[Tennis/NSTT] Clay Court season 6 [RP/Results]

[TJUN-ia]

The Istria Open has certainly been a welcome distraction for many in TJUN-ia after the woe of the football team in recent times. Banija has, so far, been a good host and it's definitely nice to see all the new nations when compared to the last season. But as Day 4 arrived, the men and women had to be separated from the boys and girls. That's just how this sport works, but how did our guys do?

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SINGLES
Let's start in the singles with Philippe Baloui. L'artiste put on a clinic against Elizabeth Quehall yesterday and today he took on another player from Britonisea, this time Ralph Newkarn. Newkarn, however, wasn't going to go down without a fight. The first set showed that, as both men duelled each other in a back-and-forth affair. Both men traded games like there was no tomorrow until (of course) it went to a tie-breaker. It was just as tight as before until Baloui finally managed to break through and win the set. The 2nd was just as tight, with both men giving it all, until Baloui broke again and never looked back. L'artiste is in unfamiliar territory as he enter the last 16 against Eraman's Batera Siwara.
Philippe Baloui bt Ralph Newkarn (BRI) (7-6(10-8), 6-4)

Shinji Makauchi, meanwhile, had 2 matches to contend with. His singles match was up against Novita Nurdiansyah from Filindostan. Both sets were similar, in that it was competitive until Samurai Shinji broke late on. 6-4, 6-4. Simple as that. Now he must face Theresa Waterford of Kohnhead in the Round of 16, who is famous for beating Jean van de Kloor at the Kinterten. Expect a good match here.
Shinji Makauchi bt Novita Nurdiansyah (FID) (6-4, 6-4)

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DOUBLES
Shinji also had a doubles match to contend with as he joined Felipe de la Rosa to take on Adelinde Günther and Lucas Magnier from Receucn. I don't know what it is about these two that always seem to be drawn against TJUN-ians, because I believe this is the 3rd time they have faced a pairing from TJUN-ia and I'm sure they must getting tired of it at this point. The first set actually went to a tie breaker, as all four participants were giving it thier, and it was only decided by a late brake by the TJUN-ians. Samurai Shinji and El Matador used that momentum to dominate set 2 and to win this match. Shinji will do double duty again, as he and Felipe have a date with one of the tougher opponents in the draw: Komang Antari and Kadek Andreawati of Pemecutan.
Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa (TJU) bt Adelinde Günther/Lucas Magnier (RCN) (7-6(8-6), 6-2)

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TOMORROW'S MATCHES (Coverage Starts at 1:00 pm TST)
Singles Round of 16
Philippe Baloui (TJU) vs Batera Siwara (ERM)
Shinji Makauchi (TJU) vs Theresa Waterford (KHD)

Doubles Round of 16
Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU) vs Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa (TJU)

[Kohnhead]

Kohnhead sends people to the round of 16 at Istria

Kohnhead singles/doubles players participated in four matches, three of which were won by the good guys(that being Kohnhead of course).

Karina Gerard (NEG)             4   6   2
Rodrick Uppatin (KHD)           6   4   6

Uppatin faced off against Karina Gerard in this one and he was technically lower ranked being the 17 in the tournament while Gerard was the 16th. This would be anyone's match and in splitting the first two sets 6-4 each, the matched looked as tight as it could be. In the third set Uppatin held, broke, and held to take a 3-0 advantage that he didn't let go of and would win the final set 6-2. If he thought Gerard was a tough opponent he now has to face the number 1 in the tournament and 19 in the world Ngurah Putra Muliawa from Pemecutan. Even though Istria is a tier two tournament the pressure will be on Uppatin if he wants to advance.

Theresa Waterford (KHD)         6   6
Elke Hartung (NEG)              2   3

Going up against Elke Hartung, I expected a hard fought and close match between two opponents about equal in rank. Instead what we got was not a rout but a two set dominant win for Theresa Waterford. She played mistake-free tennis and Hartung was thoroughly beaten. Waterford was ranked 15th in the tournament with Hartung at 18 but this match looked more like that of a 30 rank difference not 3. Waterford will now take on Shinji Makauchi from TJUN-ia, in what should be a favorable match for Waterford. Makauchi is ranked 31st in the world compared to Waterford's 15th and Waterford dodged a bullet with the two in the tournament Lance Mance being eliminated early. With that being said Theresa cannot underestimate her opponent and will have to be on her mistake-free "A" game in order to win.

Danjiella Zovic / Felice Mareaux (NEG)                            6   6
Riley Dovatin/Melissa Turnface (KHD)                              0   4

Dovatin and Turnface came into this match expecting a difficult opponent and that's what they got losing the first set 6-0 before rebounding in the second only to lose 6-4. Zovic and Mareaux were ranked 8th in the tournament, compared to 25th for Dovatin and Turnface. The two will be back and will compete in all four tournaments during the clay season but considering this is the tier two and they only manage one victory the others might not end so well.

Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface (KHD)                           7   1   6
Luke Subdonez/ Julia Devoningstan (NWK)                           6   6   0

This was a very odd game to say the least and looked more like a Mindy Waterford game than anything. The first set between the ninth ranked Kohnhead and Kohnface against the 24th ranked Subdonez and Devoningstan was a very even set which ended on Kohnhead and Kohnface winning the tiebreaking. The next two sets were odd to say the least as we lost 6-1 in the second before winning 6-0 in the last to advance to the round of 16. They will be facing the duo that just beat Dovatin and Turnface, Zovic and Mareaux in what should be a very good match.

-Aiden Bohn

[Aqual]

Mixed Results for Aqual in Round of 32

Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU)     6   2   6
Daniel Cervantes (AQL)          1   6   4

It was definitely going to be a challenge for Daniel Cervantes to pull off an upset against the highest seed in the draw, Ngurah Putra Muliawan, and the first set (6-1) was certainly evident of this, as Cervantes had an almost "deer in headlights" shock against the highly ranked player from Pemecutan. However, after settling from the initial shock in the first set, Cervantes rediscovered the depths of his game and managed to power through the court for winner after winner. He managed to break Putra Muliawan's serve three times in the second set to win 6-2. The deciding set was one of the best of the entire day: both players were playing at their peak levels, with minimal unforced errors (and even very few forced errors) and a total of 57 winners from the two professionals in a showdown that lasted more than eighty minutes. Ultimately it was the Pemecutan number one seed who made the last break of serve for 5-4 before serving out the match for a tight 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. Many fans from Aqual were understandably heartbroken at their final player exiting the singles draw, but even to advance this far is a victory in our book. On to Reçueçn!

izzat manson/george fakhrul (SHT)                                 7   6
Carla Tormo/Lara Navarro (AQL)                                    5   4

Carla Tormo and Lara Navarro were also up against heavy odds heading into their Round of 32 match today against the seventh-seeded pair of izzat manson and george fakhrul. The duo from Sharktail proved they deserved that seeding in their good showing of a straight sets 7-5, 6-4 victory. manson and fakhrul were never broken by the Aqualias, and had good accuracy on their serves and groundstrokes, having very minimal unforced errors. Tormo also performed exceedingly well on serve to match that of the Sharktail team, but Lara Navarro was broken late in both sets, perhaps showing a lack of her partner's icy discipline from a long tennis career. Nevertheless, although disappointing in the end result, it was a strong performance from the two of the best doubles players in Aqual, and we are sure they will also return stronger than ever in Beçonailles.

