2nd Semi-annual Bergnovinaian Open (Draws, RP, Results)

[Bergnovinaia]

Here is the sign up thread: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=38114

Here is the men's singles draw:



Here is the women's singles draw:



OOC: HA! I win!

Provided that the link is good, scorination will begin tomorrow evening 9 EST.

[Delaclava]

Here is the men's singles draw:

C:\Program Files\Tournament Bracket Builder\bracket.html (I am not sure if this link is good so please tell me because I highly doubt it. If you know how to transform this into something I can post on here, please tell me).

Provided that the link is good, scorination will begin tomorrow evening 9 EST.

It's not working. I suggest that you take a screenshot of the bracket, and upload to a photo-hosting site such as Photobucket.

What could also work is that you save the document as a PDF, then upload that.

[Bergnovinaia]

Here is the men's singles draw:

C:\Program Files\Tournament Bracket Builder\bracket.html (I am not sure if this link is good so please tell me because I highly doubt it. If you know how to transform this into something I can post on here, please tell me).

Provided that the link is good, scorination will begin tomorrow evening 9 EST.

It's not working. I suggest that you take a screenshot of the bracket, and upload to a photo-hosting site such as Photobucket.

What could also work is that you save the document as a PDF, then upload that.

OOC: Fixed it!

[A mean old man]

Cranfield challenges the subject from AMOM. Sorry to say, but my subject will be victorious, and this man's entrails shall hang from the citadel walls!

Wait... we don't do that here, do we? How dull.

[Bergnovinaia]

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am Susan Bronwell with BergNews Live reporting to you from the Zunkowsky Tennis Complex in Hourk, Bergnovinaia. Today, our sports analyst, Bob Creshendo is here with us to talk about the men's singles event of the Bergnovinaian Open which begins tomorrow. Thanks for being here Bob."

"More than happy to be here," said Bob.

"Now, let's talk about the match that most people will be watching tomorrow, the match between Darren Giles of Deleclava and Jerry Fink of Andrewboy."

"There really isn't much to talk about," chuckled Bob. "Giles in ranked in the top 3 players in the world and Fink is making his international debut. It should be a very easy match for Giles but we will have to see what happens. Remember, this match is on centre court which means the players have the ability to challage calls during the match."

"Fascinating," said Susan. "Onto our next subject; Marcus Kay or Tyrinn vs. Greg Lewis of Deadly Terrorists."

"Again, another easy match for the Tyrinnian athlete who's ranked 3rd in the world. Lewis, like Find of Andrewboy, is making his international debut and is not expected to defeat Kay."

"Finally, the hometown hero's match, Ivan Crush of Hourk, Bergnovinaia vs. Harley Rawlings of Mount Kip."

"Ivan is expected to do well in this tournament because he finished in the semi-finals in the last Bergnovinaian Open. However, Rawlings will likely put up and admirable fight and could potentially beat Crush if he uses extreme concentration."

"Were out of time. Thanks for being here Bob and for BergNews Live I am Susan Bronwell saying, good night."

[Bergnovinaia]

OOC: Remember to RP everyone so you can get the RP bonus! Scorination for the men's first round is at 9 EST tonight!

[Grittonia]

Peter Rofit, Grittonian Tennis player and Minister of Trade, stood on the field.
Looking sharp as always, he took his phone, wrote a work-related message then threw his phone to the side...
TZZZZ...KLABAM!
The phone broke and suddenly bursted into flames.
Cursing in Grittonian, Peter then looked forward and waited until his opponent would come..

[Sarzonia]

It wasn't exactly news that David Polley and Joann Grimsley stayed in separate hotel rooms. The fact the two didn't get on outside the tennis courts was common knowledge among the Sarzonian tennis establishment.

However, no one cared that they weren't on each other's Christmas card list, or that they didn't exactly wish each other Happy Birthday. When it came to their tennis exploits, they worked well together. Evidence of this could be seen in the two shiny Scott Cup trophies that gleamed behind a casing at the tennis headquarters in Portland.

