NIFT Kemball Island Grass Open

[Kemball Island]

Welcome to the inaugral NIFT Kemball Island Open! 48 men and 32 women will compete for this prestigous prize.

Matches will start tomorrow, the 1st round draw was completed today:
Mens First Round Draw (Round Robin, 1 player goes through to the next round)
Group One: Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island), Brendan Holt (Newmanistan) , Iqbaal Mansour (Queer Poco el Mono Ara)
Group Two: Brian Bond (Quintessence of Dust), Jackie Adams (Palmouth), Magnus Karlsson (Raventopia)
Group Three: Ed Fisher (Taeshan), Nguyễns Khac Suu (Unreal 229), Amir Djebou (Iranitopia)
Group Four: Adam Williams (Palmouth), Rocco Davis (Delaclava), Frederic Renard (Qunitessence of Dust)
Group Five: Jack White (Taeshan), David Suazo (Sargossa), Ali Bakht (Queer Poco el Mono Ara)
Group Six: Morris Susin (Milchama), Marco Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago), José Ruhoga (Uiri)
Group Seven: John Farrell (Kemball Island), Michael Johnson (Newmanistan), Gritty Grittonia (Grittonia)
Group Eight: Tim Cooper (Newmanistan), Matt Cawfield (Taeshan), Prince John Kemball (Sethy Kemball)
Group Nine: Huong Muoi (Unreal 229), Matt Andreu (Delaclava), Chris Terell (Newmanistan)
Group Ten: João Mariano (Iglesian Archipelago), Robert Robredo (Sargossa), Trương Van Thieu (Unreal 229)
Group Eleven: Everett Johnson (Milchama), Marc Benson (La Lique), Liam Beacon (Palmouth)
Group Twelve: Simão Pereira (Iglesian Archipelago), Hugo Jukina (Uiri), Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia)
Group Thirteen: Ikonia Hurr (Grittonia), Darkki Nepaisale (Delaclava), Bobby Chapman (Queer Poco el Mono Ara)
Group Fourteen: Fernando Olivera (Uiri), Marcus Kay (Tyrrin), Le Kha Manh (Unreal 229)
Group Fifteen: Tomas Landonville (Kemball Island), Darren Giles (Delaclava), Pedro Bunilo (Uiri)
Group Sixteen: Mikael Vorgan (Swartaz), Mickey Sylvester (La Lique), Craig McDonald (The Weegies)

Womens First Round Draw
Tina Potter (Taeshan) vs Lucy Feng (Quintessence of Dust)
Maria Suarez (Sargossa) vs Meghan Brennan (Cassadaigua)
Ashley Hearn (Newmanistan) vs Lucy Smile (Palmouth)
Saleema Nayal (Iranitopia) vs Anna Queenland (Palmouth)
Lauren Martin (Newmanistan) vs Bárbara Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago)
Caitlin Kessinger (Cassadaigua) vs Ariana White (Taeshan)
Sophie Butler (Kemball Island) vs Amy Coldren (Palmouth)
Britney Hearn (Newmanistan) vs Stephanie Clewlow (Sethy Kemball)
Paula Soto (Sargossa) vs Emma Parton (Kemball Island)
Ana Matias (Iglesian Archipelago) vs Amira Sayeed-Khan (Iranitopia)
Gemma Marsh (Sethy Kemball) vs Shannon Mayer (Newmanistan)
Adriana Ferreira (Iglesian Archipelago) vs Shelby Pratt (Cassadaigua)
Swenda Retgers (Graziland) vs Jackie Joplin (Taeshan)
Lopesiana Greturn (Graziland) vs Khaleda Mashik (Iranitopia)
Kyllikki Putkonen (Quintessence of Dust) vs Aisha Maliki (Iranitopia)
Camille Lovatt (Kemball Island) vs Shannon Preston (Cassadaigua)

[Graziland]

(Lopesiana Greturn is just finishing up practice when she passes Swenda Retgers)

"Swenda! Swenda! Isn't this great? We're playing in another country! Can you believe it?"