Thierry Garzala / Marco Vrient (NEG)                              4   7   3
Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)                                6   5   6

However, the Aqualian hope in Istria is not entirely dashed yet, as the pair of Bartolo Sabanero and Qualo Tabos defeated the sixth-seeded Neu Engollon team of Thierry Garzala and Marco Vrient. Both teams came out swinging, with easy holds on all sides for the first six games. Then, two errors from the Neu Engollons forced by sharp, angled shots from Sabanero gave the Aqualias the window they needed to break in the crucial seventh game for a 4-3 lead; they consolidated the break quickly in the next game for 5-3. Two more routine service holds from either side of the net later, and Sabanero and Tabos had clinched the first set six games to four. Boosted by this, they broke in the first game of the second, with strong Sabanero serves and Tabos putaways at the net providing for another easy hold. They then exploited the perfect angles on the court to force errors from Garzala and Vrient for yet another break. After consolidating, it seemed that the doubles team from Aqual would quickly run away with the upset in a shorter timeframe than just the third set of Cervantes' singles match. However, the Neu Engollon team would not give up so easily, instead holding and breaking back twice to tie things up for 4-4. Tabos managed to hold his nerve to win on serve to maintain pressure at 5-4. With Garzala serving to stay in the set, Sabanero made an unfortunate slip after being wrongfooted by a Vrient cross-court winner, which may have ended up the deciding factor of that game, as well as the reason Sabanero lost his own service game immediately afterwards, giving the Neu Engollon pair the break they needed to serve out the set for 7-5. In the third set, however, Sabanero seemed to have mostly recovered, and perhaps even with renewed enthusiasm. The Aqualias held to love in the first game, then broke after the first deuce on Garzala's serve. After that break, Sabanero looked especially impressive, holding to love (with two aces) on his own service game for 3-0, as well as ensuring that Tabos' service games were also not dropped. The rest of the final set was in fact held on serve, for a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 triumph for the last Aqualias standing in Istria.

We hope you will check back tomorrow for live updates of the Sabanero/Tabos match in the Round of 16 against eleventh-seeded Krytenians James Williams and Alexandra Helmand on our website, as well as detailed results in tomorrow's publication of the Toboso Chronicle.

[Sharktail]

Princess Karina trip to Istria ep 4

Princess Karina lied down on the bed. She seems bored. She still thinking about yesterday, her first meeting with Putri Mekar Laut. She is so beautiful. She also kind and have a good manner.

She remembers the match between Putri Sekar Laut vs Syamim. She not thinking about the result but about how fun and to the enjoyment, she can see in Putri Sekar Laut face. She asks herself, what make Putri Sekar Laut not disappointed with the result. She keeps thinking about that. Maybe the only athlete knows the meaning of that enjoyment. Prince Robert knocks Karina room. She opens the door.

PR: Are you done with packing your clothes?

PK: Yes, Luna helps me.

PR: Ok let go to the stadium now. Just enjoy today match. We will back to Sharktail after the match done.

PK: Ok. I will fully enjoy the game.

Princess Karina went back to the bed. She watches around the room. She looked at the luggage. They are some gift for King and Queen she buys from Istria. Sadly she will leave today. She knows her brother has another thing to do. so she has to go back too.

They went to the Kisangara Tennis Club. Today 2 single and 2 double from Sharktail will play. The first one to play is Sharktail No 1 player, Syamim Kevin facing Luke Subdonez from Northwest Kalactin. Syamim doesn't have any problem to win the match by straight set. In the first set, Syamim made a few errors give Subdonez some point but he back to his best play and win 6-3. In the second set, Subdonez nearly surprised Syamim but Syamim got lucky to end the game 7-5. Following Syamim to the next round is Naim Alex who wins over Sami Domikanov from the well know a nation in NSTT community, Mattijana. He also wins straight set 6-3,7-5.

Two Sharktail double played after that.7th seeded, Izzat Manson and George Fakhrul also go through the next round win over Carla Tormo/Lara Navarro 7-5,6-4. They gave Izzat and George tough challenge but Izzat and George use their experience to counter them back. Sadly, Bahari Zack and Isaac Daud have to say goodbye to Istria lose to Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz from Krytenia. They give some challenge in the second set but not good enough to challenge Michael and Ortiz. The match ended Michael Legrand and Juan Ortiz win 6-3,7-6.

End of today match, from 2 singles and 2 doubles,1 of them have to leave the tournament.2 single and 1 double will play today.

Prince Robert and Princess Karina go meet with all the player before the back to Sharktail. Princess Karina gets a chance to take pictures with Syamim Kevin. After giving a short speech, Prince Robert and Princess Karina leaves and straight go to the airport. Princess Karina smiles happily. She is happy she comes here. She promises she can come back,sit in spectator seat watching Tennis Match Live. This is the best moment of her life.

[Pemecutan]

Sunday, 14 June, 2020 (Redite Umanis Wuku Kelawu, Pawukon 1779)

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All Players to the Next Round

Istria, Banija - Istria Open have finished it's fourth match day where the Single and Double Competition both already in Round 32. All Pemecutanian players successfully defeating their opponents to advance into Round 16. Although most of the match have to finished with 3-sets. Only the double Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati who win rather easily in yesterday match after crushing Big Carencian pair by 6-2, 6-2. A great comeback was also seen from another double player, Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani. After winning easily in the first set. The pair have to lossed the second set in a tight match. They happened to rewind the second set situation in their last set. But fortunately, this time they get a better finishing than the combine pair of Grearish Union and Electrum.

In Single Competition, both Pemecutanian players have to go through a tiring 3-sets match. 1st seed, Ngurah Putra Muliawan gets a hard play when facing Aqualian player, Daniel Cervantes. Winning easily in the first set, Muliawan have to work hard in the second set and fall badly after losing by 2-6. He rise in the third set with a tight 5-5 deuce match. Eventually a nice backhand save Muliawan from tie-breaking. He win 7-5 and advance further.

In another hand, 10th seed Luh Putu Yundari also played tightly against Ajla Vesnic from Mattijana. Both players seems to be in a similar position and playing style. Yundari win the first set by 6-4 before failed to defend her lead in the second set with 3-6 loss. The third set went very tight which makes both players ended in 5-5 deuce position. Yundari have to passed 5 advantage point in the 12th games before finally winning the match.

Next match day will be the Round of 16. In Double Competition, 1st seed Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati will meet Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa from Tjun-ia. While, Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani will be playing against Britonisea veteran pair and 2nd seed, Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall. In Single Competition, 1st seed Ngurah Putra Muliawan will be facing Rodrick Uppatin from Kohnhead. And last but not least, 10th seed Luh Putu Yundari will meet Electrumite player, Maddison Scott.

