’s serve, but it lands well out of bounds. The crowd cheers.

ANNOUNCER: Game and set, Dolcheri and Rentor.

As the crowd cheers, Galt gives the young people some advice.

GALT: (yelling over the cheers) You should watch the Smith /Driscoll match. There more of us there.

KNOX: (yelling) Thanks, Mr. Galt. We’ll do that.

As the five leave, something occurs to Galt. He turns to Dong.

GALT: Russell Knox. That’s the former President’s son? I thought he would be a lot taller.

DONG: He takes after his mother.

----------

Russell Knox and his doubles partner, Lupe Gomez, will replace Ashleigh and Amber Willis on the international roster of Andromedan players. Their three friends, Britt Mack, Kay Jackson and Megan Williams will also join the international circuit as singles players.

Aside from Galt and Dong, all of the Andromedan tennis players still in Ceni are watching Smith and Driscoll play Leone Na and Abi Forrest. Driscoll and Smith are discussing something during their game.

DRISCOLL: (returning a serve) You ever serve a mission?

SMITH: I have, and it…

Smith hits the ball back toward Na.

SMITH: Sucked!.

Na hits the ball toward Driscoll.

DRISCOLL: WHY did you do it?

Forrest hits the ball toward Smith.

SMITH: Be-CAUSE I’d never been to World Assembly Territory before.

Forrest hits the ball to Driscoll.

DRISCOLL: You mean it WASN’T to convert people?

Leone Na hits the ball to Smith.

SMITH: HELL, no.

The crowd cheers the first break of the match. Smith and Driscoll are up 3-1 in the first.

----------

Smith and Driscoll won the first set and are up 5-3 and 30-love. Driscoll serves. Leone Na hits it to Smith.

SMITH: What do you think of KAZA-kova?

Forrest hits it to Driscoll.

DRISCOLL: I THINK she’s a weirdo.

Forrest hits the ball to Smith.

SMITH: I THINK she’s a smart lady.

Driscoll looks over at Smith for a moment as the crowd cheers. They’re up 40-love.

DRISCOLL: (yelling) You really thing so?

SMITH: (yelling) Yeah. She told me that sometimes, to be at your best, you should think of something else while you’re playing a match.

DRISCOLL: Yeah right. I’ll believe it when I…

Driscoll looks around. He checks the scoreboard. He’s about to serve match point for a spot in the Cenian Open semi-finals.

DRISCOLL: Yelena Kazakova really is a smart lady.

[Electrum]

Electrum Lawn Tennis Association - News

Trouble Stirring in Doubles Tournament

So that just happened. What? The doubles tournament is in semifinal mode, and yet only two of the old guard remain - Gredello and Levinsky, and the Xal sisters. The other two pairs, were surprisingly not Arthur and Akerman nor Garry and Quehall, but two pairs that no one had ever heard of in the first place from the Andromeda Islands. It just goes to show how surprisingly fickle the world of doubles tennis is - it seems that anyone can just waltz right in and make it into the semifinals of a grand slam competition. So easy, right?

The Andromedans have had a successful run in this tournament to say the least, having a qualifier reach the quarterfinals as well as having two of the four pairs into the semifinals of the doubles tournament. Standing in their way are arguably, the two best doubles teams right now, with a grand slam, gold medal and multiple tournaments between them, they are going to be the hardest nuts to crack. Never has the tennis world seen an intense rivalry of this scale before, but before that are the semifinals.

Both Andromedan pairs as a result of this tournament leap up to seventh in the world in this competition, so we could potentially see the end of this rivalry, but they have yet to prove their worth against the best of the best. First up is Smith/Driscoll who are going up against the Olympic gold medallists Sonya Gredello and Rosa Levinsky. Gredello and Levinsky have formed a formidable relationship, after their debut in the Hamilton International saw them up front and centre in the tennis world, and they have stayed up their with the best ever since.

Their main strategy is to go for the unreturnable balls, and just to keep that ball in for another shot, and often pull the possible from the impossible. They are also known as serve and volley players, being a rare breed but their quick net knowledge will surely pull them through the line, with whatever challenges they face. As for Smith and Driscoll? Not much about their playing style is known, but what we do know is that they are known for their arguments on court as well as against the referee. A doubles pair is only as strong as their weakest link, and if they argue on top of that, then how could they do so well in a tournament where teamwork and cooperation are paramount?

Meanwhile, on the other semifinal is the Xal sisters and Kazakova/Rich. I'm sure the viewers at home already know who they are, but they are the best doubles pair in all of the multiverse after Gredello and Levinsky lost very early on in an earlier competition (Cenial Masters). Kazakova and Rich are the other Andromedan pair to make the finals, and also, little is known about their play style and tactics. However, what is known is that Kazakova is ranked number one in the Andromeda Islands, so it must mean something, right?

All eyes will be on both semifinals matches tomorrow, and we will see whether or not the Andromedan runs were a fluke or not. The Xal sisters and Gredello/Levinsky need to be weary about an upset, and will need to focus more on their game rather than the opposing side more than anything else. Now is not the time to stand in awe over the two new pairs, but a time to show them who is boss.

[Ceni]

Cutoff today and tomorrow will probably be two hours earlier.

[Ceni]

This is your semifinal cutoff!

Singles - Semifinals

Semifinals
(1) Elaine Foyner (CEN)             6   3   7   4   6
(5) Amancio Raimundo Belo (CDO)     1   6   6   6   1

(2) Aline Luiza Romao (CDO)         1   2   0
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)              6   6   6

Doubles - Semifinals

Finals
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                 7   4   6
Yelena Kazakova/Louis Rich (TAI)           5   6   4

(2) Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinski (ETM)     6   6
Judah Smith/Mark Driscoll (TAI)            3   4