Electrum Slam IV - Everything (IC)

by **Electrum** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 11:12 pm

Many thanks to the CTEd Anditia for this logo

The Electrum Lawn Tennis Association formally invites 170 singles players and 73 doubles pairs to play on the fast, hard courts of Centralis for the fourth consecutive year. The newly renamed Centralis Park in Centralis will once again host the tournament with 24 hard courts and four roofed arenas. There will be a qualification phase due to the numbers.

Scorination and Draw Details
Rankings

The logarithm ranking will be used, so that the vast inequalities in total points don't mean predictable matches. All RPs will be scored between 0-5, and multiplied by a certain number with an emphasis of quality over quantity and multiple RPs submitted on the same matchday will be counted as one larger whole. The cutoff will be between 5PM-7PM Melbourne Time. The doubles tournament will work in exactly the same way. All those that aren't in the spreadsheet above will start at 0 points.

The first phase is Qualification. There will be groups of four, and there will be a single elimination tournament. Each group of four will have only one qualifying spot. At the conclusion of this event, I will update the rankings to reflect the new points earned by players. These points will last one year. Draws for both the singles and doubles competition will follow the normal ITF Grand Slam conventions (except for the unusually large numbers of qualifiers).

Schedule - All times are in Australian Eastern Standard time
7th July - Qualification Round 1
8th July - Qualification Round 2
9th July - Singles Round 1, Top Half
10th July - Singles Round 1, Bottom Half
11th July - Singles Round 2, Doubles Round 1
12th July - Singles Round 3, Doubles Round 2
13th July - Singles Round 4, Doubles Round 3
14th July - Quarterfinals
15th July - Semifinals
16th July - Final

How to do well in this competition
By simply posting a roleplay everday, you give yourself an extra advantage over all of the other nations -- it can be as simple as a match report, to a TV show to an interview or a fully fledged storyline, as you get extra points for your players. The possibilities for roleplays are endless. It is important to note however, that just because you RP all the time does not mean that you are guaranteed to win, just that there is a higher chance of you winning. There is always a random chance that you won't win, so blame Margaret (we hear she loves rubber chickens) -- the goddess of chance if you have any problems.

If you have any other questions, feel free to telegram me or look at last year's IC thread below for ideas.

Useful Links
ATP OOC Thread
Electrum Slam IV's Sign-up thread
Electrum Slam III RP Thread
Rankings
Sydney Time (cutoff: 5PM-7PM Aus. East Standard Time)

by **Electrum** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 11:13 pm

General Information
For general information about Electrum, visit this page.
Meanwhile, Centralis has it's own page as well on iiwiki (where teams will play twice).

The currency is the Synergy, a card based currency which is entirely digitalised. For those seeking to use the normal paper money, Universal Standard Dollars could be used instead, but it is recommended to get these cards which is very easily stolen but also very convenient to use.

Customs and Laws
In general, the laws of Electrum are generally relaxed, with restrictions on the most serious of crimes as well as bans on smoking in certain areas and banning of 'hard' drugs only. Electrum is also an anti-gun nation so all guns will need to be given up at the border -- lest they face criminal imprisonment in Electrum.

Nations will be flown over on special AirElectrum planes through to Centralis International Airport. There are lots of restrictions in what can and can't be brought to Electrum, as well as schedules and restrictions.

Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided free of charge with players staying at Lodge Centralis, a 4 and a half star hotel with spas, massage parlors, swimming pools, spas, etc. All players will receive a hundred dollars to use in the Lodge Casino as well for those who are in the mood for gambling. Room service operates 24 hours a day. There will also be round the clock coverage of the World Hoops Showcase II on television, which will also take place during the Electrum Slam at the same time.

Transportation
Teams will be transported by a chauffeur daily in a private car to the Centralis Tennis Park at Centralis. Due to sponsorship arrangements, interviews asking players with questions regarding their lives may be recorded and shown on national television. Again, call the NTC should you require any transportation. For transportation other than playing tennis, it is recommended that you buy a TransportPass so you can access Centralis's integrated bus, tram and train system. Once the tournament is over, chauffeurs will bring you back to Centralis Airport for exit, with winners going in special limousines.

Centralis Information

Background of Tennis in Electrum, the ELTA and the CTP
Phillip Maxwell was the first president of the Electrum Lawn Tennis Association, launched in 1805, it became the organising body for Electrum's favourite pasttime. Although Electrum has been on the world stage in tennis for such a short period of time, it has organised the Hamilton International at Hamilton, and will now host one of the four grand slams in the Association of Tennis Professionals.

The Centralis Park was established in 1910 and was originally grass courts. However, the cost of maintaining grass courts became too high and as a result, the CP changed to the current hard courts in 1931. There are 24 hard courts, 4 of which are roofed. There are three courts named after significant tennis players, including Phillip Maxwell, Janine Gredello (mother of Sonya and former patron of the ELTA) and Peter Oaker (secured funding for the CP and hard court changes). The four show courts and court 5-8 all have full television coverage with partial coverage on 9-18. Tennis players are able to schedule and book practice courts at their leisure, but be warned, these courts are also public as well. The Centralis Tennis Park was formerly named the National Tennis Centre, renamed to avoid confusion with the Cenian counterpart.

There are four grand slams held each year as part of the NSTT series. This is the third one. The first one is the Astyrian Slam (clay courts, March), the second is the Cenian Open (hard courts, June), the third is the Electrum Slam (hard courts, July) and the last one is the AOpen (grass courts, October)

For more information, see Electrum's iiwiki article found below in the signature

Winning prizes
See this article.
The prize money handed out at the Electrum Slam is equivalent to the $USD offered in the 2016 version of the Australian Open. The prize money roughly doubles for every round.

by **Electrum** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 11:13 pm

Singles
170 entrants: 106 highest ranked (minimum rank required was 248 and above) and 8 wildcards (listed below) enter the main draw automatically, and 56 go through qualification for 14 further places.

Wildcards
The top two listed players for each debuting nation receive a wildcard.
Tomäs Fërdermas (DMN)
Jöakÿm Fërdermas (DMN)
Lucas Campbell (PLT)
Elliot Wilson (PLT)
Epifanio Sabbadin (LPK)
Nunzio Innocenti (LPK)
Ahmad Safwan (SHK)
Mohamad Fikri (SHK)

Qualifying
First seed is in the "First Qualifier Group" and so on. The top seed is the first listed player in each group. The third named player is the nominal second seed (they may not have a rank).

Main Draw
At the conclusion of qualification, the qualifiers will be randomised before being placed in this draw:

Doubles
73 entrants: The 56 players with some amount of points (including additional Cenian pair) and 5 wildcards (listed below) enter the main draw automatically, and 12 unranked players go through qualification for 3 further places.

Wildcards
Each nation had a guarantee of two pairs into the main draw, unless if they submitted only one pair.
Tomäs Fërdermas/Jöakÿm Fërdermas (DMN)
Qelzan Aeoronza/Villem Askenreuch (KCZ)
Nathan Lynn/Anthony Owen (PLT)
Terry McNeil/Veronica Kowalski (PLT)
Syahmi/Aizat (SHK)

Qualifying
No seeding as all teams submitted had a zero rank.

Main Draw
At the conclusion of qualification, the qualifiers will be randomised before being placed in this draw:

by **West Phoenicia** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 2:31 am

Is Love the answer?

Tiffany Love is not a well known name around the tennis circuit. The new up and comer, has been making small headlines across West Phoenicia. At 17 years old she is the youngest member of the West Phoenician tennis circuit.

She also has been selected to take part in the Electrum Slam IV where she will first play in the second qualifier. She has also been selected to take part in the upcoming Olympic Games which is sure to raise this West Phoenicians profile.

Tiffany Love has been dubbed the good girl of West Phoenician tennis. While Renee Richardson and Fi Richardson are known as the maidens of melodrama and Jon Swanston in the resident casanova, Tiffany is seen as a fresh face into the tennis circuit and one that the West Phoenician Tennis Federation hopes will clean up the bad image of a number of West Phoenician players who are more famous for their off court antics than their tennis professionalism.

Tiffany Love inspires to make it far in this slam against some well known seasoned players and other novies like herself.

In recent years West Phoenicia has failed to make any impact against other nations on the tennis circuit. Aside from their antics no West Phoenician player has reached an international final, semi final or even quarter-final. Tiffany hopes she can be that change.

Joining her in the qualifiers in relatively new player Spooky Graham who has also made the Olympic games cut and will be looking to up his tennis portfolio also at the Electrum Slam IV.

The West Phoenician Tennis Federation wishes them the best of success in joining their comrades in the final draw.

by **Sharktail** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 2:53 am

The Sharktalaian Channel.

Kota sultan,Sharktail.....Four sharktail tennis player have been ready to fly this evening.many of the sharktalian have give the spirit word and vote for them.The president of sharktailTengku Aiman with other delegation have come to say goodluck to them.

Ahmad safwan.The 18 year old player is the future star of the tennis.He has join the tennis sport since 12 years old.He win the junior sharktalian open at age 13 and 14.He missed the tournament at age 15 and 16 after crushed in road accident.He make the comeback but have lost at semifinal.He like Hard cour and clay layout.He master in serve and smash.

Muhammad fikri.The 24 years old player and the master in serve and backhand.He is in recovery from the leg operation in april 2017.He think he will be rady for the tournament.

Aizzat and syahmi.The sibling that know tennis from thier uncle.They pro in hardcourt and grass.Syahmi is serve master and aizzat like play backhand.They are ready for the competition.

They will flight to elctrum tonight and will arrive tomorrow morning.They will start their training tomorrow evening.

by **Darkmania** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 2:55 am

Eletrum

The twin tennis stars Tomäs Fërdermas and Jöakÿm Fërdermas reaches Electrum to write darkmanian sport history as one of their first to enter their sport. As they greet all of the other players who are currently in there, including Derek Dubrovnik (BRI) and Alowae Ritra (BRI), who both will be playing against in single-matches.

by **Britonisea** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 4:44 am

We're just better than everyone else.
-By Barry Hill

That's right. Britonisea is back, and I'm Barry Hill. Listen. We are just better than everyone else. We are better than Electrum, Ceni, New Gelderland, and to be honest, every single nation in this whole entire tournament. Literally, we are going to take home all of that money, and with that money, we will host a proper tennis tournament. Listen, honey, we are going to win this - hands down. Let's speak through the qualifiers, not that we need to because we're gonna win, but let's do it anyway!

Second Qualifier
Clarissé Mukuchyan (BRI) vs Tamara Turchi (LPK)
Tiffany Love (KWP) vs Nathan Richards (PLT)

Look at this qualifying draw. It is so easy. We are going to win so hard, these other people are going to never, ever want to ever come back to Electrum. They will be so embarrased when Clarissé Mukuchyan beats them in straight sets. Like, I am not even joking. Clarissé Mukuchyan has some Armenian blood in her, honey, and that means she is feisty, and she will win this qualifying draw. You see, if Clarissé Mukuchyan wins this qualifying draw, she goes on to play Bradyn Burn (EFL). Easy. I don't even know who the brother is. Bottom line; this is set up for Clarissé Mukuchyan to win. We know you love us Electrum, it doesn't have to be so blatant.