[Mattijana]

Julenic Out in Istrijan Second Round, but Rivals Fail to Capitalise

MFO SPORT

Mattijana's cohort of singles players were all knocked out of the Istrijan Open over the first couple of days of competition, with the pressure now mounting in the race for Mattijana Open qualification.

Number 4 Maria Julenic is under particular pressure after losing in the second round to home favourite Halima Fatty in three tight sets. Having lost the first set 6-4, she battled back to take the second by the same scoreline, but dropped serve late in the decider to hand Fatty the win in front of a passionate Banijan crowd.

That gave her rivals for the final two tier-one spots, Ajla Vesnic and Sami Dominikanov, the chance to take advantage and really gain some ranking points, but despite cruising through the second round, both lost their round of 32 matches. Vesnic was the player to come closest to the last 16, falling to Pemecutan's Luh Putu Yundari in three sets, whilst Dominikanov lost to Sharktail's naim alex 6-3, 7-5.

Defeat was clearly frustrating for Vesnic, still in her rookie NSTT season. The Mattijanan number 5 pegged her higher-ranked opponent back in the second set and reached 5-5 in the decider before agonisingly losing serve. She nearly managed to claw it back late on as well, forcing the 10th seed into a deucey deadlock before eventually pulling a backhand wide.

With only one tournament to go before the Mattijanan Open in Burges, the pressure is mounting on those on the fringes of the Mattijanan top 4. Ruling out something ridiculously left-field or an injury to the top 2 of Dominika Lisicki and Mattias Burges, selectors must choose two of Domikanov, Julenic and Vesnic for the tier-one tournament. That will cause a fair number of headaches when making their choices not only for the all-important week in Burges, but also for the next tier-one event in Recuecn.

Dominikanov's form has been patchy, but he made a good start to the season and has a reasonable lead on the other two in the rankings, so if he isn't picked for Receucn, it's more likely that he will be in the squad for Burges than out. Form book and ranking points aside, the 23 year-old is also the sort of player who will really relish the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, particularly on the raucous Stadijo Alex Dimitrov.
That means Recuecn will likely be a straight shootout between Julenic and Vesnic for the final place, but how the result of that will be interpreted is still up for debate. Picking the one to go furthest in the tournament favours Vesnic as it obliterates Julenic's modest advantage in ranking points. Taking the player highest in the rankings at the end of it favours Julenic due to said head start, but also opens the can of worms around whether Julenic's points from last season are useful or give her an unfair advantage. At least choosing a player for the future is not another complication. Both are young and within a year of age with Vesnic 20 and Julenic 21.

What about potential? We've seen what Julenic can do when in form thanks to some of her performances last season, but she is desperately lacking it at the moment. Vesnic is very new to the international scene, but has looked promising so far and if she can make more improvements to her game between now and the next two tournaments, she could be just as devastating. She also has a more modern style than her rival and her extra physicality may mean she fares better on the clay.

In my opinion? Picking the player who does best in Beconailles would be fairest. If both do unexpectedly well, Dominikanov's place might be in danger, but that looks unlikely on current form and the re-introduction of the world's top players will make things even harder for those further down the pecking order. If both make it to the same stage?

Rock, paper, scissors?

[Eraman]

CHAPTER 5
BATERA SIWARA

Jeff Rogers, the number one Grearish Union tennis player made it to the round of 32 by defeating Bartello Sabanero in a straight-set, 7-6, 6-1. He turned up to Kisangara Tennis Club to face Batera Siwara as the clear favourite.

But it wasn't meant to be for Jeff Rogers. It's not certain whether he underperformed or Batera Siwara was on fire. Batera Siwara continues to defy the odds and won the match easily in a straight-set, 6-1, 6-1.

Batera Siwara came to Istria with not much expectation. He is regarded as the third-best tennis player in Eraman. But so far, he had eliminated tennis players from Krytenia, Recuecn and the latest one, The Grearish Union to make it to the round of 16.

The Dunyalam-born tennis player is the product of Pasirpura Tennis Club development program. He represented Eraman to the Olympics but crashed out at the round of 128.

Waiting for him in the round of 16 is Philippe Baloui from TJUN-ia. Philippe has been the dark horse in Istria Open. He made it to the round of 16 by defeating 2 players from Britonisea, 5th seed Ralph Newkarn in the round of 32 and Elizabeth Quehall in the round of 64, both ways above him in the seeding.

[Banija]

I'm at a payphone! Trying to call home! With all of this change I spent on you!

Where have the times gone, maybe it's all wrong, all of the plans we made for two!

If happy ever after could exist... I could still be holding you like this!

All the fairy tales are full of it... One more freaking love song I'll be sick! Cause I'm at this cutoff!

Singles Round of 16 Results

Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU)     6   6
Rodrick Uppatin (KHD)           2   4

Juan Subdula (NWK)              6   6
AAUGCC (EAS)                    4   4

Syamim kevin (SHT)              6   6
Leone Na (BRI)                  4   2

Philippe Baloui (TJU)           4   6   7
Batera Siwara (ERM)             6   3   9

Shinji Makauchi (TJU)           6   2   5
Theresa Waterford (KHD)         4   6   7

Maddison Scott (ETM)            4   1
Luh Putu Yundari (PCU)          6   6

Marco Vrient (NEG)              4   6   5
Livinia Moore (ETM)             6   3   7

Niken Subdula (NWK)             2   5
naim alex (SHT)                 6   7

Updated Singles Bracket

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Doubles Round of 16 Results

Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU)                              6   6
Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa (TJU)                           3   4

Danjiella Zovic / Felice Mareaux (NEG)                            2   0
Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface (KHD)                           6   6

Jaguar Zenteanite/Zeke Newham (BRI)                               4   0
Marko Juvan/ Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                                   6   6

Alexandra Barna/Ralph Henschel (GGY)                              6   6   4
AAUGCC/Jack Ho (ETM) (EASETM)                                     7   4   6

Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall (BRI)                                 4   4
Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (PCU)                          6   6

izzat manson/george fakhrul (SHT)                                 6   6
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                                  4   2

Arthur Leloup/Hildebrant Weisgerber (RCN)                         6   6
Maïoura Gaïelakathil (M-S) / Neadaka Gaïelakathil (M-S) (BNK)     3   3

Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)                                6   6
James Williams/Alexandra Helmand (KRY)                            2   2

Updated Doubles Bracket

[TJUN-ia]

SINGLES
Batera Siwara (ERM) bt Philippe Baloui (6-4, 3-6, 9-7)
Theresa Waterford (KHD) bt Shinji Makauchi (4-6, 6-2, 7-5)

DOUBLES
Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU) bt Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa (6-3, 6-4)

How did this happen, you say? Well, it's simple: a lot of things happened.

1) Batera Siwara is certainly one to look out for
And I'm not joking here. Reaching the quarterfinals of your first tournament is never easy, and yet this guy from Eraman has sone that. It's not that L'artiste didn't try - the game went to sudden death in Set 3 and he certainly played his best tennis so far. It's just that, when it came down to it, Batera has the momentum to win this game. It's still a good tournament for Baloui and his best performance yet, it just could have been better.