Fortunately for Polley, he didn't have to deal with Grimsley's constant nagging relating to his game. He had a coach for that, as did Grimsley. He could explore Bergnovinaia and try to learn a new culture, since he had quickly become rather familiar with Delaclava's. As for Grimsley, she could practice at the tennis facility, or even at the hotel tennis court at all hours of the night.

Polley was more than willing to sample the local cuisine. However, Grimsley complained that there were no restaurants nearby that served Sarzonian food. Even the lone Pacitalian restaurant near the hotel was incredibly pricey. They'd have to travel three blocks south to find a Delaclav restaurant. For Grimsley, she'd be all but a regular there by the time her tennis revels were done.

After a night to sleep off the jet leg that accompanied their long trek from Fennerby Airport in Portland, Polley spent the early afternoon hours studying tape of Greater Americania's Richard Dix, Polley's first opponent in the Bergnovinaian Open, after his post-breakfast and pre-lunch training session.

As for Grimsley, she spent the early morning hours hitting a tennis ball and practicing, first with Polley's coach (who was pleased to get a workout in and some coaching time with Polley resting), then her own coach. She didn't know her assignment yet, but she figured she wanted to be ready for Day 1 when it happened.

[Tyrrin]

Marcus Kay arrived in style, as usual, to a five-star hotel in Bergnovinaia. His limo pulled up slowly, and as he stepped out of the back seat, the flashes of dozens of cameras immediately lit the tennis star. His long blond hair stirred in the light breeze as he made his way towards the hotel doors. Before he could reach them, a TNN reporter stopped him.

"Marcus, what are you expectations coming into this tournament?" he asked.

"You know what to expect by now. There will be lots of great matches, but I'm confident I can get to the late stages. But the story ends with Darren Giles and I. Its on now. Our football players are taking Delaclava on in the group stage, and I'm here to give them a bit of a morale boost. We have a bit of a rivalry going on, and that is where the show will be. If it doesn't end up that way, I will be very disappointed."

With that, Kay turned and strode into the hotel, cameras flashing behind him.

[Johz]

Transcript of Johz National News, Tue Feb 21^st 2010

REPORTER 1:
"Hello, my name is Grace Gurgla, and I'm here, outside the Johz National Sports Center in Johzian, our wonderful capital city, to report, as Olive Oliver, national hero, and his fellow tennis mates leave Johz for Bergnovinaia. The sun is shining, the people are cheering, and I can tell you honestly, there are some people who even think we might win a match! Behind me, you might be able to hear the Great Johz Horn Band playing our national anthem, and over there, just behind the flags, is that, oh, I think it might be, yes, it is! Our glorious leader has left his padded cell to see our heroes off! Yes, you can really start to get a feel for the occasion!"

NEWSREADER 1:
"Wow, that certainly seems exciting, doesn't it Sarah?"

NEWSREADER 2:
"Yes, This is looking like an interesting event. The Head of Sports is about to make a speech. Bill Broson is on the scene."

REPORTER 2:
"The Head of Sports certainly is about to make a speech. He's standing there at the podium as we speak. Oh? Something seems to have happened! Yes, the paramedics on seen are all rushing forwards. The Head of Culture has stepped forwards and lifted the Head of Sports off the platform, he's been carried away. I can't quite work out what's happening, but I'll make sure I tell you as soon as we work it out."

NEWSREADER 1:
"Well, never mind, he'll probably be okay. Now, back to Grace, who seems to have found a willing volunteer to interview."

REPORTER 1:
"Yes I certainly have! Now, Mr..."

VICTIM VOLUNTEER:
"Millhepp. Mike Millhepp."

REPORTER 1:
"So what do you think is going to happen?"

VOLUNTEER:
"Well, personally, I doubt any of us are going to survive the next few weeks, but if someone manages to, he'll probably face a nuclear wasteground. Or a dust-bowl."

REPORTER 1:
"Do you have any thoughts one the tennis tournament?"

VOLUNTEER:
"Olive might manage to score a point. Don't they have something to do with love? I hope he's not going to go off and marry some foreign woman. Don't like foreign women. They're all bast-"

REPORTER 1:
"Fascinating reports here from the ordinary man, but I think Bill has an update for us on the Head problems."