Third Qualifier
Akeler Preuzents (KCZ) vs Edda Alesio (LPK)
Forrest Yander (BRI) vs Nathan Lynn (PLT)

Wow! Another easy draw! Forrest Yander honey is going to slay all of you to the ground. Literally, the ball is going to go so fast that the ball is going to gain a magnetic field and repel you away from it, consequently you will fall to the ground. Like, I am sorry Nathan, Edda or Akeler, but I don't know any of you, and in Britonisea, Forrest is quite the star. Honey, Britonisea is better than all of you and therefore, we are going to win this easy draw too. Like seriously, honestly, if we don't get out of this, it will be raining cats and dogs - literally. I don't see anyway we can lose this. What could go wrong?

Seventh Qualifier
Johanna Korlovia (MRC) vs Benigno Fava (LPK)
Zoe Richards (BRI) vs Tina Finley (PLT)

Are you serious? What is with these players from Platterdam all playing us? I think Electrumites want to get them out because obviously we are going to beat all of them. I mean, that's a no brainer, mate. MRC? I'm sorry, who? Mercedini? I don't know them, and I don't think anyone in Britonisea knows them. Why would their players suddenly beat ours? Obviously, we are better than that nation, and therefore we will win because we are just better. I am not even lying. In fact, I am proper telling you guys this kindly. If I really let loose, the Britonish government would shut this website down. Look, we are going to win here. No doubt about it.

Tenth Qualifier
Spooky Graham (KWP) vs Tore Bandini (LPK)
Xander Kaynes (BRI) vs Vikter Alfes (KCZ)

Spooky Graham. I'm scared! No, I'm not because Xander is kicking you to the curb, and that includes Spooky's little friends Vikter and Tore. I mean come on. Xander is known, honey. Why did these people even consider participating in the tennis tournament? Britonisea is obviously better than these nations, and therefore, we will beat every single one of them. Especially that West Phoenicia, we are going to beat them so hard. Hard like a piece of wood. I have no idea who the hell Vikter is, but that's none of my business. Tore? Well, honey, I just tore his pay cheque because he ain't getting any money because when he won't even get a game, never mind a set. Electrum will be so embarrassed, they will refuse to give him any money. More money for Xander, I guess. Obviously, Britonisea is the best nation here, and therefore, we are going to win.

The bottom line is. We are going to win every trophy, um, and that's about it. Like, I can't say any more.

by **Grand Angland** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 5:29 am

ABC Sport: Gary Williams Column - Electrum Slam Series Special

Throughout the next ten days, new Anglish No.1 and World No. 104 Gary Williams will be digesting his thoughts on the Electrum Slam and his own preparations throughout in a series of daily digests.

Opening Thoughts...

After the Cenian Open, I was pleased with my somewhat unexpected run to last 16 but it also left me hungry for more. Grand Slams are the biggest events on the calendar, they are never easy and you always want to do well. The good news is that I now have some knowledge of the level required to progress in events of this nature.

The other benefit of my run last month in Ceni is that I don't have to negotiate qualifying to enter the main draw this time round. You get few ranking points for qualifying and there are plenty of banana skins there, as we saw with Ben Westley losing to a ferret in Ceni...

The other positive element of this slam is that we all get to experience another new location on our inaugural tour, we all now see just what facilities are required to host such a large event. Both Ceni and here in Centralis, Electrum we see some remarkable facilities, we get top quality accommodation, pristine practice courts and plenty to do in our spare time.

Aspirations...

Mainstream media always have a tendency to get carried away and believe after my run last month I am one of the favourites. However, it would be stupid for me to sit and write that I expect to win the event, that would be ridiculous.

I personally hold three targets for this event. Firstly, to accrue enough ranking points to take me into the top 100. Secondly, in Angland we play predominantly on grass, so I'd like to be seeded for some late-year grass events, this will help me build towards that. Thirdly, ideally, I would again make it to the second week. Consistency is key for me, its what I want and need to do well.

Much of the Anglish attention will be on the Watson-Brown rivalry, given that they have been drawn in the same section. I shall be watching with interest and it's difficult to give other players advice because playing in a Grand Slam is obviously a great experience but I would hope they avoid mind games and try to stay out of the media spotlight.

So, as a side goal, I'm doing this column to provide an insight to what it can be like on the Tour at a time like this but I will not be discussing my thoughts on other players as such.

Preperations...

Qualifying has been brought forward by ELTA but, as I say, I do not need to qualify, this gives me more time to prepare than I had in Ceni. For the first couple of days I have been overcoming slight jet-lag. This would not affect me on holiday for example but in an event such as this where the margins are excruciatingly fine you need to be acclimatised properly. I've done this now and had chance to peruse some of the local sites at the same time. Myself and Debbie, my partner went round the Renor Gallery yesterday. Debbie is the Art buff, I'm more of a history fanatic myself, however some of the artefacts covered both areas and it was an enjoyable morning.

For the rest of today I have some massages and spa treatment planned, just to finish off my complete preparation.

Over the next two days I will be training, getting used to the court speed, bounce and spin. It's all about a slow build towards the first match, once the matches come thick and fast you become more match fit by getting out there and playing, most of the training work you do is focused around becoming accustomed with particular attributes of your next opponent and working on weaknesses in your own game. For me, my backhand played well in Ceni, I want to build my forehand during this tournament and I want to be a little more aggressive, coming into the court.

Our hosts, ELTA, have very kindly granted us all casino chips to spend during our stay. Generally, the Anglish Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) frown upon anything that detracts away from our preparation, so I'm holding them in reserve for a nice evening out after the tournament has finished!!

Closing Thoughts...

So, I'll sign off until tomorrow, at which point we will have had the first round of qualifying. Qualifying is always a great watch for the tennis fanatic, I shall be watching with my coach to try and see how the match courts are playing, there can be a slight difference between them and the practice courts. Til tomorrow then!!

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AnglishLawnTennisAssociation.com

Electrum Slam Qualification- The Matches

BEN WESTLEY vs Norberto Rustici

Ben Westley will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of his early Ceni Open exit to the hands of a ferret by qualifying for the Electrum Slam. The 38-year old recently admitted that he only has 12-18 months left on tour and that his big ambition was to go deep in one Grand Slam before retiring. To do that, he needs to qualify first and will be looking to use his big serve to high effect in this tasty first qualifier.

ADAM CHANDLER vs Eliza Stewart

Adam Chandler came within a whisker of qualifying for the Ceni Open last month, cruising past the first round of qualifying before falling to the experience Sabina Soca at the last hurdle; this time he will be hoping to go one better and fully qualify. He put a statement out last night saying: "I'm 26, in my physical prime and I need to start making headway in my career. Once you get onto the ranking system progress can be made, I just need to qualify and then push on.".

ANDREW NEWTON vs Hector Jackson

Andrew Newton is perhaps more widely known across the Anglish tennis landscape for being a joker and entertainer before a serious tennis player. Known for playing exhibition-style shots and trick shots in the unlikeliest of locations, Newton is a fan favourite and always sells out a stand. However, tennis is an expensive business and success is needed in order to entertain. Newton, the Anglish No.11 seed needs to qualify, falling to the same fate (a ferret) as Ben Westley over in Ceni, to much mockery from the neutral crowd. Newton will want to prove himself and will need to against the hard-working and earnest Hector Jackson.

ALEX BROWNE vs Diane Young

Alex Browne, befitting the Anglish trend last month in Ceni, lost to a ferret in qualifying. Except... Sade Kaja bageled Browne in the second set, floored him and managed to land a body shot to his more masculine regions... ouch. Browne, like messrs Westley and Newton will be out for revenge this time round, out for blood and out for success. The big question is, is he good enough? Time will surely tell. Most experts believe he needs to be on form to do well and he needs to engage his mind rather than become distracted by his private life, as is often the case for Browne.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst our snobbish, arrogant reporters are incredibly bitter about losing to ferrets in qualifying; in reality we accept the talent of said individuals and value any matches with them.

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Blackshore Sentinal

All-Anglish Affair in Electrum Slam Top Half

Scott Carson and Charlie Beeston both automatically qualified as seven Anglish players qualified automatically for the first round, the first time this has ever happened.

Beeston is set to face World No. 20 Greg Mears, one of the home favourites, with multiple Grand Slam winner Lonus Varalin also in his nearby path..

Carson, meanwhile, starts off against unseeded Sarah Johnson of Tobiasia.

Joshua Hutchins' run at the Ceni Open awared him automatic qualification in Electrum and a tasty match against another home favourite, World No. 19 Maya Cassington, who will be looking to avenge their own R1 defeat in Ceni.

It is the first time that an Anglish presence in a Grand Slam is definite and the first time that in the first three rounds there is a very real possibility of an all-Anglish match, with stern rivals Watson and Brown the most likely to face off!

Watson & Brown: A Tidal Wave Rivalry

By Phil Potts

It has been dormant internationally, but the biggest rivalry in Anglish tennis remains ever so prominent. What might just be Anglish sport’s most involved debate is a live issue once more. Perhaps fleetingly, but a potential fourth round match-up between 18-year olds Harley Watson and Harry Brown.

It is hoped to be a sporting rivalry to define an era, as it has done in Angland in just 18 months, both reaching 9 out of 9 domestic finals before integration to the World Tour occurred. Harley Watson says he is expecting an “epic battle” if, against all expectation, he meets Harry Brown in R4. Few Anglish sporting events have the level of attention and excitment as this. It is as if Muhammad Ali and Joe Fraizer had given us a fourth fight in their classic rivalry after the Thrilla in Manila, or if Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte continued their battle in 2020.

The Electrum Slam is a massive event, tugging on deep emotions with its beautiful surroundings. It is not pain from an old wound sparking this nostalgia. We are not pining for what once was but celebrating what is now.

Despite utterly despising each other on court, both have an outward modicum of respect, despite constantly snapping at each other on-court. Watson had to say this about Brown:

'He’s got the movement that no other player has. When you have that, you are difficult. Plus he’s got the fight. He’s got the mental and physical ability to sustain a super high intensity of play for years and for hours and for weeks. He's proven that time and time again. He makes it seem easy - and it’s not. I think he’s been tremendous for the Anglish game. I have a lot of respect for him on many levels.'

Meanwhile, Brown had to say:

'I think he’s got a shot (of going all the way). He’s playing the best tennis I’ve seen him play. It’s amazing how much lighter, how well he is moving so well around the court and also adding that weight onto his racket. It looks as though he is getting a little more penetration through the ball, the backhand is deeper, he is serving well and is tactically so astute. And the other thing which I am liking, he never seems to be losing concentration.

Before this though, Watson has to tackle Renee Richardson, with Brown tackling Felice Mareaux. No match in a Grand Slam is easy, we just have to watch and see what happens!

by **Electrum** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:09 am

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kate McNamara

Electrum Slam: Qualification

A new year, and a new beginning for tennis players as they embark on the fourth annual Electrum Slam. Although seasoned players like Navsal and Andiam see this as just another tournament, for other players, this tournament means so much more. For some, it is their first taste of an official NSTT tournament - a baptism of fire, if you will. For some, such as journeymen, it represents a lifeline: getting that cash boost is vital for continuing on in the tour. Getting into the First Round, whether by qualification, or by being the top 100 or so players that signed up means a straight up $50,000 reward. This is enough to pay for flights, accommodation and coaching for at least a few more months and tournaments until the next grand slam rolls around, repeating the cycle.