2) Theresa Warterford
We did not expect an easy game here. She beat Jean van de Kloor, for crying out loud. If anyone was going to take down Samurai Shinji, it had to be Waterford. And she certainly did that in a tight game. Samurai Shinji did a good job in this tournament, reaching the Round of 16 in both draws. He just needs to accept the fact that not every match will be a good one.

3) Pemecutan
You know how good these two are. Komang Antari and Kadek Andreawati were considered one of the tougher opponents in the draw so of course, they would win in straight sets. Shinji and El Matador just didn't have the skills to overcome these two and that's fine. We can improve. Everyone can.

Our players have been split into 2 groups for the 2 Tier 1 tournaments. The Cowboy, Samurai Shinji and El Matador will join Valentina Spetsova in Receucn while L'artiste, The Crawler, VuRA and Kaui Kama will join Jean van de Kloor, Joe Katsi and the Li Bo Twins in Mattijana. There are certainly more opportunities for success, we just need to be lucky.

[Aqual]

Sabanero and Tabos Cruise to Quarterfinals
ISTRIA, Bnj.—The center of Aqual right now is focused not on the capital city of Toboso, the politics unfolding there or the leader of the country residing there. Right now, Aqual is centered around two tennis players in their twenties, Bartolo Sabanero and Qualo Tabos, thousands of miles away in bustling Istria, Banija, where the lone Aqualias standing in the nation's first delve into international sporting competition have advanced to the quarterfinals. Detailed results from that match below.

Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)                                6   6
James Williams/Alexandra Helmand (KRY)                            2   2

Bartolo Sabanero and Qualo Tabos have made it clear during this tournament that, although new to the international tour, they are going to bring the fight to every doubles team, seeded or unseeded, that comes their way. After a tight win over Neu Engollon's Garzala and Vrient, seeded sixth, in the last round, the Aqualian pair felt even more comfortable in their defeat today of Krytenia's eleventh-seeded team of James Williams and Alexandra Helmand. Even during the early games of the first set, despite the scoreline being close and held on serve, one got the feeling that the Aqualias were dominating every aspect of the match, dictating the pace and momentum. After 2-all in that opening set, Sabanero and Tabos went on a seven game streak, decisively winning the first set 6-2 after a double break before again claiming a double break early in the second to go up 4-0. At that point, Williams played a strong service game to regain some semblance of resistance, but the Krytenians could not poke any holes in what seemed to be an ironclad service from both Sabanero and Tabos, only managing to serve to stay in the match before Tabos then served to clinch it 6-2, 6-2, in just under sixty-eight minutes. Although many who commented yesterday on our online article noted that it seemed Sabanero carried the team in their last win (he did say in an interview that he felt a heavy responsibility to win that match for the whole of Aqual, having lost previously in singles and having seen his compatriots and friends fall earlier that day), today it seemed a much more equal, cohesive effort between the two, which will bode well for the future, in a sport where a good relationship and communication between teammates are key.

As we alluded to in our last publication, one silver lining of Sabanero's unfortunate end to his singles run was his ability to now concentrate fully on the doubles side of things, and today Tabos joked both in his joint post-match press conference with Sabanero and on his social media account (which has surpassed two million followers this week) that he was secretly glad his doubles partner hadn't advanced further in singles. Sabanero, although displaying his typical shyness during that press conference, later quipped back on social media: "Be careful what you wish for, Qualo, or you might find yourself with a different partner in Reçueçn haha." They seemed to have put this mock feud behind them, however, when analyzing their match together back at their hotel.

They will face another strong challenge in the quarterfinals against third seeds Arthur Leloup and Hildebrant Weisgerber. Leloup will sound familiar to those who have followed the Toboso Chronicle's reporting of the Istria Open since the beginning, having been upset by our very own Matéu Virxiliu in the first round of singles play. Although Sabanero and Tabos have beaten highly ranked players already in this tournament, the team from Reçueçn is the highest seeded they have faced yet, and no one knows what kind of pressure the Aqualias are facing heading into the quarterfinals. We hope you will continue to tune in to our live updates to follow the latest in Istria.

[Sharktail]

SHARKTAIL POST EP 12
PLAYER SEEK FOR SEMI FINAL SPOT

Istria open almost reach the end,8 singles and 8 double will play in the quarterfinal. Nearly half of the seeded player has sent home. More and more suprise keep happening. With two more three more round, who will be the one last stand in the podium with Istria Open trophy.

Sharktail confirmed their participation in NSTT tier 2 tournament, Istria Open as the way to give experience and give the player to collect some points for a better place in the ranking. Now the tournament has reached quarterfinal, 3 have back home while 3 still compete. Start with Diana Jansen, playing her first international tournament, nothing turn out great for her.22 years old girl from Sharktail who have worked really hard to get the spot but have to say goodbye too early. not her fault for this, just she still lacks in confidence. However, he will be back more strongly next time. If Diana Jnsen is still fresh to the world stage, what can we say to Haikal Jansen? He followed his sister way and get eliminated from this tournament. He may not in his good condition yet after having surgery in the past. If he is still inconsistent the best way for him is to take a break for a while or have to make the decision to retire from all tennis tournament in the future. In his age 26, he may have a lot of time so take a break for a few tournaments may not affect him so much. Bahari Zack, Isaac Daud performed their best but it still not enough for them. They now really far to compare with Izzat and George. If they continue performing like this, STC may take a decision to break their pair and try with other pair.

Three players still continue their challenge in Istra open. Naim Alex makes a suprise come this far. Who expected him to win until now. He has been improving a lot. Still in his 20, more bright future may wait for him if he keeps performing well. Izzat Manson, George Fakhrul , the holden pair of Sharktail, performing well in Steinigrasse Open before losing in Semifinal, will they performing like that again this time. However, their real battle starts now facing the new Tennis powerhouse, Putu Listya Dewi and Putu Ayu Maharani. Will they win and through to Semi-Final or their challenge will end in the quarterfinal. Lastly, Sharktail star Syamim Kevin will play Batera Siwara in the quarter-final. The No 1 Sharktail professional single player come as 4th seed in this tournament. However, it means nothing now. Many seeded players already sent home, even some of them losing to a lower rank player. So being a seeded player doesn't mean he will win. He will have to show his efoort to win this match.

Quartefinal,2 single 1 double.How many will remain in semifinal.Wil Sharktail Name be erased totally from Istria Open or may all the player continue into the next round.You will get the answer tonight.

[Pemecutan]

Monday, 15 June, 2020 (Soma Paing Wuku Kelawu, Pawukon 1779)

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On Board to Quarterfinal

Istria, Banija - It has been a very great days for Pemecutan in Istria Open tournament. From 4 singles and 2 doubles that entered the tournament, only 2 of them that have to go home early and both were from the Single Competition. Kadek Adi Wiranatha who went to Second Round after a win in Preliminary Round have to buried his dream to go further. The same thing happened to Dewa Ayu Cintya Dewi who also stopped at the Second Round. But for the rest of the team, it has been a wonderful journey.