REPORTER 2:
"I certainly do! Apparently The Head of Sport swallowed his contact lenses, and now he can't see or speak, and he certainly can't read out his speech. But never mind, I'm sure the Johzians aren't going to let something like that bother them. Back to you in the newsroom!"

[Kaszubia]

Wiśnëwska To Compete in Bergnovinianan Open

Kòscérzëna - AP - Zofia Wiśnëwska stands poised for greatness as the tennis pro prepares to make her international tennis debut at next week's Bregnovianan Open. Wiśnëwska publicly announced her decision to compete on the international circuit after a spectacular victory over Katarzyna Lewandówska in the final rounds of October's Nówy Gduńsk Woman's Open, clenching her second back-to-back win at the prestigious national competition.

Wiśnëwska has long been hailed as the Kaszubian Henin, both for her excelent footspeed and for the unorthodox single-hand backhand, which she used recently to clench her victory over Lewandówska in 2009. Wiśnëwska plays a precise, technical game based around her single-handed backhand, which she uses to devastating effect to impart dangerous underspin or for her deadly drop shot. This style of play has also been compared to that of a young Roger Federer. When asked for her feelings on being compared to one of tennis' greats, Wiśnëwska said, "For me to be compared to [Federer] is such an honor. He epitomizes perfection in my style of play, and it is his [eastern] grip which my father first taught me to use. I hope one day to be as successful as Federer has been and to do my family and my country proud."

The tennis prodigy has been competing for almost ten years, ever since Zofia won her first juniors tournament at the age of 15. Her head coach and trainer happens to be none other than her own father, Tadeusz Wiśnëwski, a former internationally ranked tennis player himself. Wiśnëwski gave up his dream of becoming a tennis star when his wife passed in 2000. Left to raise a child alone, he imparted his dream to his young daughter and nurtured her abilities ever since. Now, as she steps up to compete internationally, is what he has described as his proudest moment.

The father and daughter team will be traveling to Bergnovinaia at the end of the week, along with longtime training partner Ewa Pùcka. "I plan to spend my time preparing," said the tennis star. "Pùcka is a wonderful partner and she'll be a great help preparing me for my opponents. I just can't wait until the Women's match-ups are announced. Then the real training can begin."

Wiśnëwska trains out of her home town, Kòscérzëna. "We have an excellent facility and some wonderful trainers here," said Wiśnëwska's head coach (and father) Tadeusz Wiśnëwski. "We'll make the most out of that while preparing for this competition... I know [Zofia] is mentally ready for the tournament and I've never seen her game better than she showed in Nówy Gduńsk. Everyone here will be praying for her sucess in Bergnovinaia, and I don't think they will be disappointed."

[Eastfield Lodge]

From ELTV Sports Channel

"Well, the national team and its affiliated team are both prepared for the World Cup, but that's not all Eastfield Lodge's athletes are competing in. Two men and two women have arrived in Bergovinaia for the 2nd Semi-Annual Bergovinaian Open, which happens to be the major international debut for all four of our competitors. George Hussain will be Jason Aldercott of Sivonaa whereas Hassan Bell will be playing his match against Peter Rofit of Grittonia, the latter probably being a much tougher match-up than the first. The two women, Malaika Said and Victoria Fatima, have not had their draws announced, and this is the case for both the doubles. All we can do here is rout for these four."

[Toiletdonia]

The Toiletdonian FA for Tennis offical's woke up sore and hung over.

FATO1: Who why am I wallowing in vodka?

FATO2: How should I know?

FATO1: Wait we boozed didn't we?

FATO2: Yes.

FATO1: So who did we choose for the tennis toulament?

FATO2: I don't know.

FATO1: Let's check.

FIVE MINUTES LATER.

FATO1: No.

FATO2: Not the box of sweedish vodka and sellotape.

FATO1: Whoops.

[Malour]

Malour Times

Today the draw for the Bergnovinaian Open were published. Malour natives Joe Gregory and Frank Deniselson will be competing in the tournament. Gregory has been a tennis player in Malour for three years, although he is very good, the lack of real quality tennis matches in Malour keep him from his potential. Deniselson doesn't have the same experience. He just picked up a racket for the first time a few days after hearing about the tournament. His coach says Frank shows some real raw talent. He's more athletic than anyone I've ever seen, but his backhand and serves are terrible. With some work, he could be a great tennis player. Joe Gregory will be facing Bjorn Svensen and Frank Deniselson will be facing Fred Frank.