In this year's qualification, we'll see a mix of the latter two stories in each of the qualification groups. For the top seeds in each qualifying group, the players are most likely journeymen, wandering in that space below rank 100, where they just need that break-through performance to gain automatic entry in the Grand Slams. Sometimes, these players are likely participating in their second ever tournament, and just looking for more experience, after being overlooked constantly by their national teams in the other tournaments, such as the Tier 1 or the Tier 2 tournaments. The larger size of the Grand Slam draws accommodates for more players from each nation, so there might be some players who are only ever seen in the Grand Slams, until they get really lucky and break through with enough points to justify being included in other events.

The other type of qualifying player are the rookies. These rookies are just new players who haven't had international exposure yet, but are clearly good at tennis domestically. Indeed, some new nations are debuting this time round as well, just like every year. The key for these players is consistency: Can they continue to appear in tournaments to slowly build up those precious ranking points? Or will this be the last we see of them? All these stories and storylines will be revealed when play starts tomorrow.

Graciously, the ELTA gives free access to any spectator visiting the qualifying rounds at Centralis Park. Although the large main courts are not in play, this really means that with less crowds, you will have the opportunity to see what the future of tennis might be in just a few years. There's something about the coziness and the closeness-to-the-action that's present on the outside courts that you just don't get when you see a pro in a show court. That's why you should come down tomorrow and discover these stories. You never know what you just might find.

by **Mercedini** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 9:27 am

Electrum Slam: Qualification and First Round Preview
@ Centralis Tennis Park - Centralis, Electrum

Hello and Welcome to Centralis for the fourth Electrum Slam and for another grand slam which spells a big chance for Mercedinians and other players to pick up big points at this prestigious tournament. This place has big significance as it was where the Mercedinian debut occurred, where Cracik Almeronovic came out on top for the Mercedinians which gave him a springboard to shoot up the rankings and secure his spot as the Mercedinian #1. That anniversary also means it's been a year since Mercedini stepped onto the international tennis stage, and a number of tennis tournaments and two trophies later, Mercedini now have six players inside the top 100 and all four doubles pairings inside the top 100 aswell. It will be the second Electrum Slam for some of these players so they will hope so make it just as far if not further than last time. So, let's see if the draw has been welcoming to Almeronovic, Jokek and co. for qualification as well as the first round of the Electrum Slam.

Qualifying

Due to the high ranking of many of the Mercedinians who made the trip to Electrum, only to players from Mercedini will take part in qualifying, the rest have automatically qualified to the first round proper. Markus Carlgren and Johanna Korlovia will be the two players who will look to join the eight Mercedinian automatic qualifiers in the first round, but they will both have to overcome two matches if they want to being the ninth or potentially tenth Mercedinian in the draw. The draw concluded a short while ago, so let's see who awaits our two qualification hopefuls.

Sixth Qualifier
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN) vs Ethan Green (PLT)
Markus Carlgren (MRC) vs Vitalia Vico (LPK)

The less experienced Markus Carlgren was drawn in the sixth qualification group where inexperience seems to rule the day. Debutants from Platerdam and Lapik will be looking to cause an upset or two against the more experienced Carlgren and Alencastro from Mercedini and Natanians and Nosts respectively, and with only one player qualifying from each qualification group, it may likely be a toss-up between Carlgren and Alencastro for the crucial spot in the first round proper. Anything can happen though, and the debutants could spring a surprise and earn themselves a well earned and rank catapulting shot into the first round. We have Alencastro going through in this one, although if Carlgren can hold his nerve then he may well snatch it in the Q6 Final.

Seventh Qualifier
Johanna Korlovia (MRC) vs Benigno Fava (LPK)
Zoe Richards (BRI) vs Tina Finley (PLT)

The seventh qualification group is the other qualifier which involves a Mercedinian and we would say it is much more competitive than the sixth qualifier, partly because of the fact is has a former tennis juggernaut in the mix. Inexperianced and unranked players from Lapik and Platerdan feature in the group yet again but they would have to get past Johanna Korlovia of Mercedini and Zoe Richards of Britonisea. The final will likely entail the Mercedinian and Britonisean going head to head for the spot in the first round and we will be looking forward to that if it happens. There has been plenty of hype around Richard but whether she is any good or whether it's just the Britonish being insufferable, self-obsessed idiots again remains to be seen. We believe that Johanna Korlovia has the experience and the technique to get through this tough opposition group and make it the ninth Mercedinian to make it to the first round.

Thankfully for the Mercedinian doubles, they are all ranked high enough to bypass the qualifiers, so we are guaranteed four pairings in the first round, whether thay will make it any further than that remains to be seen, although Jack Parminus and Adam Stratesimov could be a pair to watch, they are the eighth seeds at this tournament and have a favourable draw up to the third round where they could face the tenth seeds. The only drawback could be the Xals from Ceni, who they could face in the fourth round if matches go the way of both pairings. Enough of that, let's have a look at how the first round has been arranged with all of the fixtures involving players from Mercedini

First Round Proper

Section 3
Jonum Korlovia (MRC) vs Carmichael Brown (ETM)

Section 5
[25] Mei Jokek (MRC) vs Jovalech Seronev (KCZ)
[WC] Lucas Campbell (PLT) vs Rasmus Milik (MRC)

Section 7
[8] Johmer Vales (CEN) vs Molly Rhonic (MRC)
Jurgen DiPasso (NEG) vs Alexander Linip (MRC)
[13] Cracik Almeronovic (MRC) vs Qualifier 13

Section 8
[18] Marla Gerard (NEG) vs Laura Roshik (MRC)
[10] Mark Southgate (NGD) vs Andrea Palmannerson (MRC)

The draw for the first round of the Electrum Slam threw up some interesting contests and set the path for our players, should they make it to the latter rounds of the contest. Section 7 is the most likely to propel a Mercedinian to the later rounds, with three players all in contention including the 13th seed and Mercedinian number 1 Cracik Almeronovic. He will face one of the successful qualifiers in his first round match, with many expecting him to breeze through to meet either Violet Preeto from Eastfield Lodge or another qualifier. Also in the section is Alexander Linip who will face DiPasso from Neu Engollon, and finally young starlet Molly Rhonic who has the toughest start to proceeding and will have to get past Ceni's eighth seed in Johmer Vales to avoid going home early.

Sections 5 and 8 both contain two Mercedinians each and could be the scene of a plethora of surprises if certain players play their cards right. Section 8 sees both players from the blue and black nation face seeded opposition, with Laura Roshik facing Marla Gerard of Neu Engollon, and late bloomer Andrea Palmannerson facing a very tough first round match against Mark Southgate of New Gelderland. Both players will need to bring their a-game if they are to advance. Chances are slim, although in tennis anything is possible. In Section 5, we see our other seeded player in Mei Jokek. The consistent performer at previous tournament has taken the 25th seed at this tournament which means she has a favourable draw in her first round match, she will play Jovalech Seronev of Kecrazia in the first round. Where as last year's Mercedinian wild card Rasmus Milik will enter at the first round yet again and will face Platerdamian wild card Lucas Campbell in his first round clash.

Finally, we round out the singles with Jonum Korlovia who is all on his own in Section 3 and will play the host's own Carmichael Brown in the first round. It might be safe to say that a fair few of those matches are winnable but we are still a couple of days away from those matches being played out.

That's all we have for you in Centralis and with the singles and doubles getting underway in a couple of days, those who have already qualified will have to wait just a couple more days to be unleashed onto the court. We will be back with a review of qualification along with a preview of the doubles competition with our next bulletin coming within the next couple of days. From Electrum, we bid you goodnight!

by **Lapik** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:08 pm

LSNC
Your Trusted Name In Lapikian Sports

Tennis

This year the Lapikian tennis team will be making It's first international tournament, The Fourth Electrum Slam. The team has quite a few veterans on the team that will be leading the Lapikian team hopefully to success on the international stage. This Is not only the first international tennis tournament event for the team, It Is the first international event for any team of any sport here In Lapik. The team has already left for Electrum but before they left we got statements from each of them, and we have gotten a little info for each player. Here you go, the Lapikian International Tennis Team.

Epifanio Sabbadin
The highest ranked player In Lapikian Tennis Association and the oldest to ever be number one In the country at age 48, has been the face of Lapikian tennis for the past 10 years, constantly being In the top ten. Epifanio started his career at the age of 16 and after winning his first Lapikian tennis event the next month, never looked back. The established star who Is saying he might retire after this tournament Is hoping to go off with a bang. Epifanio has gotten one of the wild card spots In the tournament.

Statement- I believe It Is great that me and the others can finally get out of the country and go into a major international tournament. Though this might be my only international event I hope others can have great success and establish careers on amazing international runs.

Nunzio Innocenti
One of Epifanio's greatest opponents of the past 4 years, the young gun at the age of 23, burst onto the Lapikian tennis scene at age 17 with an amazing upset victory of Tore Bandini. After that match though he would have a shoulder injury that put him out of action for a whole year and a half. He came back at the age of 19 and started tearing through the ranks until 4 months later when he took on Epifanio himself. It was Nunzio who came out on top to become the youngest number one ranked tennis player In Lapikian history at age 19. He has gotten the other wild card spot for Lapik.

Statement- I find It a great honor to be representing Lapik In this tournament and I think that we as a nation will take everyone by surprise like I did a couple of years ago.

Mario Lando
Mario Lando has had a solid career but was always behind Nunzio or Epifanio In the tennis rankings. To him though, rankings didn't matter at all. All that mattered was to be as good as you could be. He always was from the time he stepped onto a tennis court at the age of 6. He made his professional tennis debut at 19 after destroying all youth competitors, even a young Nunzio when Nunzio was 14 and Mario was 17. Now at age 26 he has only won a single game over his friendly rival since, but almost every other competitor was defeated.

Statement- I hope this event will show that we as a nation are dominant at sports. We will prove that first In tennis, then we will start domination In other sports.

Norberto Rustici
The 38 year old veteran Norberto came back from tennis after serving three years In the army. After he got shot In the right arm and lost all control In the arm many thought the star would never be able to play tennis again. But after he got out of the hospital he learned how to play as a southpaw. He came back earlier this year as good If not better some say and dominated the tennis world getting to number 3 In the world at the time of this posting.

Statement- I know some of you guys did not expect me to play like I did before after I got shot In my arm while fighting for Lapik, hell I cant even lift It up still but I proved you wrong and I will prove doubters wrong again In this tournament.

Tore Bandini
Tore at age 52 has fallen from the very top of the ranks but has still stayed In the top 20 for the past 31 years. He made his debut at the age of 18, 34 years ago. He started off slow losing 7 of the first 8 tennis matches though that one win was against Epifanio Sabbadin when he was 16. When he turned 22 he started to dominate the competition and two years later he started a 31 year streak of being In the top 20 rankings. Tore like Epifanio Is considering retiring soon due to old age.