Pemecutan second double, Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani have become a new sensation after defeating the 2nd seed, Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall of Britonisea in a straight-set match. The match goes in a tight condition and finished with 6-4, 6-4 score for Pemecutanian pair. It is their first Quarterfinal spot in this season of NSTT.

On the other hand, the 1st seed Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati seems to be on fire. Failed badly in Hard Court Season, they makes a nice comeback in this tournament. They have always finished their matches in straight-set. Including the last match against Tjun-ia pair, Shinji Makauchi/Felipe de la Rosa which ended with 6-3, 6-4 for Pemecutanian pair.

While in Single Competition, Ngurah Putra Muliawan have back to his performance. Facing Rodrick Uppatin of Kohnhead, Muliawan ended the match in a fast pace. He entered Quarterfinal after defeating Uppatin with 6-2 and 6-4. A similar result also happened with Luh Putu Yundari. Playing against Electrumite veteran, Maddison Scott, Yundari quite struggled in the first set. Losing her grip and performance which could makes her lose. But fortunately, she regain her confidence in the last minutes. Grabbed the last 2 games in the first set and she win by 6-4. The second set feels quite easy for Yundari. As Scott losing her focus and Yundari prime confidence, makes her easily control the match. Yundari win by 6-1 and advance to quarter.

In the Quarterfinal, 1st seed Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati have to face the best Kohnhead pair and 9th seed, Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface. While Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani will be playing against neighboring double pair from Sharktail and also the 7th seed, Izzat Manson/George Fakhrul. While in Single Competition, 1st seed Ngurah Putra Muliawan will meet 8th seed Juan Subdula from Northwest Kalactin. And 10th seed, Luh Putu Yundari will be facing Theresa Waterford of Kohnhead.

[Electrum]

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Luke Zhang

Latter rounds of the Istria Open suggest the new up-and-coming nations of the clay court are to be feared

Despite a rather middling performance during the outdoor hard court season, Sharktail's players have really stepped it up in Istria, now challenging for spots in the semifinals. In fact, this trend of improved performance has been seen across the nations of the Melayu Archipelago, which counts nations like Pemecutan and Eraman in its midst, who have had their players do well as well -- suggesting that there are some clay court specialists in their rosters. Playing on clay in the heat of the Melayu Archipelago is likely very similar to playing on clay in Istria, and even Hamilton, so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that we've seen those countries go far in this tournament. Such developments are good news for the ever-growing NationStates Tennis Tour (NSTT), which re-established itself this season, and will host a series of tournaments across the multiverse on different court surfaces.

Meanwhile, the Aqual combination of Sabanero and Tabos have performed admirably, upsetting Krytenian pair Williams/Helmand, progressing to a quarterfinal match against a Recuecn pair. Aqual, by virtue of having its athletes participate in previous NSTT competitions, has had access to reserved rankings, allowing them to take advantage of seeding opportunities, and avoiding its players being sent to the qualifiers. And, with the absence of such nations like Ethane, Jeckland and Eastfield Lodge in the upcoming clay season tournaments, there remains the distinct opportunity for Aqual, and indeed the other aforementioned nations to do well in the Tier 1 tournaments to nab those all-important top 32 seeded positions of the Hamilton International.

As for Electrum - well - it's not been a good tournament. Despite early hopes that we would have at least a few players do well to make it to the quarterfinals, only Livinia Moore remains in the race to win Electrum's first ever singles title. Her next match in the quarterfinals? Naim Alex of Sharktail. Naim Alex has impressed many in this tournament, defeating fellow journeymen Sami Dominikanov and Niken Subdula, but it remains to be seen if the young player will have what it takes against Moore's toolbox of unorthodox shots. Known for her shots that are well disguised, and her two-handed forehand and backhand, she will seek to push Alex out of focus and out of rhythm in order to make her debut semifinal. Working to her disadvantage, however, are the clay courts themselves. Notoriously slow, her lobs and volleys are that much harder to perform, and there is plenty of time for Alex to reach those usually unreachable balls on the hard/grass courts. She will really need to work on her acceleration and putting topspin on those balls to make sure that those balls remain unplayable.

[Eraman]

CHAPTER 6
THE 3-HOURS MATCH

The match between Batera Siwara and Philippe Baloui is not a match that attracts a lot of attention. It's a match between a 37th and 85th seed players who probably overachieved in the tournament.

There is bigger match-up in the round, like the match between 1st seed, Ngurah Putra Muliawan and 17th seed, Rodrick Uppatin or the match between 4th seed, Syamim Kevin and 20th seed, Leone Na.

Batera Siwara and Philippe Baloui didn't disappoint the crowd in attendance for the match at Kisangara Tennis Club though. The two battle their heart out in 3 hours 3-sets match. It was a fight until the end.

The first two sets were okay, it was a tough battle between the two. Batera Siwara won the first set and Philippe Baloui won the second set. But it shows no sign that the match will be a contender for the match of the tournament until the third and deciding set.

Levelled at 5-5, tensions can be felt in Kisangara Tennis Club as both players tried to wrap the match. It was nerve-wracking ending to the tie. The match went from 5-5 to 6-5, then levelled again at 6-6, Philippe took the lead 6-7, and Batera gets back on level foot at 7-7. In the end, Batera Siwara nailed the last set 9-7.

Batera Siwara will face Syamim Kevin, the number one Sharktail tennis player in the quarterfinal. Syamim Kevin previously knocked out Putri Pasirpura Sekar Laut easily on a straight-set, 6-3, 7-5.

Batera Siwara will be looking to continue the rivalry between Eraman and Sharktail in the Istria Open, the third time players from both countries meet each other in the tournament and avenged the defeat of 2 of his countrymen.

[Banija]

But I just can't let it go! But I just can't let it go!

I wonder if you ever think about it? Like I do?

Seven kids on a two lane road! Music on the radio! After all this time it still feels so good!

When I think about those! cutoff nights! Singing out the windows, on the back road, your hand in mine. Sipping on the locos! Spark of light! Ain't it funny how the best days of my life! Was all that tennis time!

Singles Quarterfinal Results

Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU)     6   6
Juan Subdula (NWK)              4   3

Syamim kevin (SHT)              2   1
Batera Siwara (ERM)             6   6

Theresa Waterford (KHD)         6   7
Luh Putu Yundari (PCU)          4   6

Livinia Moore (ETM)             2   6   3
naim alex (SHT)                 6   4   6

Semifinals
#1 Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU) v. #85 Batera Siwara (ERM)
#15 Theresa Waterford (KHD) v. #22 naim alex (SHT)

Updated Singles Bracket

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Doubles Quarterfinal Results

Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU)          6   7
Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface (KHD)       1   6

Marko Juvan/ Rikard Kampl (MTJ)               6   6
AAUGCC/Jack Ho (ETM) (EASETM)                 2   4

Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (PCU)      2   7   2
izzat manson/george fakhrul (SHT)             6   5   6

Arthur Leloup/Hildebrant Weisgerber (RCN)     5   4
Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)            7   6

Semifinals
#1 Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU) v. #13 Marko Juvan/ Rikard Kampl (MTJ)
#7 izzat manson/george fakhrul (SHT) v. #27 Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)

Updated Doubles Bracket

[Eraman]

CHAPTER 7
THAT OTHER NEIGHBOUR

With a semifinal spot at stake, the match between Batera Siwara and Syamim Kevin became the talking point in southern Eraman; the rest of the country doesn't really care, at least not yet.