[Delaclava]

Darren Giles: A New Man

Five years ago, Darren Giles was nothing. He was a hot-headed 27-year-old tennis player in physical therapy for a dislocated right shoulder and a torn left ACL. His highest world ranking was number 7, and he had no Grand Slam titles to his name. At the time of his injuries, he was ranked 20th, and had only gotten into one Masters or Grand Slam final in the past two years.

Now, at 32 years old, he's mellowed down. And his tennis career had reflected both increased skill and a mature attitude. He ascended to number 2 in the nation, trailing only Rocco Davis. In the first international play of tennis besides the Olympics, Giles stunned the world by winning the Kemball Island Masters, and then reaching the finals of the Orean Masters. Although the NIFT was later discontinued, Giles wasn't done; he continued on to a bronze-medal win at the Fourth Summer Olympics in Aeropag, won the National Championships to finish off a season that put him at the top spot in the rankings, both nationally and internationally.

He, along with women's No. 1 Albertina Iniesta, have made it to three Scott Cup finals, albeit with no championships. In these three tournaments, Giles has played 19 singles matches and has never lost, which involved beating such stars as Marcus Kay of Tyrrin and David Polley of Sarzonia. In the five years of his new era, Giles has had eight Grand Slam titles to his credit, and many more Masters victories. He and Davis continue to trade the No. 1 back and forth. And he and his wife, Sarah, have welcomed two kids to the family.

This Bergnovinaian Open first-round match may not seem that special. Sure, Giles is the 1 seed and faces Jerry Fink of Andrewboy, who makes his international debut. But this is the five-year anniversary of Giles' first professional match in returning to tennis. It's also the sixth anniversary of his marriage to Sarah, who Giles has credited with "turning my life around".

According to Davis, the matured Giles keeps his own colorful character in check. "I do like to party and mess around, but through his own life experiences he's shown me where the line is. He's like an older brother to me."

As for Giles, " I couldn't have done it without Sarah, my family and friends, and also Rocco. I've really enjoyed becoming a new man and a new player."

We have too. Good luck.

[Bergnovinaia]

That's a good cut off for the men's singles bracket RPIng for day 1. The results will be up sometime in the next few hours.

[Wolfenium]

Wolfenium Imperial News Agency (WINA) - Sports Update

Leah Bäcker, Correspondent for the WINA in Bergnovinaia

Horuk, Bergnovinaia. It is the 2nd Semi-annual Bergnovinaian Open and on the courts of the Zunkowsky tennis complex, the best and brightest of the tennis world will converge and compete for the coveted trophies of the Bergnovinaian Open and ultimate victory. However, this will be no ordinary tournament, as this Open will also mark the debut of one of Wolfenium's youngest tennis prodigies on the international stage, Nilüfer Ay (pronounced Ni-loo-fehr Ai).

Young Ay was born in the town of Ostersund, in the Imperial Province of Nordland, on the 10th day of Spätwinter, 280 I.M. (equivalent of 10 of January, 1990) to a pair of Topazcan refugees making end's meet working odd jobs. As a child, Ay was stigmatised by her fellow peers over her race and religion and was often the target of many bullies. Her ethnic and national background is a source for spite and discontent for many Wolfeners, as Topazca was and still is a part of Amythyist and the Topazcans are worshippers of the same deities as ethnic Amythysians. Given the public's attitude towards Wolfenium's belligerent neighbour, it's little wonder why little Ay was a target for abuse, as one former classmate recounted:

We used to pick on her a lot, partially because many of our parents and teachers did not object to it. They never liked Amythyist and many felt sidelined by these refugees because they assumed that they were getting "special treatment" from the government. We were young, foolish; we were rarely told to stop; because when anyone did, we would call him a traitor for protecting an Amythysian.

However, many do felt sympathetic to the Ay family's plight, as with many other immigrants across Astol. One such person, former tennis legend and tennis instructor Franz Schmidt, even offered to teach Ay tennis for free. This was where young Ay's interests start to show.