Statement- Just like my buddy Epifanio I want to go out on top with my country but I have not made my decision as of yet. I hope we can all succeed In this tournament and make Lapik a proud country.

Benigno Fava
Benigno Is the youngest male member on the Lapikian tennis team at age 23 has seen great success In his short 4 year career so far with huge upsets over highly ranked opponents. Benigno was an underdog to make the team. A 64 player tournament to get the final spot for the men was held and Benigno was one of the player thought to be eliminated In the first match, but after many upsets he got the final male spot.

Statement- I already know I am the underdog king and I hope to show I am more than an underdog at this tournament.

Rubina Pesaresi
Rubina Is the highest ranked woman In Lapikian Tennis after a stellar 12 year career so far. At the age of 30 she Is still In her prime and Is expected to dominate for many more years. This year she has been undefeated In national play, though It Is expected that will end with the great opponents In the tournament.

Statement- Me and my fellow tennis players are greatly honored to be representing out country for the first time. We will have fun and bring glory to the country.

Edda Alesio
Edda Alesio and Rubina have had some of the greatest matches of the past 7 years, but Edda was always In the shadow of Rubina especially In both of their first five years when they were dominating doubles. After they split up people mainly forgot Edda but here she Is trying again to make people remember her name, like they did when she was with Rubina.

Statement- I think this year we will all have great success, and that Is what we all hope for. If not then what Is the point In competing In a whole tournament?

Tamara Turchi
Tamara made her debut only 3 years ago but has been dominate since with multiple victories over the likes of Alesio, Uccello, and Vico. She Is currently 4th In the nation for women's tennis. After the tournament It Is expected that Tamara and Rubina will have there first match which will for sure show who Is number 1 In the nation.

Statement- Me and Rubina are expected to be bitter rival's soon enough but this Is for the nation. We have all trained together and we still will.

Viola Uccello
Viola at age 43 Is the oldest tennis women's tennis player In the top 10. Since making her debut 24 years ago she has only slowed down after she joined the military. Five years ago she went to the army and served 4 years. She came back with a little trouble but after a couple months she was the old dominating Viola Uccello.

Statement- Even though I am grandma here to everyone else pretty much I am dedicating my matches to my daughter Tiffany at home.

Vitalia Vico
Vitalia at 21 Is the youngest player on the whole Lapikian tennis team being sent. After only 2 years of domination she showed she has the skills to represent the nation after multiple upsets over Viola Uccello, Edda Alesio, and Rubina Pesaresi. Many think she Is to young and inexperienced to compete for the nation, others say all that matters Is skill, and they say she has got more than enough skill.

Statement- I am still so shocked about being picked to represent the country outside of Lapik. I would think I was dreaming If I wasn't about to puke going on a plane.

Raffaella Napoleoni
Raffaella has had a bit of controversy over the past 5 years of her 11 year career. The 29 year old was accussed of using PED's 5 years ago, but the dominating Raffaella has denied that. Outside of the controvery she Is one of the most dominate players of Lapikian tennis PED's or no PED's. She has shown she can dominate anyone Indoors, or outdoors, on grass, or hardwood.

Statement- I know some of you still think I cheat and I hope you know that Is incorrect. I can do a drug test everyday If you want me to to show that I am not using PED's.

by **Electrum** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 2:43 am

Belated cut-off due to things outside of my control... expect the regular time tomorrow!

Singles Qualification

Qualifying
Cláudius Carolus Álvares (NTN)           6   6
Haylee Hedlund (EFL)                     3   1

Ben Westley (GRA)                        6   6
Norberto Rustici (LPK)                   3   3

Clarissé Mukuchyan (BRI)                 7   6
Tamara Turchi (LPK)                      5   2

Tiffany Love (KWP)                       7   6
Nathan Richards (PLT)                    6   4

Akeler Preuzents (KCZ)                   3   3
Edda Alesio (LPK)                        6   6

Forrest Yandër (BRI)                     3   7   3
Nathan Lynn (PLT)                        6   5   6

Sedjer Serlenan (KCZ)                    2   6   6
Fechkes Aleosa (KCZ)                     6   3   3

Jess Philips (TOB)                       3   6   0
Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)                6   3   6

Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues (NTN)           4   6   6
Albert Saldrin (KCZ)                     6   2   3

Adam Chandler (GRA)                      6   6
Eliza Stewart (PLT)                      0   4

Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)          3   6   6
Ethan Green (PLT)                        6   4   1

Markus Carlgren (MRC)                    6   6
Vitalia Vico (LPK)                       3   3

Johanna Korlovia (MRC)                   6   6
Benigno Fava (LPK)                       3   1

Zöe Richards (BRI)                       7   6   7
Tina Finley (PLT)                        6   7   5

Ion Gheorghe Gheorghenescu (NTN)         4   4
Mario Lando (LPK)                        6   6

Artur Desmond (TOB)                      6   6
Skedei Aledjes (KCZ)                     4   4

Kurt Dragic (NEG)                        3   6   3
Sekdola Leresa (KCZ)                     6   3   6

Andrew Newton (GRA)                      6   4   6
Hector Jackson (PLT)                     2   6   0

Spooky Graham (KWP)                      5   7   1
Tore Bandini (LPK)                       7   5   6

Xander Kaynes (BRI)                      6   6
Vikter Alfes (KCZ)                       2   2

Hubert Thannes (KCZ)                     7   6
Anthony Owen (PLT)                       6   4

Peter Nyckak (TOB)                       0   4
Rubina Pesaresi (LPK)                    6   6

Skrepsek Xelanvi (KCZ)                   6   7   6
Viola Uccello (LPK)                      7   5   4

Paula Monwe (TOB)                        3   6
Olivia Jones (PLT)                       6   7

Georj Alentto (KCZ)                      5   5
Dan Monwe (TOB)                          7   7

Alex Browne (GRA)                        6   6
Diane Young (PLT)                        1   1

Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN)             6   3   6
Qelzan Aeoronza (KCZ)                    1   6   1

Hannah Pau-ton (TOB)                     6   6
Freddie Martin (PLT)                     4   3

Doubles Qualification

Qualifying
Diane Young/Eliza Stewart (PLT)                               6   3
Akeler Preuzents/Aleksandre Forozech (KCZ)                    7   6

Jennifer Graham/Olivia Jones (PLT)                            1   2
David Karlezen/Fejcek Fesokz (KCZ)                            6   6

Lucas Campbell/Tina Finley (PLT)                              7   6   4
Freddie Martin/Hector Jackson (PLT)                           6   7   6

Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura/Maria Cláudia Amúlio (NTN)     6   2   6
Paula Monwe/Dan Monwe (TOB)                                   2   6   3

Leonard Jellerburg/Xavier Ajkelzer (KCZ)                      1   1
Chesney Scotsman/Johnny English (BRI)                         6   6

Georgia Nickel/Lukas Nunheäd (BRI)                            6   6
Erik Kespen/Julien Sloreren (KCZ)                             1   3

by **Darkmania** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:07 am

Why tennis should be the new darkmanian fad?

Written by: Some one who plays NationStates.

While we wait for our two twins to ~~lose hard~~ get far in the contest, we will be explaining why tennis is the new trend in Darkmania.
Darkmania hasn't been actively been entering sport here in this world, but since we now have entered the world of sports, its time to get up from our arse and get to sport. That is the not the only way to gets more medals around our necks, but because we have a shitton of athletes inside our nation that is just waiting to take part.

Tennis is played by one or two persons on both sides of a tennis court. There is also some judges to make sure the tennis players get angry and maybe hit him/her in the face, and two people who are gonna get balls. Both tennis players goal is to win. And the only way to win a match is to make sure that the foe doesn't get the ball the ball passes him or her. Then you get 15. After you pass 30-40 and adv., you get one point. First to 6 points gets a set. You win the match if you get 5 or 6 sets. This is more moving than we normally do. This tournament is played on hard courts, and that has an influence in where the ball bounces. If the ball hits a softer ground in tennis, it will lose more of its energy than a hard one. And this can influence of how the match is played.

Tomäs and Joakÿm are soon gonna change the attitude Darkmania has to sport. Trust me, I am damn sure about that. While we wait for the e-GP and the Waterpolo tournament to start, the Twins have begun their plan for a sporting revolution in Darkmania. I, the writer, expect we are more active in sports. Maybe in 2018. Maybe we enter our first Olympic in winter 2018? Only time can tell. And it all has to start by tennis. Tennis is the start of an adventure. This is why tennis is the new fad in Darkmania.

by **Electrum** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:29 am

Qualifying Competition - Singles
The winners of the following matches will receive entry into the main draw:
Cláudius Carolus Álvares (NTN) vs Ben Westley (GRA)
Clarissé Mukuchyan (BRI) vs Tiffany Love (KWP)
Edda Alesio (LPK) vs Nathan Lynn (PLT)
Sedjer Serlenan (KCZ) vs Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)
Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues (NTN) vs Adam Chandler (GRA)
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN) vs Markus Carlgren (MRC)
Johanna Korlovia (MRC) vs Zöe Richards (BRI)
Mario Lando (LPK) vs Artur Desmond (TOB)
Sekdola Leresa (KCZ) vs Andrew Newton (GRA)
Tore Bandini (LPK) vs Xander Kaynes (BRI)
Hubert Thannes (KCZ) vs Rubina Pesaresi (LPK)
Skrepsek Xelanvi (KCZ) vs Olivia Jones (PLT)
Dan Monwe (TOB) vs Alex Browne (GRA)
Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN) vs Hannah Pau-ton (TOB)

Qualifying Competition - Doubles
The winners of the following matches will receive entry into the main draw:
Akeler Preuzents/Aleksandre Forozech (KCZ) vs David Karlezen/Fejcek Fesokz (KCZ)
Freddie Martin/Hector Jackson (PLT) vs Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura/Maria Cláudia Amúlio (NTN)
Chesney Scotsman/Johnny English (BRI) vs Georgia Nickel/Lukas Nunheäd (BRI)

by **West Phoenicia** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 5:45 am

West Phoenician Tiffany Love had a fantastic day at the Electrum Slam IV.

Tiffany went up against Nathan Richards from the nation of Platerdam, beating him 7-6, 6-4.

After a tough first set that saw Tiffany play her heart out in a back and forth set that saw her scrape through. She fought back in the second set after tiring her opponent to win the set 6-4.

Tiffany Love next takes on Britonisea player and qualifier hopeful Clarissé Mukuchyan. Who easily won her match against Tamara Turchi.

"I dont know who Clarissé Mukuchyan I'm sure she is a nice girl. But I'm in it to win it. Only one can win. And I'm sorry that is going to be me."

Tiffany happened to catch the last set of Clarissé Mukuchyan played and wanted to pass on a little challenge.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue
Your backhand is poor
And i will defeat you.

by **Natanians and Nosts** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 11:11 pm

Natanians and Nosts is doing quite well at the Electrum Slam,with some players already at the draw without need for qualification.And at the qualifiers,our athletes are doing fine.