It is the third time players from both countries met each other in Istria. Players from Sharktail won the first two matches but Batera Siwara ensured that there is hope for tennis in Eraman.

The number 1 Sharktail tennis player, Syamim Kevin didn't turn up for the whole match. It's probably fatigue or just a bad day in the office but Syamim didn't play up to his own standard.

He fell easily at the hands of Batera Siwara in a straight-set, 6-2, 6-1. The victory of Batera Siwara against the tournament's 4th seed became the talking point in southern Eraman not just because it's a victory against their neighbour but it also means it sets up a match against another neighbour.

The semifinal clash will see Batera Siwara up against the top seed of the tournament, Ngurah Putra Muliawan. Before Istria Open, Ngurah Putra Muliawan is ranked 20th in the world. His performance in the Istria Open, reaching the semi-final ensured that he broke into the top 10 in the ranking. Most importantly, Ngurah Putra Muliawan is from Pemecutan.

Just like Sharktail, Pemecutan shares a lot of history with Eraman. Both were part of the ancient Sripala Kingdom and colonized by the same western imperial power. However, Pemecutan is much more developed, richer and a lot less corrupt than Eraman. Pemecutan is the country that Eraman wants to be and failed to be.

Girian and Mandaran, natives of Pemecutan make up 17% of the country's population; one of the largest minority group in Eraman. They speak Hanacaraka, a different language than Malay that is spoken in Eraman but came from the same Austronesian language family. Eraman even has public vernacular schools, which teach in Hanacaraka.

Most of these schools are in the south because that's where Girian and Mandaran mostly live in Eraman. All ethnic groups in Eraman attend it and it's where tennis is being played at the grassroots level.

The vernacular schools in Eraman are quite well funded; it's a country that spent most of its budget on education. Most of the Hanacaraka vernacular schools in Eraman are equipped with at least a tennis court. This is the only place you can see tennis courts in Eraman apart from the luxurious tennis clubs in Pasirpura. The Girian and Mandaran population in Eraman plays a big part in the development of tennis in the country.

The semifinal match between Batera Siwara and Ngurah Putra Muliawan will be the first time tennis players from Eraman and Pemecutan play each other. Eramanians have always look up to players from Pemecutan but this time, they are 100% behind Batera Siwara.

[Kohnhead]

Theresa Waterford shows off the "Waterford Gene" in a win

Theresa Waterford (KHD)         6   7
Luh Putu Yundari (PCU)          4   6

Going up against the 10 seed in the tournament Luh Putu Yundari from Pemecutan, Theresa Waterford was faced with a heavy challenge. With her sister in attendance she showed off the "Waterford Gene" that her and her twin sister Mindy seem to have. That gene being the clutch and good at tennis gene. With the pressure at an all time high, the two were tied at 3 games a piece in the first set with Yundari having the serve. Waterford would score the next four points to break and then win the next game as well to take a 5-3 lead. Yundari and Waterford would both hold giving Waterford the set win. The second set was much closer but Waterford would capture the set, and the match win in 7-6 fashion. Again, this is just a tier two tournament but Theresa continues to show that she can compete with anyone and will now move on to the semis to take on 22nd ranked in the tournament naim alex from Sharktail who is coming off of a three set win over Livinia Moore.

Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU)          6   7
Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface (KHD)       1   6

Kohnhead and Kohnface were tasked with trying to defeat the best duo in the tournament Komang Antari and Kadek Andreawati from you guessed it Pemecutan again. This time it was not the Kohnheadians who would get the win as the opposition would destroy Kohnhead and face in the opening set before the second would end 7-6. It's another good tournament for these two but yet again they lose in the quarters. These two only have one more clay tournament together before Kohnhead sends its first mixed double for the final two of clay which will pair both of these players with a player from Electrum.

Good luck to Theresa Waterford tomorrow in her match against naim alex.
-Aiden Bohn KNN

[Sharktail]

SHARKTAIL POST EP 13
NAIM CLAIM AS SHARKTAIL CLAY COURT MASTER

While all eyes more focussed on Syamim Kevin, his lose to Batera Siwara from Eraman straight-set last night have made all the fans now focussed on one more single-player. Naim Alex. Who will imagine the 22nd seed will come this far in this tournament. Playing against Rafael Bautista in the first match, not even caught everyone attention since his opponent is not well known. Draw against 11 seed Sami Dominikanov in the second round, everyone predicts this will be the end but who will imagine he will win that match straight set. He keeps surprising everyone wins over subdula before once again defeat popular pick, Livinia Moore from Electrum. He may still have more to show and today match against Theressa Waterford will show if his magic still works or not.

Izzat Manson and George Fakhrul, come as 7th seed in this tournament. Performing really well until now, and will facing 27 seed this time in the semifinal. On the paper, they are favourite to go to final but Sharktail fans still remember how Syamim fell to 85 seed so until the match end we will not know who will win.

[Freedom and Memes]

New eagle city, Freedom And Memes : the people here are sad, not only because many of the FAM athletes are losing, but also there are so many members entered that is also had to keep track. People also had high hopes for start player Rajesh Rao, who won 4 gold's in the Olympics held recently in the Isle of Memes, Freedom And Memes. However, he Sally list. Now the people's hope remain on the remaining athletes whose matches haven't started yet, and their leader gave a talking speech for the remaining athletes, and congratulated the ones who lost, as they tried their best and will forget be remember in the libraries and meme archive of freedom and memes.

[Aqual]

Sabanero and Tabos Istrian Semifinalists
TOBOSO—Cheers erupted from dozens of organized watch parties throughout Aqual today as Bartolo Sabanero and Qualo Tabos won their quarterfinals doubles match, becoming the first Aqualias to advance to an international semifinal. Details from their impressive performance over yet another seeded team below.