I used to see her behind the fence near the tennis courts in the academy grounds a lot. While I was tutoring my students, she would hide in the woods nearby and note down everything I said. I doubt she could ever make out a career in the Orden's Dolch or Schild . So, one day, while she was watching my students practice, I crept up from behind to her ear and whispered, "So, you want to learn tennis?" She was so shocked she ran off. Nevertheless, when she returned the next day to apologize, I offered her private lessons without charge. There was something about her I found very interesting. I can't explain why. Maybe it was Stannus' (king of gods in ancient Wolfenium mythology) calling.

Thus, it was under Schmidt's tutoring that Ay started to hone her skills. At the age of 14, she was the top player in her junior high school tennis team and she decided to participate the Imperial Junior Open. Her parents, who had hoped that she would go into a science or business-oriented career, initially objected. However, after weeks of begging, her parents relented, and Ay made her début in the local tennis scene. An unknown in earlier tournaments, she made headlines for the first time when she defeated Amythyist's 1st seed Sophia Kurylenko in the Amythysian Open in the quarter-finals. Although she later lost out to fellow Wolfener Anna Schiffer in the semi-finals, her skill in tennis, despite her inexperience, had sent shockwaves throughout the region as she had earned herself thousands of fans throughout her ancestral and adopted homelands. However, public opinion is divided over her participation and Ay, now 20, is again hit by the same skepticism and xenophobia that had rocked her childhood.

I don't find any problems having Ay play for our country, she is an imperial citizen, through and through! Racial and religious prejudice should not have a place in a society built on the foundation of immigrants!

I understand the position of these immigrants and refugees, but I just don't feel comfortable having one of them represent my country. It looks as if our country is too reliant on immigrants...

She's an outsider! a heretic! That's all there is to it! She's a freak, and I don't like her!

Wolfenium ultra-nationalists, who have long campaigned for anti-immigration laws, made their message very clear on the streets of Wolfsburg that they will not stand to have someone of "Amythysian" blood stand for them. The Ministry for Community, Youth and Sports had confirmed over 50 death threats in the coming Open. But Miss Ay is unfazed:

I have nothing to prove to these people. I will not cower just because ther are some out there who couldn't stand to see a fellow citizen playing for her people and country. But I will prove to those who believe in me this: I will play, I will try and I fight to win.

And so, Miss Ay's quest for glory in Bergnovinaia begins. Her first match will be against 2nd Seed Karen Simon of Libertarian Governance. We wish her all the best in the coming matches and all our athleles the best in their endeavours. This is Leah Bäcker, WINA, signing off.

[Bergnovinaia]

OOC: After tedious hours of scorination, the results from the men's singles round of 32 can be found in the following IC response in the spolier.

IC: "Greetings ladies and gentlemen. As you already know, I am Susan Bronwell with BergNews Live. Today, the men's singles round of 32 matches were played among the various tennis courts at Horuk Bergnovinaia. However, we do not have the time to talk about all of the matches so the scores can be found here:

Darren Giles (DEL) vs. Jerry Fink (AWB) (3-6), (6-4), (6-2), (2-6), (7-5).
Corfhold Launderingham (DPL) vs. Peter Parn (JOZ) (7-6 (7-4)), (4-6), (4-6), (6-3), (5-7).
Joe Gregory (MAL) vs.Bjorn Svensen (JBL) (7-5), (7-5), (3-6), (3-6), (6-3).
Jack Lee (JBS) vs. Craig Bertier (WHT) (3-6), (3-6), (4-6).
Ivan Crush (BER) vs. Harley Rawlings (RMK) (6-4), (5-7), (4-6), (5-7).
Theron Odijius (THA) vs. Jason Muller (LBG) (6-2), (1-6), (2-6), (6-3), (6-4).
Jason Adercott (SIV) vs. George Hussain (EFL) (4-6), (1-6), (4-6).
Richard Dix (FGA) vs. David Polley (SRZ) (3-6), (3-6), (6-4), (6-1), (1-6).
Rocco Davis (DEL) vs. Brandon Lowe (DT) (6-4), (2-6), (1-6), (6-3) (4-6).
Hassan Bell (EFL) vs. Peter Rofit (GRT) (7-5), (6-1), (6-3).
A roll of sellotape (TOL) vs. John Frank (BEN) (6-4), (6-4), (5-7), (6-1).
Shane Villeda (USB) vs. Simon Nahar (RAS) (6-4), (6-3), (1-6), (6-4).
Subject A465T124 M (AMM) vs. Allen Cranfield (USB) (0-6), (7-5), (1-6), (4-6).
Fred Frank (BEN) vs. Frank Deniselson (MAL) (6-7 (8-10)), (6-3), (7-5), (6-4).
Ux Eti Ozori Dijivana'i (MAR) vs. Andrey Mladlen (LTH) (4-6), (4-6), (6-1), (7-6 (7-3)), (6-4).
Greg Lewis (DT) vs. Marcus Kay (TYR) (2-6), (4-6), (6-0), (6-3), (1-6).