Cláudius Carolus Álvares faced Haylee Hedlund from Eastfield Lodge,Haylee started the match with two games of advantage,but Cláudius Carolus managed to win the next four games.Haylee won the next game all on aces,but Cláudius Carolus won the following two and finished the first set.The second set started with a blattle for the first game,with the need of three deuces for Cláudius Carolus to win,Haylee won the second game with less difficulty,but Cláudius Carolus came back really motivated and won the following five games to win the match,and in only one of those he needed advantage.
Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues faced Albert Saldrin,she started with two games,but Albert made a series of good serves and at the next game he used a moderate number of smashes and tied the match,he subsequently one one more game before Mihaela Márcia made four beautifull aces and tied the set,Albert made good serves,but had some work to win his fourth game and broke her serve to win his fifth,Mihaela Márcia had little trouble to win her fourth game and gave a hard work to Abert before he finally won his sixth game and the first set.The second set began with Albert winning the first game,Mihaela Márcia won the following five games,before losing one more game to him and defeting him to win her last game,finish the set and tie the game,but not without some trouble.Albert Saldrin won the first game of the third set,but Mihaela Márcia won the two following games,Albert managed to win the subsequent two,with right of two aces,and take a lead,but Mihaela Márcia played better and conquered the four subsequent games to win both the third set and the match.
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro won his match by 2x1,defeating Ethan Green.Mihai Caeso Mihailescu also did win by 2x1,but he defeated Qelzan Aeoronza.Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura and Maria Cláudia Amúlio defeated Paula Monwe and Dan mOnwe from Tobiais by 2x1.
The only player that lost and thus is eliminated was Ion Gheorghe Gheorghenescu,who lost to Mario Lando.

by **Electrum** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 11:27 pm

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kate McNamara

Qualifying Competitions: the low down

After a tough day's worth of matches, the knock-outs for the qualifying competitions have been decided. These matches will ultimately decide who will enter the main draw and gain that extra boost of 15 additional points for reaching the first round of the Main Draw. From then on, what might just happen could snowball: these extra points can mean the difference of having to go through qualifying or entering the main draw directly in the next tournament, and the next tournament, and so on. With more chances of being in the main draw proper, there is the possibility of gaining more points, perhaps from a few upsets along the way, as we saw with Andrew Simmons in the Cenian Open just a few weeks ago. Unlike Andrew Simmons however, there are no lucky loser spots in the Electrum Slam: this is definitely the last chance for these qualifying players.

There was a clear trend that arose in today's competition. Grand Angland did exceptionally well: this is only their second tournament, and all four of their qualifiers managed to make it to the qualifying competition. Lapika had five of their athletes advance to the qualifying competition as well, which is also a very good record, considering that the Electrum Slam is their first tournament. Meanwhile on the practice courts, the Darkmanian and Sharktailian athletes were seen to be practising very hard with their coaches, as players from these nations, due to their small amount of players, had direct wildcards into the main draw. Also, notable performance were seen by West Phoenician and Britonisean athletes, with Tiffany Love in particular making a big splash, her direct and arrogant style leading to huge fans from West Phoenicia coming to watch her matches and supporting her. Finally, most of Krecrazia and Natanians and Nosts' journeymen made it through to the qualifying competition as well, which will set up a lot of matches between journeymen and newbies: just what will reign supreme - wizened experience or youthful vigour?

Once each of the qualifying competitions have been finalised, the names of the qualifiers will be randomised one more time before they are inserted into the draw, making up the final field of 128 athletes. Unlike previous years where there has been a rest day in between the qualifying and main draw phase, there will not be such a break because of time constraints to avoid a clash with the Summer Olympics, where the tennis events are held in Kelssek. With most of the Electrumite players and West Phoenician players having to make the trek to Novonaya, the ELTA decided to shorten the length of the tournaments. Also gone are the staggered second and third rounds: only the first round of competition will be staggered. This means that those that qualified for the final competition proper are at a small disadvantage: they will have two more matches worth of time on court before starting their first match, but the ELTA has promised that those competitors will be awarded night matches to increase the time of rest for athletes.

With just a day to go until the main draw starts properly, we are looking forward to see what our Electrumite athletes can do. Unlike in the Cenian Open, they have all qualified directly into the main draw by virtue of their rank: let's see if they can take advantage of that fact.

by **Grand Angland** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 11:57 pm

ABC Sport: Gary Williams Column - Daily Update

I said yesterday that the qualifiers would be very interesting from an Anglish perspective and I was relieved to see the level of success we enjoyed, all four of our representatives passed through to the second round of qualifying; if all goes well we could have over ten Anglish players in the First Round, a great success for a nation of our size and freshness on the Nationstates Tour. However, it cannot stop here, we need to progress through the tournament and make a name for ourselves.

Today's column will take a slightly different format, given that I outlaid my tournament plans yesterday. The editors have submitted some questions to me from the public... I will give a slight update on my preparation to date and then answer some questions for the public.

So, the biggest thing I can update you all on is that today I have started my training, I was out on the courts this morning doing some fitness work and then I played some rallies with Dominic Kato, an unranked player looking to break into the Anglish Top 12 and enter the NSTT Tour next year, which could quite easily happen when the likes of Ben Westley etc retire. I'm getting used to the court speed and bounce now and I feel better prepared than I did over in Ceni as I've had longer to prepare this time, organise our joining the tour in time for qualifiers proved hectic last month prior to Ceni.

I also understand why they call this "The Friendly Slam" as well, its quite remarkable how such a large event with great facilities can have a club-like atmosphere, the practice courts are full of different players and coaching teams, everyone is quite friendly and approachable and there is a good degree of fan involvement; I'm hoping to have a couple of autograph signing sessions myself through the tournament, depending on how my schedule happens, as naturally preparation has to be the priority for me. Tonight, when the courts have quietened down a bit I will return out to keep working on my forehand.

Anyway... on to the questions:

What is your schedule for the rest of the season? - Darren, Blackshore

Well, as I only joined the Tour halfway through I have no real end of year ambitions as such, unless I have a barnstorming run in the last two Grand Slams. The remainder of the year is all about getting acclimatised to the bigger events, playing as much as possible in a serious sense... there is no point playing events with no ambition of winning them. After this event I'm going straight to playing in the Royal Quasdonian Open and working through that. August I have no plans, taking a month off and will focus on training and holidaying before focusing on the grass-court swing. My best surface is grass, so I want to play the Mercidinian, Handon, New Oxford Masters and of course the AOpen. After that, maybe the Drawkian Open, Cityscapes Open and that should be it!

What is happening to the old ALTA Tour? - Ian, Chasington

This was detailed in the ALTA's statement last month when we first joined the NSTT Tour. Every Anglish tennis player is a member of ALTA and pays the membership fee. In the early days, ALTA funds us to join the NSTT Tour and then when we make enough to fund ourselves, we just pay the membership and that is that. Only the Top 12 seeds in the singles ALTA ranking are allowed to play on the NSTT Tour unless they pay for themselves, which is virtually impossible if you aren't winning events (which makes you in the Top 12). All of the old ALTA events will now form a sort of challenger tour that the seeds outside the Top 12 can play, to build an income or play standard to join the NSTT Tour and break into the Top 12. Players in the Top 12 are unlikely to play these events, its almost like an academy scheme. Then, in the next couple of years, a couple of our more prestigious events will be proposed by ALTA to be part of the NSTT Tour, we can host some international tournaments. The ideal I guess is to one day host a grass-court Grand Slam but that is unlikely whilst one already exists.

How is the standard of Anglish players compared to internationals? - Sophie, Boston

At a base level I would say more than competitive but we have to get used to a myriad of different surfaces, climates, conditions and players. This takes time and there are so many high-quality players out there. Internationally, Ceni have a stranglehold on the tour, they win most of the events and boast half of the Top 10 seeds. If we take them as a benchmark, thats what we have to compete with and it'll take time; but in any given tournament on any given day anybody in the world can be beaten. Having said that, I would still bet money on Navsal or Andiam winning this event.

That's all for today folks, I look forward to writing to you all tomorrow on the eve of play!
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AnglishLawnTennisAssociation.com

Electrum Slam Qualification- The Match Results

BEN WESTLEY def. Norberto Rustici 6-3 6-3

This match was very much a battle of the veterans as these two 38-year olds did battle in the first round of qualifying. In the end it was the big-serving Ben Westley that comfortably progressed to the second round with a 6-3 6-3 victory. Westley broke early in both sets and then just held serve to see the match out. He has a life-held ambition to go deep in a tournament and he certainly showed the form to qualify for it. This match was characterised by its slower pace and its powerful groundstrokes. The only worry was when Westley took an awkward fall in the penultimate game of the set, as he was lunging for a drop-shot that trickled over the net.

Westley next faces Cláudius Carolus Álvares in the final qualifying match, a much tougher challenge given the latter's dominant 6-3 6-1 Q1 victory.

ADAM CHANDLER def. Eliza Stewart 6-0 6-4

Adam Chandler had a much more dominant victory than some of his compatriots, defeating Eliza Stewart 6-0 6-4. Chandler broke in the first game and then hit four consecutive aces to roar into 2-0 lead. Chandler then broke again after 4 consecutive deuces before holding whilst dropping only a single point, taking into a 4-0 lead. Afterwards, Chandler broke for a third time in the same set after Stewart double-faulted at 30-40 to grant Chandler a 5-0 lead. Chandler then faced 3 break points but took the set when Stewart sent a forehand long.

The second set was much more competitive, both players holding serve relatively comfortable until 4-4. Chandler then made his move, breaking Stewart before holding to see the match out, both players on court for a rather rapid 43 minutes.

Chandler is next up against Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues in his battle to reach the first round.

ANDREW NEWTON def. Hector Jackson 6-2 4-6 6-0

Andrew Newton, as mentioned yesterday, is a joker and one that provides vast entertainment to fans with his eccentric style of play. His victory over Hector Jackson was no different, playing the first set at a canter, collapsing and losing the second set before showing us all how capable he actually can be by bageling Jackson in the third. Tennis pundit Mark Cameron had an interesting point of view on that third set: 'We all like to criticise Newton for his attitude and concentration levels but for me the third set today shows that he is serious about this event. You could tell he was hurt after losing that second set, he felt he should never have lost it and he really stepped it up a level after that... this shows to me that he wants to qualify and show his talents on a global level.

Newton next faces Sekdola Leresa.

ALEX BROWNE def. Diane Young 6-1 6-1

The stand-out performance of the first round of qualifying definitely belongs to Alex Browne though, dropping just two games and completing victory in 39 minutes. Young never really got started as Browne broke early in both sets and seized on the advantage. Browne looked far more lethargic than during his victory than he did during the Ceni qualifying. After the match he commented to local reporters: 'I'm glad to have finally got a decent qualifying match under my belt, hopefully I can get some form now and make my mark'.

Browne next faces Dan Monwe from Tobiasia.

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Blackshore Sentinal

Harley Watson- Press Conference Transcript

Q. How does it feel to be sitting in that chair? Your second Grand Slam, were there any moments in the last 12 months when you wondered whether you might not ever be able to automatically qualify?