Arthur Leloup/Hildebrant Weisgerber (RCN)     5   4
Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)            7   6

ISTRIA, Bnj.—There was no doubt heading into this match that Sabanero and Tabos were something very special, not just for Aqual but as evidenced by their results. This victory marks their third straight win over teams seeded above 16 (sixth seeds Garzala/Vrient, eleventh seeds Williams/Helmand and now third seeds Leloup/Weisgerber). However, this match was their highest-ranked opponent yet, and for good reason. The first set opened with three straight breaks, before Leloup managed to hold serve for an early 3-1 lead. Sabanero then also managed to hold serve, both with his own solid first serves and the expertise of Tabos at the net for 2-3. They then broke Weisgerber's serve with especially aggressive backhand returns to Leloup, forcing errors out of the player from Reçueçn to even out at 3-all. However, Tabos' serve is not nearly as strong as Sabanero's, and the opponents capitalized on this to break for 4-3, before consolidating with another strong service game from Leloup for 5-3. Serving to stay in the set, Sabanero blasted three aces in a grueling, nine and a half minute game with six deuces, which eventually gave for the Aqualias after having saved two set points. With newfound momentum, both Sabanero and Tabos (from the baseline and net, respectively) scored four consecutive clear winners to break back for five games all. Tabos' serve improved noticeably from his last service game, only faulting once in six points and with his fastest average serve for one game of the entire tournament up to this point. After handily winning then, they again maintained an offensive tactic against Leloup's serve, forcing errors from awkward positions around the court and perfectly angling shots for unreachable winners. They clinched that game at 15-40 to win the set from behind, seven games to five.

However, after having been outplayed late in the first set and failing to convert two set points, the team from Reçueçn was re-energized, committed not to give away any points in the crucial second set. In so doing, they managed to break from the very first game, before consolidating with an unforced error off the forehand of Sabanero. In a mirror of the early games of the first set, Tabos managed to hold serve in response, before aggressive plays on the receiving end in the following game tied the scoreline 2-all. Once again Sabanero's serve and Tabos' volleys seemed unshakeable for a 3-2 lead, before Weisgerber managed to respond with some big serves of his own for an easy hold to put the second set at 3-3. In the infamously crucial seventh game, both teams were looking for the turning point of the set, that critical moment that would turn the winds of fortune to their favor and give them the momentum needed to triumph over their opponents. At 30-all, a twenty-six point rally ended in a spectacular volley from Tabos that seemed to glide across the entire length of the net, from one post to the other, landing square on the far outside line, and which neither Leloup nor Weisgerber had any hope of reaching. That set up the 4-3 hold which applied pressure on the Reçueçn serve. And the trumpets of victory were almost sounded during that subsequent Leloup service game at 0-40, but somehow the serving team managed to fight back from three break points down to even out at four games all (helped in no small part with Leloup's tactical placement of the serves to open up the court). With once again Sabanero serving and Tabos at the net, any questions on whether the Aqualias would be fazed by this were answered readily, holding to fifteen. Finally, serving to stay in the set, Weisgerber dropped his level just slightly, but enough to give Sabanero and Tabos the chance to strike—and strike they did, powering back returns with such speed as to force errors from both opponents for 0-30, before an unforced half-volley error from Leloup gave three match points to Aqual's last competitors standing. Unlike their last receiving game, however, they wasted no time in converting the break, with Tabos firing a return winner flat down the line to seal the match 7-5, 6-4.

Leloup will not be the only familiar face that the Aqualian duo will have faced before this tournament is over, however, as who else should await them in the semifinals but Sharktail's own Izzat Manson and George Fakhrul, the very same team that defeated Carla Tormo and Lara Navarro. Manson and Fakhrul certainly have proved their worthiness of the seventh-seeded spot, and as seen in the Tormo/Navarro match, they will no doubt pose a grave challenge to Sabanero and Tabos in their quest for the Istrian Open title (although, of course, Aqual's number one doubles team have also proven themselves worthy competitors against even highly seeded teams). We hope you will join us tomorrow at the Toboso Chronicle's website for what is sure to be an exceptional match in an exciting time for Aqualian tennis.

[Pemecutan]

Tuesday, 16 June, 2020 (Anggara Pon Wuku Kelawu, Pawukon 1779)

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Semifinal, Here We Go!

Istria, Banija - A rather good news comes from Quarterfinal result of Istria Open. Beginning the match day with 4 posts, Pemecutan able to advance further with 2 of them and both of them are the first seed. In Single Competition, Ngurah Putra Muliawan defeating Juan Subdula of Northwest Kalactin. The 8th seed able to maintain his performance when facing Muliawan and give the first seed some difficulties. The first set went quite tight and just because Muliawan have more controlling of his playing, he able to take the 10th games after 6 advantage points. In the second set, Muliawan play more relax and its shown in the result. He lead fast before Subdula able to equalize his points. After taking a break, Muliawan back to his performance. He calmly took the rest 3 games to finally win the match.

In Double Competition, Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati also win quite easily against Kohnhead lead pair, Spencer Kohnhead/Bradley Kohnface. The first set, Pemecutan pair win easily with only loosing one game from Kohnhead/Kohnface. The situation rather tight in the second set as the Kohnhead pair able to equalize Antari/Andreawati playing style. The set went into tie-break. Fortunately, Antari/Andreawati get playing more relax and able to control the match pace. They win the tie-break and also the match.

A less fortunate result have to faced by Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani. After shockingly defeating 2nd seed in Round 16, they have to go home early after loosing to 7th seed from Sharktail in a tight 3-sets match. Another shocking result also comes from Pemecutan other single player, Luh Putu Yundari. The 10th seed have to work hard when facing Theresa Waterford from Kohnhead. She loose in straight-set of 4-6, 5-7.

In Semifinal, Ngurah Putra Muliawan will meet neighbor player and the tournament sensation, Batera Siwara of Eraman. Entering Istria Open as a newcomer, Siwara show himself as a player that have to be cautious of. While in Double Competition, Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati will be facing 13th seed, Marko Juvan/Rikard Kampl from Mattijana. The Mattijana pair successfully get their Semifinal spot after defeating multi-nation pair of Ebola and Electrum, AAUGCC/Jack Ho. The new pair also show a good performance by reaching Quarterfinal in their first pairing.

Istria Open also shows numerous shocking results. The most tight Single Competition ever where only 1 player from the top 10 seed that able to enter Semifinal. And a sensational new player that able to enter Semifinal. The Double Competition also not less tight. Only 2 pairs from top 10 seed that enter Semifinal. And a new pair also entering Semifinal, Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos of Aqual. Despite all the sensation, it is clear that both Pemecutan players are aiming for the trophy. They wish to do the same as their friends in Kinterten Open where Dewa Putra Adrian Putra and Oka Sulastra/Luh Putu Yundari won both Single and Double Competition.

[Mattijana]

New-Look Doubles Partnership Shaping up Nicely in Istria

MFO SPORT

Mattijana's new-look doubles partnership of Marko Juvan and Rikard Kampl are into the semi-finals of the Istria Open after a straight-sets victory over the Electrumite/ EAS team of Jack Ho and AAUGCC.

The pair are yet to drop a set at the Banijan tier-2 tournament and despite only being seeded 13th, arguably go into their semi as tournament favourites. They face number one seeds Komang Antari and Kadek Andreawati of Pemecutan later today.