Let's take you straight to the important matches though.

Darren Giles of Deleclava, ranked in the top 3 international players, was struggling to hold his own against Andrewboy's Jerry Fink in the 5 set match that ended (3-6), (6-4), (6-2), (2-6), (7-5). As expected, Deleclava came out on top.

Marcus Kay of Tyrinn, ranked #3 in the NS world, also struggled in his match against Greg Lewis of Deadley Terrorists. However, like Giles of Deleclava, Kay came out on top (2-6), (4-6), (6-0), (6-3), (1-6).

In a shocking turn of events, Bergnovinaia's own Ivan Crush lost in a 4 set match to Harley Rawlings of Mount Kip (6-4), (5-7), (4-6), (5-7). Here to comment on the unsuspected loss, Crush's coach, Louis Knoff himself. Thanks for coming on the show today Mr. Knoff."

"It's a pleasure to be here," said Louis Knoff.

"So, what went wrong in Ivan's match?"

"Well, it was a combination of things really. Ivan told me the day before that he was extremely anxious about playing in front of his home country, so that likely contributed to it. Another key factor was probably a lack of focus and possibly anger. Loius seemd to have good concentration in the first set, which he won 6-4 but after Rawlings defeated him in the second set 7-5, you could see things went downhill from there. Ivan tried to make several offensive shots that were far out because of his anger from losing the second and third set, followed of course by the fourth set."

"Thanks for you opinion," interjected Susan Bronwell. "I'm afraid that' all the time we have folks. Join us tomorrow when we have scores for the women's event and the draw after the men's round of 32."

[Wolfenium]

After the Men's Singles

Under the pale Bergnovinaian moonlight, the hotel restaurant was abuzz with activity. As a five-star accommodation, it was a popular choice among the rich and affluent throughout the world, as many of its guest were prominent people in the economic, political and social spheres. Most recently though, the hotel is playing host to a number of international tennis stars, all vying for the coveted prize in the Bergnovinaian Open. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, one guest in particular, a brunette with fair skin and hazel eyes, stood out. Sitting at a corner of the restaurant facing the city skyline, she visibly fazed amidst the gazes of the partying guests. She had a petite stature, standing only 149cm in height. Dressed in a modest burgundy gown, the outfit had left quite a lot to a man's imagination. Her head was bowed down, as if she was trying to hide. Her youthful face, obscured by the shadows, contorted slightly as she struggled to hold her nerves. That girl was Nilüfer Ay, Wolfenium's upcoming tennis star.

"Miss Schröder, can't we move to another hotel. One with less... nobles...", she asked the female official in front of her.

"Absolutely not!" She exclaimed, maintaining an upright posture as her lower arms rested on the table, her hands clasped together. "Our ministry paid good money for these accommodations just for you! You should be thankful you are here!"

"But Miss Schröder..." Ay muttered. She knew fully well why she was able to compete in the first place. Had Anna Schiffer, Wolfenium's top tennis champion, accepted the invitation to the Open and not decline due to her commitments to the Orden, Nilüfer would not have had the chance to play outside Astol. Instead, her eyes shifted towards the hordes of partying, half-drunk men eyeing on her, their rosy faces bore huge grins like a group of Cheshire cats.