WATSON: No, 12 months ago I decided that by hook or crook I was always going to come here because I'm young, so I always thought I had time to do it. But, of course, these events are never easy and therefore you can never take anything for granted in this sport.

I mean, I knew I had plenty of time. Probably in actual fact, I could easily have joined the tour next year instead. I chose to push it. I had to take chances, test myself earlier than I initially had planned to. But by giving myself six months of this season, I had enough time to get used to the conditions to help me try and start well next season.

I'm happy I'm here, though. That means the job was well done.

Q. What did you look forward to the most?

WATSON: Most? From here, you mean?

Q. Generally. What was it about NSTT tennis that you looked forward to?

WATSON: Oh, about NSTT tennis.

I guess the matches at different points. You like the feeling of winning, walking onto a stadium, seeing the guys. You know, it's like living with living legends to some extent anyway. You walk around here, it's probably the same for you. You see faces you've only ever seen on TV. It's just nice to see everybody again.

Plus I have a lot of friends on the tour from Angland, you know, because we all joined at the same time.

Q. Are you happy how the body has reacted, the preparation, you feel everything is in order?

WATSON: Yeah, it's under control. I felt great. I felt the Ceni Open was great preparation. We'll see if it was perfect or not. It's unusual to start play at such a big event but I really enjoyed it and felt it started me off at a high level, even if I did go home early.

It felt really good. Then practice here is more about just managing, maintaining, not overtraining, but nevertheless still play enough to get used to the conditions here again, even though it's the same. You know how it is, you just have to put down the hours, play the sets. I did that.

Q. How do you know you're going to be able to handle the long four or five sets that the Electrum Slam brings up?

WATSON: I guess it's slightly the unknown. You could then argue that it's the same for everybody. We don't play four-setters, five-setters every single week. You only play them in Grand Slam play. You could go through an entire year with no five-setters.

You could think that's a good thing for longevity, but it's not a good thing because you don't know how it feels to play a five-setter anymore. Yeah, some players haven't played four-setters or five-setters in a long time, or never in their life. From that standpoint, I don't feel like it's a huge advantage or disadvantage for them.

I've trained as hard as I possibly could. I feel I'm ready.

But, like I said, it is the unknown. It's the part that I can only know once I've been there.

Q. There's a lot of unknown for you in your draw because you play a qualifier, then another qualifier. Does any of you sneak out today to watch the qualifying matches, guys you don't know, or is it not worth scouting until you know?

WATSON: No, I mean Rob and James, my coaches, are out and about checking it out.

Yeah, it would be good to know who I play. I guess I could tell you what I think. Like this, I'm waiting to find out. Once it's out, it's actually a good thing because then you can start actually mentally preparing for the Electrum Slam. Is it a lefty, a righty? It's a big deal. Is he a big server, a grinder? A bit of an unknown here the first round because that's the part of the draw I care most about.

Harry Brown - Press Conference

Q. What can you say about your first opponent, Felice Mareaux?

BROWN: Yeah, it is not an opponent you want to play against in the first round! Player with big talent. Great serve, great hands. Fantastic backhand. Is a dangerous opponent. Yeah, that's it. World No. 21, I need to play my best.

Q. You were a bit tired when you left Ceni. Did you feel as fresh as you want to be now that you had some time to recover?

BROWN: I would love to be that tired one month and a half ago! It's not about being tired. It's about that I had a lot of success qualifying at Ceni.

But for me I am happy to feel competitive and play well in every event that I play.

So I am tired -- well, in Ceni I was a little bit tired mentally more than physically, because there is lot of days in a row with playing at high intensity, considering I'd played Anglish events beforehand. Now I have to play well here. That's all.

Q. You stated recently you feel at home here, why is that, it is the first time you've been here?

I feel at home not because of the court. Because I feel at home because I have a great relationship with all the girls that are working here, with a lot of people that are running the event. Always is good to see people that I spent a lot of days in my life in this place. It is the "Friendly Slam" for a reason, everybody is chatty and friendly.

So just can say thanks to them for everything that they do, and I feel great every time that I have the chance to be back here and to see all of them.

by **Electrum** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 12:13 am

Cutoff!

Singles Qualification Competition

Qualifying
Cláudius Carolus Álvares (NTN)           6   2   4
Ben Westley (GRA)                        3   6   6

Clarissé Mukuchyan (BRI)                 1   4
Tiffany Love (KWP)                       6   6

Edda Alesio (LPK)                        6   6
Nathan Lynn (PLT)                        3   2

Sedjer Serlenan (KCZ)                    6   5   4
Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)                3   7   6

Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues (NTN)           1   3
Adam Chandler (GRA)                      6   6

Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)          7   6
Markus Carlgren (MRC)                    6   0

Johanna Korlovia (MRC)                   6   6   6
Zöe Richards (BRI)                       7   2   3

Mario Lando (LPK)                        6   6
Artur Desmond (TOB)                      1   3

Sekdola Leresa (KCZ)                     6   5
Andrew Newton (GRA)                      7   7

Tore Bandini (LPK)                       6   6   4
Xander Kaynes (BRI)                      7   1   6

Hubert Thannes (KCZ)                     1   3
Rubina Pesaresi (LPK)                    6   6

Skrepsek Xelanvi (KCZ)                   7   4   1
Olivia Jones (PLT)                       6   6   6

Dan Monwe (TOB)                          1   3
Alex Browne (GRA)                        6   6

Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN)             6   6
Hannah Pau-ton (TOB)                     1   3

Doubles Qualification Competition

Qualifying
Akeler Preuzents/Aleksandre Forozech (KCZ)                    1   4
David Karlezen/Fejcek Fesokz (KCZ)                            6   6

Freddie Martin/Hector Jackson (PLT)                           1   1
Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura/Maria Cláudia Amúlio (NTN)     6   6

Chesney Scotsman/Johnny English (BRI)                         2   6   4
Georgia Nickel/Lukas Nunheäd (BRI)                            6   1   6

Final main draws will be up in the next post.

by **Electrum** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 12:35 am

Singles Main Draw
The singles qualifiers were placed into a list randomiser found at this link:
Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN)
Johanna Korlovia (MRC)
Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)
Ben Westley (GRA)
Alex Browne (GRA)
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)
Olivia Jones (PLT)
Adam Chandler (GRA)
Tiffany Love (KWP)
Andrew Newton (GRA)
Mario Lando (LPK)
Rubina Pesaresi (LPK)
Edda Alesio (LPK)
Xander Kaynes (BRI)

Hence the main draw is:

Doubles Main Draw
The doubles qualifiers were placed into a list randomiser found at this link:
Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura/Maria Cláudia Amúlio (NTN)
Georgia Nickel/Lukas Nunheäd (BRI)
David Karlezen/Fejcek Fesokz (KCZ)

Hence the main draw is:

Order of Play - Day 1 - Matches start at 11am

Phillip Maxwell Arena (Center Court) - Ticket required
[3] Liam Penderyn (NGD) vs Arvis Kassal (CEN)
[7] Stephanie Brown (NGD) vs Staci Harris (KWP)
[15] Noah Damaris (CEN) vs Samuel Gates (ETM)
Night session (starts at 7pm)
[1] Ardil Navsal (CEN) vs Ion Victor Amúlio (NTN)
[6] Andrew Lamar (NGD) vs [Q] Andrew Newton (GRA)

Janine Gredello Arena (Show Court 1) - Ticket required
[23] Andrew Simmons (ETM) vs Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)
[19] Maya Cassington (ETM) vs Joshua Hutchins (GRA)
[20] Greg Meares (ETM) vs Charlie Beeston (GRA)
Night session (starts at 7pm)
[16] Lonus Varalin (CEN) vs [Q] Olivia Jones (PLT)
[27] Marisa Maradona (CEN) vs [Q] Tiffany Love (KWP)

Peter Oaker Arena (Show Court 2)
[11] Kika Dovan (CEN) vs Jack Algernon (NGD)
[14] Mattias Doerwald (NEG) vs Jane Smith (TOB)
Jonum Korlovia (MRC) vs Carmichael Brown (ETM)
Livinia Moore (ETM) vs [Q] Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)

Show Court 3
[21] Felice Mareaux (NEG) vs Harry Brown (GRA)
[28] Thierry Garzala (NEG) vs Marquise Justice Bush (KWP)
[Q] Mario Lando (LPK) vs [WC] Mohamad Fiki (SHK)

Court 4
[26] Estela Fenton-Millington (EFL) vs Mihaela Ioana Prisco (NTN)
Gary Williams (GRA) vs Sara Zhuo (ETM)
Sally du'Ercab (TOB) vs [Q] Alex Browne (GRA)

Court 5
[32] Harry Blackwood (NGD) vs Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura (NTN)
Marco Vrient (NEG) vs [WC] Nunzio Innocenti (LPK)
Alma Semmes (NEG) vs [Q] Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)

Court 6
Danjiella Zovic (NEG) vs Kieron Summerhayes (BRI)
[WC] Epifanio Sabbadin (LPK) vs Leo Garry (BRI)
Ioana Amúlio Constantinescu (NTN) vs [Q] Ben Westley (GRA)

Court 7
Katherine Richardson (KWP) vs Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)
Con Towers (KWP) vs Sukaina Yunan (EFL)
Renee Richardson (KWP) vs Harley Watson (GRA)

Court 8
Scott Carson (GRA) vs Sarah Johnson (TOB)
Rob Canson (TOB) vs Louis Amada (CEN)
[WC] Ahmad Safwan (SHK) vs Kyle Anderson (BRI)

by **West Phoenicia** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 7:12 am

With qualifiers over, West Phoenicia moves onto Day 1 of the Electrum Slam IV.

6 West Phoenicians will take part of day 1 of the Electrum Slam IV where all 6 have hopes and aspirations to proceed throughout the Slam and move up in the tennis ranks.

Phillip Maxwell Arena (Center Court)

Stephanie Brown (NGD) vs Staci Harris (KWP)

With the honour of playing on the Center Court Staci Harris plans to make a big splash by defeating Stephanie Brown of New Gelderland. Many West Phoenician tennis fans are wondering if the rival between the two nations that exists in international archery tournaments will take place on center court.

Janine Gredello Arena (Show Court 1)

Marisa Maradona (CEN) vs [Q] Tiffany Love (KWP)

While she was able to breeze through qualifiers, Tiffany Love faces an uphill battle when she takes on Marisa Maradona. Ceni is known for exceptional tennis players who dominate the rankings, and while some should retire, it wont be any time soon so Tiffany will face a tough battle to progress.

Show Court 3

Thierry Garzala (NEG) vs Marquise Justice Bush (KWP)

Little in known of the tennis style of players from the nation of Neu Engollon and Marquise Justice Bush is one of the lower ranked players in the West Phoenician team. Be prepared for alot of back and forth but not alot of action between these two players.

Court 7
Katherine Richardson (KWP) vs Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)
Con Towers (KWP) vs Sukaina Yunan (EFL)
Renee Richardson (KWP) vs Harley Watson (GRA)

Court 7 plans to be a hot bed of action and drama as three West Phoenicians take the court.
The youngest of the Richardson sisters Katherine will take on Elizabeth Quehall of Britonisea. West Phoenicia would take great pleasure in wiping the court with a Britonisea player whose media hail and boast them as demigods. West Phoenicia hopes to be apart of the movement to wipe some of the smugness from Britonisea players.