That seeding is a reflection of the ranking mismatch between experienced campaigner Kampl, who won Mattijana's first NSTT title in Mercedini last season, and Marko Juvan, the 24 year-old in his rookie international season. Kampl finds himself joint 19th and has been a mainstay in the top 20 for some time. Juvan meanwhile is 153rd with under a 25th of the ranking points, but is set for a big leap up the ladder after this tournament.
On the court, the difference between the two has been much less obvious. Kampl is clearly the more experienced player, with the touch, placement and tactics befitting someone at the sharp end of the NSTT. Juvan brings extra punch to the partnership though, possessing a tracer bullet of a serve and looking confident and clinical under the high ball. This should in theory make for a decent combination in a doubles pairing, but experience and time together are also vital in forming a successful team.

The two have worked together since the end of the Kinterten Open in Kannap, the last tournament in which Kampl played alongside Dominika Lisicki. Skipping the final event of the hard court season in order to focus on a clay debut in Banija, they have used the extra preparation time to their advantage and are now looking to secure just Mattijana's fourth NSTT title at their first attempt.

The duo represent not only Mattijana, but also the established NSTT nations in the semi-finals. The other semi-final contains teams from Sharktail and Aqual, both nations in their first NSTT season and in Aqual's case, first tournament.
The tier-2 tournaments, with their 500 ranking point singles and 1000 point doubles team cutoffs, have certainly opened up opportunities for new players to make their mark. These currently exclude the top 16 singles players and any partnership between the top 30 doubles players.

The result of this is that instead of getting drawn against the likes of Lisicki, Toli or Putra in their first round, new and inexperienced players get the opportunity to play similarly matched players in their first few matches and if they're any good, get a genuine reward in the form of ranking points and game time rather than an honourable mention in the post-match interview from the top 10 player they get beaten by. Shocks are also more likely to occur, with the middle and lower end of the ranking congested, more influenced by form/court preference, and generally just nowhere near as good as the top end.

There's also the Mattias Burges phenomenon, the idea that the tournaments can also serve as useful launchpads for experienced players to get back to the top when they're desperately out of nick. Not without a scrap of course, and you realistically have to make it to the last 4 to see a real bounce, but Burges' win in Steinigestrasse showed that it can be done and adds more interest to the tier-2 events.

Things will get trickier for these potential stars of the future when the current stars return in Beconailles, but in the meantime, the combination of exciting new players, competitive matches and older players looking to rediscover some mojo means that tier-2 tournaments are definitely worth watching and celebrating.

[Banija]

Is it Too Late to Apologize for cutting off an hour late?

Singles Semifinal Results

Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU)     6   6
Batera Siwara (ERM)             4   3

Theresa Waterford (KHD)         6   4
naim alex (SHT)                 7   6

Istria Open Singles Final
#1 Ngurah Putra Muliawan (PCU) v. #22 naim alex (SHT)

Updated Singles Bracket

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Doubles Semifinal Results

Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU)     6   6
Marko Juvan/ Rikard Kampl (MTJ)          2   0

izzat manson/george fakhrul (SHT)        5   7   4
Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)       7   6   6

Istria Open Doubles Final
#1 Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati (PCU) v. #27 Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos (AQL)

Updated Doubles Bracket

[Sharktail]

SHARKTAIL POST EP14
ONE STAND,ONE FELL

Entering the semifinal of Istria open, same situation as steinigrasse open, one single and one double make it to the semi-final. The difference between these two tourneys is in Istria, one player makes it to the final.

Naim Alex not a favourite in this tourney, have made some surprising play. Same as Batera Siwara, he also has made some magic to shock all the top ranker. Maybe Batera still can be claimed more to be master in clay court, maybe it causes Eraman court is more to Clay court speciality. Facing 15 seed, Theressa Waterford from Konhead, Naim Alex not facing any problem to be one of the finalists, win 7-6,6-4. May he gained his first-ever NSTT title. He will be facing 1st seeded Ngurah Putra Muliawan in the final. Rather he wins or not, he has done more than expected.

Unfortunatley,the different situation happen to Izzat Mason and George Fakhrul.They are expected to win but they failed to do it.Against Bartolo Sabanero and Qualo Tabos.They seem dont have enought energy in three set game losing 5-7,7-6,4-6.Surely tiredness cannot be ignored.They may exhauted after the match against Pemecutan double in quarter final.However they have once again be in the semi final.This may be their last Tier 2 tourney but well they have done their best.

All the best Naim Alex.We are blue,We will hunt.
WE ARE THE BLUE PREDATOR.

[Pemecutan]

Wednesday, 17 June, 2020 (Buda Wage Wuku Kelawu, Pawukon 1779)

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The Last One Standing

Istria, Banija - Istria Open has reached to its climax day. After finishing Semifinal matches yesterday, it is the time for the last and most important match of all, The Final Match. And 2 of Pemecutanian delegates successfully place their spot in the Final. Ngurah Putra Muliawan in Single and Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati in Doubles, both are the first seed in the competition. The result have replicate the previous success in Kinterten Open where 2 players also reached Final match and successfully take the trophy.

The Semifnal match have been an interesting one. Ngurah Putra Muliawan have to facing newcomer and Istrian sensation, Batera Siwara of Eraman. This neighboring player is someone that have to be cautious off as this young player can become the next superstar in NSTT Tour. And Siwara success reaching Semifinal is something that have to look upon. In their match, Muliawan have to struggled with the young ones playing style. He works hard to took Siwara's precise and difficult shots. But the calm Muliawan finally able to break through the pressure. He successfully win the match by 6-4, 6-3.

"It has been a very great match with Siwara. He has a lot of potential and I'm quite shocked with his great performance. He really has a good future ahead of him if he keep playing like that," says Muliawan in a press conference after their match.

In Double Competition, Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati meet Mattijanan pair, Marko Juvan/Rikard Kampl. The match was quite fast as Antari/Andreawati controlled much of the match. Juvan/Kampl able to gives a nice performance in the first set and grabbed 2 games. But they fall out badly with Antari/Andreawati superiority. The first set ended in 6-2 for Pemecutan pair. The second set seems to be leaned to Pemecutan pair. They didn't give Juvan/Kampl to explored their playing style and kept them under pressure. The veteran pair didn't give the Mattijanan pair a single game for them. Antari/Andreawati win tremendously 6-0 to reach the Final.

In the Final match, 1st seed Ngurah Putra Muliawan will be playing against 22nd seed, Naim Alex of Sharktail. Alex reached final after successfully defeating Kohnhead star, Theresa Waterford in a very tight match. While in Double Competition, 1st seed Komang Antari/Kadek Andreawati will be facing Aqualian pair and 27th seed, Bartolo Sabanero/Qualo Tabos. The Aqualian pair shockingly defeating 7th seed, Izzat Manson/George Fakhrul from Sharktail in a tight 3-sets match. With the Final match up, Istria Open have been a very interesting and most shocking tournament in this Season NSTT to date. Only the first seed that successfully reach the Final while all other top 10 seed loose earlier. Pemecutan tennis fans are expecting at least one trophy from this tournament. Or maybe grab both trophy as they way they did in Kinterten Open with Dewa Putu Adrian Putra in Single and Oka Sulastra/Luh Putu Yundari in Double.