Schröder's eyes also turned to the offending group who winced at seeing the stern, dowdy disciplinarian staring at them. Having grasped the situation, she retorted, "ignore these ruffians! We are better than those lousy men. The women of Wolfenium are of great class and high moral standing. I would never even consider fraternizing with such an unsightly bunch. And I expect the same from you, Miss Ei!" Schröder's black, sharp eyes narrowed as she laid another of her rhetorics on Nilüfer.

"It's pronounced 'Ai', Miss..."

"Whatever. In any case, you'll be safe with us around. Let Steiner and I worry about these troublemakers. You just focus on the tournament. You got a big match ahead. Now, if you excuse me, I got to contact the ministry."

"I understand..." Nilüfer muttered, as Schröder got out of her chair. Now, with her minder gone, Nilüfer turned her attention towards a towering figure at the bar, her mind still fixed at Schröder's words. Clad in a black tuxedo, the imposing character leaned against the bar top, as still as a rock. His emotionless face riddled with scars. His brown eyes, hidden beneath his jet-black hair, fixed squarely at her...

OOC: Anyone care to connect? FYI, the towering figure at the bar is Steiner.

[Toiletdonia]

FATO1: Did we win last night?

FATO2: Lets check...

FATO1: What the...

FATO2: We.

FATO1: We...

FATO2: Won!

FATO1: Do they even know how to play tennis?

FATO2: Well that or there fairly rubbish. I mean it's hard to lose to an inanimate object.

FATO1: Very true.

FATO2: Were through!

[Johz]

Peter Parn strolled out of the stadium, the joy plainly visible in his bright gleaming expression. A reporter leaped up to speak to him.
“Peter Parn, how does it feel to have won such a victory against Corfhold Launderingham?”
“It feels great. I honestly didn’t expect to win today. We both played extremely well today, but in the end, there can only be one winner. I’m extremely sorry for Corfhold Launderingham’s loss, and the disappointment he must feel. I only hope that we might be able to meet up again next time, and have another go.”
By this time, more reporters had joined in, and were huddling excitedly around the tennis player. A Johzian News Corporation reporter managed to call out above the hubbub.
“Peter Parn, do you have any words for your fans back home?”
“Yes. Three words, in fact. Come! On! Johz!” He punched his hand enthusiastically in the air with each exclamation, and then slipped away into his limousine, waving to the reporters as he sped away. The news reporter’s hubbub continued as reporters turned to their cameras to add links to their reports. Then, within minutes, even the most enthusiastic of reporters had left, and the tennis court was left in dark, brooding silence, ready to be opened for the next event.

--------

Nigella Nier sat in her room, calming herself down. News images of Peter’s surprising win haunted her mind. She got up and looked out of her window, brushing aside the multitudes of good-luck cards that she had been sent. She had enough pressure on her, without being reminded of another victory that would fire up her fans back home and increase the expectation of her winning.
The tennis building gleamed in the distance. She pulled a face. Surely she could manage it. Peter did.
“Hello?”
Nigella Nier turned around. Her sister had come in, and was sitting on her bed.
“I’m here to make sure you get to sleep. You’ve got a tough game tomorrow.”
“Huh? It’s only…” Nigella Nier turned to check her clock.
“It’s almost eleven O’clock. You really need to get to bed.”
“Okay.” Nigella Nier sighed distractedly. Her sister left, placing a small cup of gently fizzing liquid on the table.
“Some help. You need to get to sleep.”
Nigella Nier picked up the cup, drained it in one gulp, and climbed into bed. She was asleep within minutes.

[Thatius]

Fajaravik Times
Go Thatius!


Yesterday, Theron Odijius of Thatius beat Jason Muller of the nation of Libertarian Governance in an epic 5 set match. It was Theron's second tournament outside of Thatius, after appearing in the 3rd Scott Cup but eventually losing in the 3rd round. Odijius walked out onto the court smiling at the crowd that had come to watch his match at the 2nd Bergnovinaian Open. Although maybe a few hundred had turned out, it was still a lot for the rising tennis player. He had come a long way since first trying to become a professional tennis player, the first from Thatius. Thatius is a country renowned for it's Soccer and Hockey players. However recently, all hockey players have been banned from travelling outside the country to attend any tournament, including the Olympics. "It is a shame really," says one resident of Fajaravik, "I mean why do the tennis and soccer players get to travel internationally, but the hockey players don't? I wish I could see them competing for Thatius in the Olympics, they could win that gold!"