Con Towers has been around the tennis circuit for a number of years. While he is quite exceptional on the national front he hasnt made such a big spalsh on the international circuit his pairing with Eastfield Lodge player Sukaina Yunan will not help any, as he goes up against a higher ranking player.

And finally Renee Richardson, the maiden of melodrama will take on Harley Watson from Grand Angland. West Phoenician sport pundits predict the win to Renes Richardson who plans to send Harley Watson packing back to Grand Angland and get in some extra practice before she heads to the Olympic games.

by **Darkmania** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 8:56 am

Darkmanian arrested for selling cocaine!

Written by: Me.

A darkmanian who has traveled all the way to Electrum to watch tennis has been arrested for selling cocaine. He was arrested on the spot while in line for a match between Edda Alessio (LPK) and Nathan Lynn (PLT). How much he had is not known, expected it was more than 10 grams. He also had tickets for the match between Alowae Ritra (BRI) and Jöakÿm Fërdermas (DMN), Stephanie Brown (NGD) vs Staci Harris (KWP), Tomäs Fërdermas (DMN) vs Derek Dubrovnik (BRI) and Tomäs Fërdermas/Jöakÿm Fërdermas (DMN) vs Syahmi/Aizat (SHK)

The darkmanian embassy in Centralis has yet to comment on this incident as of typing, other than he has already been in jail for selling illegal drugs.

by **Electrum** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 11:33 pm

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kate McNamara

Electrum Slam Preview: Day 1

With less players, as well as more inexperienced players, than in the Cenian Open this has allowed for all Electrumites, as well as other nation's athletes, the chance to avoid the qualifications and proceed directly to the first round, where a guaranteed 50,000 Synergies and 15 ranking points await. In fact, all players at this point will receive that much, but of course, players will be wanting more than that, with more points and more money up for grabs as they progress deeper into the draw. Today we will review Electrum's chances going into Day 1 of the competition by evaluating the prospects of those participating in the first round today. Tomorrow, I will do the same, but for those participating in the bottom half of the draw.

[15] Noah Damaris (CEN) vs Samuel Gates (ETM)
Being the first actual Electrumite to play on Centre Court this year, Gates has a lot of pressure and expectation heaped onto him. And it's not going to get easier by facing youngster Noah Damaris, who definitely outmatches Gates in movement and strength. The only way Gates can win is to return perfectly, because Damaris is going to get free points in his service. In addition, Gates needs to defend his own serve as well because if he's not going to get any free games from Damaris, it's going to make it that much easier for Damaris to win.

[23] Andrew Simmons (ETM) vs Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)
Andrew Simmons will be looking to build on his runaway success at the Cenian Open here in Centralis. Simmons, who despite losing in the second round of qualification, gained a crucial lucky loser spot which he took full advantage of, making all the way to the semis of the Grand Slam, the best ever performance by any lucky loser ever. He's played the tennis of his life, but the question is will he be able to maintain his newfound momentum? What's clear is that for the next year, the only way is up for Simmons, as those valuable Grand Slam points made up 95% of his current points. Tralito is a journeyman himself, but not much is known about him. Simmons will just need to channel that excellent penchant for winners if he is to go deep in this tournament.

[19] Maya Cassington (ETM) vs Joshua Hutchins (GRA)
Maya is Electrum's top hope, being our highest seed and against a new Anglish player in Joshua Hutchins. Cassington's form hasn't been the best in recent tournaments with a first round exit at the Cenian Open. Hutchins on the other hand is in scintillating form, being the second best Anglish player last tournament making the third round of the competition. It will be a question of whether Cassington can regain her form, but looking at Hutchins, this is the most probable match involving an Electrumite today that can result in an upset.

[20] Greg Meares (ETM) vs Charlie Beeston (GRA)
Of all the Electrumites in this tournament, Greg Meares has the most to lose. His semifinal run last year, although promising at the time, has failed to eventuate in any other notable successes in the other tournaments in the intervening 12 months. The 900 points he gained last year are worth a total of 75%. He faces an Anglish player, this time Charlie Beeston, a player who made it to the first round in the Cenian Open. Meares is expected to do well against Beeston, but the question is, will he be able to replicate his run like last year? With prominent names like Lonus Varalin and Stephanie Brown in the same section as him, it may be difficult. But those aren't the very top seeds in the entire competition so it is still entirely possible that he can make it out of the section, given a few upsets go in his favour.

Jonum Korlovia (MRC) vs Carmichael Brown (ETM)
Once lauded as Electrum's best hope, Brown has also fallen off in recent tournaments. He will be looking for redemption against another journeyplayer in Mercedini's Jonum Korlovia. There are only 57 ranking places between them, which makes this match one of the closest in terms of rankings. Of course, Korlovia is the better ranked player, which suggests that Brown's form is worse than Korlovia's. This match is still a tossup, given Brown's ability to chase the ball to all areas of the court and his great service games. Sometimes Brown may dip in form during the match, which will mean Korlovia will have several chances to get back into the game should it come to that. This may be one of the few matches that will reach the full distance of five sets.

Livinia Moore (ETM) vs [Q] Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)
Moore is at a distinct advantage here, being the only Electrumite to face a qualifier, she faces a fatigued Alencastro who has played two matches in the previous two days thusfar, compared to her zero. Alencastro had a few close calls in qualification, but did well to survive, never looking like he was in any real trouble. Moore pulled in a respectable third round performance in the Cenian Open, and will hopefully repeat that in the Electrum Slam. This will be one of the matches we will be looking to win in.

Gary Williams (GRA) vs Sara Zhuo (ETM)
Gary Williams entered the tour in style, with a fourth round appearance in his debut tournament, on top of his wins in qualification. Sara Zhuo seems to be severely outgunned in this matchup, with her only hope that Williams crumbles under the Anglish's expectations. Zhuo, who doesn't possess a lot of weapons, is only well known for her excellent movement, but that won't be enough against a hard hitter or someone who places the ball very well out of Zhuo's reach anyways. It will be interesting to see how this match up goes but more likely than not Williams is expected to win.

by **Grand Angland** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 11:35 pm

ABC Sport: Gary Williams Column - Eve of Play

Qualifying is now complete and tomorrow is the big day, I was again overjoyed by the level of success my compatriots had, all four qualifying for the main event. This means that Grand Angland will have TWELVE competitors in the first round of a Grand Slam, which is fantastic for our nation. For the fans at home, section three will be particularly interesting as there are four Anglish competitors there, including the popular duo of Harley Watson and Harry Brown, two individuals who I firmly believe will reach the very pinnacle of our sport.

I am in the top half of the draw, as are eight other Anglishmen, so tomorrow is another crucial day for our nation. It won't be easy, I've practiced this morning and the rest of my day will be spent having massages and doing flexibility work. I've worked hard for tomorrow and I need to make sure that I bring my A-Game, as you can be beaten by anybody in an event like this and I have no walkover in the first round. Sara Zhou is the No.10 from Electrum. When you think of Electrum, rather like Ceni and Kannap, you think of a nation steeped in tennis folklore. In terms of their players, the Cassington's spring to mind, as does Greg Meares. Sara Zhou may not be the most prominent player from their nation but she is on home turf, is an up and coming player and, with her not being the most prominent player from Electrum, is an unknown. I am not as familiar with her game as I am with the likes of Greg Meares and Maya Cassington for example. So, this is far from being easy and I will need to be mentally sharp to do well.

For some, they may look at a potential R2 match with World Number Three Liam Penderyn and get excited... this is a mistake. At this level you have to stay focused, take each day as it comes and focus on each match. Zhou has a ranking of 178 but, given the difficulties I've described above, I will be treating this as a match against a player in the Top 50. I don't fear any player but I respect everyone, Sara will be no different. Normally, playing home favourites early on in a tournament is a nightmare because the crowd get on your back and they can be quite ferocious. However, I'm looking forward to this because the atmosphere is friendly, I don't think the natives have a vicious bone in them, they're all very sporting in my experience. Sara is an emerging talent for Electrum... or looks to be, this should be good!

On matchday itself my schedule depends on time of play, I am on Court 4 as the second match out of three. Generally though I'll try to lie-in, have a healthy breakfast and eat plenty of carbs roughly 90 minutes before the match. I will take energy bars out to the court with me to nibble at throughout but that's more about sustenance. Temperature will matter. Electrum is fairly cool and has a maritime climate. This is the exact same as back home in Grand Angland, so fortunately I have adjusted easily from the warmer climes of Ceni. That is one bonus for me. Playing in the middle of the day on an outdoor court means that the temperature could be slightly higher and wind could be a factor but I don't foresee any particular issues, as again the climate is virtually identical to home.

Directly after the match tomorrow I will have the usual media commitments, press conferences, interviews and I'm doing an autograph signing; I'm hoping to ask Sara Zhou if she would consider doing a joint one with me, whoever wins. Sportsmanship is a key part of tennis and must be maintained!

So, if anybody reading this is currently in Centralis, feel free to pop along!!
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AnglishLawnTennisAssociation.com

Electrum Slam Qualifiers- The Match Results

BEN WESTLEY def. Cláudius Carolus Álvares 3-6 6-2 6-4

Ben Westley had his heart in his mouth at the end of the first set after he was outplayed, out-powered and outmanoeuvred by the plucky Claudius Carolus Alvares. It looked like it was all over for Westley when Alvares also served to love in the first game of the second set. Thankfully Westley managed to summon the strength to increase his serve speed and dominate the points from then onwards. Alvares effectively controlled the pace in the first set with a series of delicate drop-shots and looping lobs that ran the 38-year old 6 ft 5in Anglishman ragged.

Westley fought back, hitting an average serve speed in the second set of 132mph, forcing Alvares into two-handed returns. The cooler temperature allowed Westley to serve and volley more than is normal on a hard court as he powered his way to equalling the match through taking the second set. Alvares did adjust better in the final set but was broken when his forehand sailed long as Westley aggressively returned his serve by stepping into the court. Match point came in the form of an ace with Westley punching the air in delight as he finally qualified for an international Grand Slam.

The first round pits Westley up against Ioana Amúlio Constantinescu tomorrow.

ADAM CHANDLER def. Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues 6-1 6-3

Adam Chandler again enjoyed a fairly dominant victory, dropping just four games and holding serve in a routine victory against Mihaela Márcia Rodrigues as he sailed into the first round. Chandler notably sat further back than in his match against Eliza Stewart, focusing more on switching from defence to attack as opposed to the strong, aggressive play he exhibited in the Stewart match. The first set fell quickly, taking just 19 minutes for Chandler to race through. The advantages of having quicker matches is that Chandler has been able to conserve his energy and enter the main draw feeling nearly as fresh as any of the automatically qualified players, with match practice to boost it.

The scoreline does not accurately reflect the second set, as each match got to deuce and at 3-3 commentators were already gearing up for a tiebreaker. Chandler got the break however and then went into overdrive, eliminating Rodrigues and securing his place in the first round proper. Chandler said after the match: 'I'm happy with my performance in qualifying but it is just that qualifying. Beating these means nothing, now I wanna get my teeth into the main draw.' Chandler will be hoping for a run to get some ranking points ahead of the grass court swing; his specialist surface.

In the first round Chandler faces Keeley Sinai, though by being in the bottom half of the draw, he has a day off before play begins.

ANDREW NEWTON def. Sekdola Leresa 7-6 7-5

Andrew Newton further proved that he is serious about this tournament and ending his reputation of being a joker by navigating a tricky tie against Keeley Sinai by exhibiting consistent concentration and composure never really seen by the Halpool-born ace. The first set saw no breaks of serve and progression to a tie-breaker. Newton won the tie-breaker 7-4, getting the mini-break late on with a fizzed backhand flicked around the net; drawing a gasp from the crowd. ALTA officials are hoping that Newton is focusing on keeping his electric style of play coupled with a newfound commitment... though you can never be sure with Andrew Newton.

The second set was also tightly contested with no breaks of serve until they reached 5-5. Newton, up 15-40 with two break points sacrificed one with an unforced error of epic proportions - he missed the ball entirely and fell over!! However, he quickly redeemed himself by winning a 17 stroke rally with a neat backhand dropshot that proved to slow and short for Leresa to get to in time. Then, serving for the match, he was 15-30 down; with many concerned that Newton might mentally crumble. All doubts proved incorrect though as Newton equalled the score and then served two consecutive aces to take the game, set and match.

In the First Round, Newton comes up against sixth seed Andrew Lamar and is the last match on Center Court (Night Session). If he brings his artistic A-Game, the fans could certainly be in for a treat in terms of shot-making.

ALEX BROWNE def. Dan Monwe 6-1 6-3

Alex Browne also secured his place in the first round proper with a straight sets 6-1 6-3 victory over Dan Monwe of Tobiasia. Perhaps of the four matches featured, this was the least eventful with Browne producing a bland but professional and energy-conserving victory. Browne, tactically, looked to using his forehand and backhand equally, making Monwe cover the ground. He took every available opportunity to progress into the net and served out wide 77% of the time before continually trying to flick the return to the opposite side of the court, with a varied but generally a positive success rate.

A note on his opponent however, Monwe looked a promising talent and had good raw physicality and excellent topspin. We would to expect much more of Monwe at future events and it will be exceptionally interesting to see how he performs on both clay and grass courts as opposed to the standard hardcourt that we see over the summer months on the NSTT Tour. Twice in the second set he managed to wrongfoot Browne by disguising his strike upon approaching the net; showing an elegant maturity uncommon in modern tennis.

Browne next faces Monwe's compatriot Sally du'Ercab in the first round.
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Blackshore Sentinal

Electrum Open: Uncovered Anglish Competitors

Thus far over in Electrum, most of the media coverage has fixated around Williams, Watson and Brown, alongside the remarkable case of the qualifiers. However, there are also five other Anglish Competitors in the first round; we thought we'd introduce them.

Joshua Hutchins

Joshua Hutchins announced himself in the Cenian Open, winning four consecutive matches before falling in four sets to World No. 3 Liam Penderyn. In that Penderyn match, Hutchins took the first set and then broke in the first game of the second set; making some viewers believe an upset of epic proportions was on the cards; before Penderyn stepped it up a gear and highlighted the gap at the time between the two players. Hutchins, 20, is part of the younger generation alongside Harley Watson and Harry Brown that are easing the veterans such as Ben Westley and Alex Browne out of the game. Hutchins, is an attacking all-court player who enjoys coming into the net, playing serve and volley and deploying chip and charge. He particularly enjoys being offensive from the baseline before finishing points at the net and he is reknown for a particularly strong second serve.

Nathan Slade

Generally in Anglish tennis there is a battle of the ages discussed, the older generation in their late thirties; such as Ben Westley and Alex Browne, and the younger, emergent generation such as Harley Watson, Harry Brown and Joshua Hutchins. However, aged thirty, Slade is sat exactly between the two generations. Slade looks to end points quickly by playing first-strike tennis, typically by inducing a weak return with a deep, hard shot, and then playing a winner at an extreme angle. His groundstrokes, return of serve, baseline game, anticipation, and eye–hand coordination are amongst his strengths. On the rare occasion that he charges the net, Slade likes to take the ball in the air and hit a swinging volley for the winner. His favoured groundstroke is his flat, accurate two-handed backhand, hit well cross-court but in particular down the line. His forehand iss nearly as strong, in particular his inside-out forehand to the ad court.

Slade's strength is in dictating play from the back of the court. When in control of a point, Slade often passes up an opportunity to attempt a winner and hit a conservative shot to minimize his errors, and to make his opponent run more.

Peter Scott[

Peter Scott is another starlet of the young generation, being only 17 years of age and already qualifying for international grand slams. Scott is an all-court player with emphasis on aggressive baseline play. His groundstrokes from both wings are consistent, deep, and penetrating. His backhand is widely regarded as his strongest asset. His best shot is his backhand down the line, with great pace and precision. He is also known a decent mover on the court with superior agility, court coverage and defensive ability, which allows him to hit winners from seemingly defensive positions. Scott's return of serve is a powerful weapon for him, with which he can be both offensive and defensive. Scott is rarely aced because of his flexibility, length and balance. Scott is highly efficient off both the forehand and backhand return, often getting the return in play deep with pace, neutralizing the advantage the server usually has in a point. Occasionally, Scott employs a well-disguised backhand underspin drop shot and sliced backhand.

Charlie Beeston

Beeston at 35 is one of the older generation, with him only expected to continue for another 2-3 years, he has already commented on numerous occasions of how he is tiring for the game; his coaches hope that a decent run in a Grand Slam may re-ignite his passion for a career swansong.

Beeston has a distinctive playing style. He plays from the baseline, with powerful ground-strokes. His highly unorthodox backhand involves taking his racket back with both hands but actually generating his power with his dominant right hand, letting go of the grip with his left hand around point of contact, and following through with his swing as a one-hander. He hits the ball hard and high from the back of the court and brought it down with considerable topspin, which made his ground strokes very consistent. Complementing his consistent ground-strokes was his fitness. Another trait usually associated with Beeston is his grace under pressure. Beeston's physical conditioning is also considerably strong, being more than capable of playing multiple five-set matches in quick succession.

Scott Carson

Scott Carson, who turns 19 this year, is the last member of the young generation coming through the ranks and showing early signs of promise and talent.

Carson is best known for his flat backhand, a good service return and an indomitable spirit, with his determination making up for his small size. His on-court antics, designed to get the crowd involved, both helps and hurts his play. He, however, often states how he thrives off crowd reaction and entertaining... his anger being part of his extremely competitive nature.

Carson was taught to hit the ball on the rise, a technique he uses consistently and frequently, enabling him to reflect the power and velocity of his opponents back at them. Some consider his forehand to be his greatest weakness, especially on extreme pressure points, as it lacks the safety margin of hard forehands hit with topspin. His serve, while accurate and capable, is never a great weapon for him as it does not reach the velocity and power of his opponents.

OOC: Again, I had hoped to post hours ago to make others RP'ing easier and to provide substance, as ever though, life gets in the way!

by **Electrum** » Sun Jul 09, 2017 12:36 am

Cutoff!

Main Draw - Top
Ardil Navsal (CEN)                       2   6   7   4   3
Ion Victor Amúlio (NTN)                  6   3   6   6   6

Epifanio Sabbadin (LPK)                  4   6   3   2
Leo Garry (BRI)                          6   1   6   6

Con Towers (KWP)                         6   6   6
Sukaina Yunan (EFL)                      3   1   0

Marisa Maradona (CEN)                    2   7   6   2
Tiffany Love (KWP)                       6   6   7   6

Maya Cassington (ETM)                    7   4   4   2
Joshua Hutchins (GRA)                    5   6   6   6

Mario Lando (LPK)                        6   6   7
Mohamad Fikri (SHK)                      3   4   5

Danjiella Zovic (NEG)                    3   6   6   6   1
Kieron Summerhayes (BRI)                 6   4   2   7   6

Kika Dovan (CEN)                         6   6   6   6   6
Jack Algernon (NGD)                      2   7   1   7   4

Stephanie Brown (NGD)                    5   2   4
Staci Harris (KWP)                       7   6   6

Livinia Moore (ETM)                      4   6   6   2   7
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro (NTN)          6   2   3   6   5

Scott Carson (GRA)                       5   7   6   1   6
Sarah Johnson (TOB)                      7   5   2   6   3

Harry Blackwood (NGD)                    7   5   7   7
Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura (NTN)     5   7   5   6

Greg Meares (ETM)                        6   2   7   7
Charlie Beeston (GRA)                    1   6   6   5

Sally du'Ercab (TOB)                     3   6   7   6   7
Alex Browne (GRA)                        6   0   6   7   9

Katherine Richardson (KWP)               6   6   4   4   4
Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)                  1   4   6   6   6

Lonus Varalin (CEN)                      6   6   6
Olivia Jones (PLT)                       2   4   1

Andrew Lamar (NGD)                       6   7   6
Andrew Newton (GRA)                      4   5   3

Ioana Amúlio Constantinescu (NTN)        7   1   2   6   3
Ben Westley (GRA)                        5   6   6   2   6

Renee Richardson (KWP)                   6   5   5   6
Harley Watson (GRA)                      0   7   7   7

Thierry Garzala (NEG)                    7   3   1   6   6
Marquise Justice Bush (KWP)              5   6   6   2   4

Felice Mareaux (NEG)                     5   2   6   5
Harry Brown (GRA)                        7   6   3   7

Marco Vrient (NEG)                       6   2   6   7
Nunzio Innocenti (LPK)                   0   6   1   5

Jonum Korlovia (MRC)                     4   3   7   0
Carmichael Brown (ETM)                   6   6   6   6

Mattias Doerwald (NEG)                   6   6   3   6   6
Jane Smith (TOB)                         3   7   6   4   3

Liam Penderyn (NGD)                      6   3   6   3   9
Arvis Kassal (CEN)                       3   6   4   6   7

Gary Williams (GRA)                      6   7   6   3   6
Sara Zhuo (ETM)                          3   5   7   6   3

Rob Canson (TOB)                         3   6   7   6   3
Louis Amada (CEN)                        6   7   5   4   6

Estela Fenton-Millington (EFL)           4   3   3
Mihaela Ioana Prisco (NTN)               6   6   6

Andrew Simmons (ETM)                     1   6   7   6   6
Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)                    6   7   5   3   4

Alma Semmes (NEG)                        6   6   3   4   7
Raffaella Napoleoni (LPK)                4   0   6   6   5

Ahmad Safwan (SHK)                       0   6   3   6   3
Kyle Anderson (BRI)                      6   4   6   1   6

Noah Damaris (CEN)                       2   2   6
Samuel Gates (ETM)                       6   6   7

Electrum Slam IV - Everything (IC)

Electrum Slam IV - Everything (IC)

Sharktalian player

"We are going to win every trophy"

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