Back on the tennis subject, Odijius had a rough match, but eventually came out on top. In the first set he started big. Odijius focused on his serves and had a string of brilliant aces. He won the first set 6-2. in the second set, the pace seemed to have changed much in Muller's favor. Odijius could not find the pace he could play at, nor could he get any good balls in. Jason Muller easily won that set 6-1. In the third set, it seemed all too good for Jason Muller, as he won that one 6-2. His impressive shots bewildered Odijius, but in the 4th set, he rallied to win 6-3. After seeing that he kept going for the big shots, Odijius tried to go for consistency, as his backhand was the stroke he had trouble on. After good technical correction and footwork improvement, Odijius came in the fifth and final set to win it and advance to the next round.

Here in Thatius, we are hoping for another good win for Theron Odijius. His appearance in international tournaments has sparked an interest in younger players to play tennis. Recently two juniors headed over to play in the Bergnovinaian Open, making it their first international tennis debut tournament. Acarcia Kotomic will also player her tournament later on, more on her story continued on Page 4.

[Eastfield Lodge]

The Gazzette Sports

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The men are through, will the women do the same?

Earlier today, Hassan Bell and George Hussain both won three set victories against their opponents, Peter Rofit of Grittonia (7-5, 6-1, 6-3) and Jason Adercott of Sivonaa (6-4, 6-1, 6-4) respectively. They both played consistently well, both using a huge number of service aces to their advantage, and in total they more than 20 break points each, something quite remarkable cosidering it's their first major international match. So now Hassan Bell will play Brandon Lowe of Deadly Terrorists and George Hussain will be playing David Polley of Sarzonia, and both matches will be tough, for sure.
Onto the women's singles, the draw has been made, and Victoria Fatima will be playing against Lilia Tuten of Balida, Bronze medal winner in the 2nd Scott Cup, while Malaika Said will be playing Aline Shawn of Bengera. Vicoria's match will certainly be a hard one, and she needs to be focused to have a chance. Malaika's match will be easier, but she still has to work to get through to the next round.

[Tyrrin]

Kay Wins, Nobody Cares

Marcus Kay defeated Greg Lewis of Deadley Terrorists yesterday in five sets. After coming out to a very strong start against the young Terrorist, Kay was swept in the third set, and didn't fare much better in the second set. However, he recovered splendidly in the final set, winning 6-1. The final box score is below. Kay is set to face another foreigner with an unpronounceable name, so look for him to return to top form in that match.

(2-6) (4-6) (6-0) (6-3) (1-6)

Kay is not enjoying as much fan support as he had in previous tournaments due to the World Cup taking place at the same time. However, he stated that "it is in the best interest of Tyrrin for [the fans] to not pay attention to me for once."

Also, rumor has it that Kay's opposition, Greg Lewis, was a terrorist trying to sneak his way onto the court by pretending to be a tennis player. Surprisingly, he was rather good at tennis. Lewis was arrested after the match when officials found plastic explosives in his short shorts.

[Delaclava]

To: Whomever in Bergnovinaia it may concern
From: Len Rogerre, DOC President

Dear Whomever,

The Delaclava Olympic Committee has agreed by a 7-0 vote to challenge the result of the match involving Rocco Davis. We feel that a Davis loss is impossible, and we have heard reports of match-fixing. If we do not receive a sufficient answer, we will send our own investigators.

Sincerely,
Len Rogerre
President, Delaclava Olympic Committee

(OOC: Basically, I'm wondering how Davis, who RPed AND is the defending champion, could have lost to a non-RPing nobody. Although this may be innocent in itself, the two seeds (Darren GIles and Marcus Kay) needing five sets to advance makes me raise an eyebrow about the allocation of RP bonus and the legitimacy of the scorinator.)