Swenda regarded her league rival with more than a little contempt: "Yeah, wonderful. I know you're just a simple country girl from Hamacker, but try not to embarrass yourself. Or worse me."

"You are so stuck up Swenda, admit it, this is the first time you've been out of Graziland too. You Weitchlanders like to think you are all so sophisticated. Just because the tourists originally came to you first. You probably think everyone thinks you're just so cool. Well, they think you a backwards hick. Like me. Deal with it. I have a match with an Iranitopian to finish preparing for."

[Quintessence of Dust]

Posted on the QBS sports wobsite. The reference to "next week" is to fit an expanded IC timeline.
Kemball Island Open: Preview

Seven Quodite athletes leave for Kemball Island today in preparation for next week's Kemball Open, the first in a series of events organized by the new NationStates International Federation of Tennis. QBS Online takes a quick look at what they face in the opening rounds:

Brian Bond
Bond is a hard-hitting baseliner who, in common with most Quodite players, hasn't had much experience on grass. Though we're yet to see what this Kemball surface has in store, if it's very quick he could struggle, though could pile up the aces. If it holds up in the backcourt, he'll be able to stick to his forehand-heavy baseline game and pound the ball to all corners. He faces Jackie Adams from Palmouth, supposedly champion of a 300+ nation region and a fellow hard court specialist, and Magnus Karlsson of Raventopia, who as another regional champion with a strong grass court game could be the group's favourite.

Lucy Feng
The beefy Feng, nicknamed "Tank" by her teammates, is one of the physically strongest players on the women's circuit of Quintessence of Dust, and has muscled onto the delegation despite the odd questioning glance at her sizeable Adam's apple. Capable of pushing first serves up to an astonishing 120mph, she could be put off by speedy courts where her mechanics - approximate to an articulated truck - could struggle, but if she has time to get on the ball look out for some scattering line judges. She faces Tina Potter from Taeshan.

Kyllikki Putkonen
The nation's most famous tennis player faces Aisha Maliki from Iranitopia in the first round, and her grass court game could well be good enough for this opener. An all-round player who is having trouble on her serve, though, she'll need a good game on court and to make the most of her break points, as she can't be counted on not to double fault in the clutch situations. With a strong single backhand, she's known for the volume and shrillness of her "grunts", which some players find distinctly off-putting.

Frederic Renard
The most experienced pro on the Quintessential Tour, Renard has aged enough that we can't realistically expect to see too many dramatic serve-volley attempts anymore, and he's lost a lot of speed on the first space. But he still has deft control on the ball, and a consistent second serve percentage, including a high number of aces. Don't count him out based on age. He faces Adam Williams (a grass courter but the weaker of Palmouth's suspiciously strong delegation) but the bigger threat will probably be Delaclava's #1 seed, Rocco Davis.

Finally, the QTA has offered to send three umpires (Oscar Quick, Hua Chu and Gotthard A. Klausen) to serve as umpires or line judges if needed by the tournament organizers.

[Tyrrin]

"This just in, Marcus Kay is arriving at the hotel..."

"Kay has just arrived, and is..."

Cameras flashed and reporters kept up an incessant chatter as Marcus Kay stepped out of a limosine and entered the hotel for players in the Kemball Island Grass Open. He gave the crowd a smile, and the cameras flashed some more.

"Right this way, Mr. Kay," a bellhop said, and Kay walked throught the glass doors into the lobby, his long hair flowing behind him.

Tennis had recently become a favorite sport of Tyrrinians, especially among retired generals, who had the most money. Therefore, these wealthy individuals funded the Tyrrinian Tennis Association, and donated considerable amounts of money to tennis programs in schools, and camps for teenagers. Marcus Kay, the son of an Air Cavalry major, grew up with tennis in the city of Mertag, and whenever he wasn't serving his country, he was playing tennis. When he was sixteen, he won the Junior Tennis Championship, where the maximum age is 20. Two years later, he went pro, and won his first match against Tyrrin's top tennis player at the time, Mehmoud Aras.

He quickly gained popularity with his long hair and short shorts. He typically won through his great touch and excellent net play. When he was 21, he won his first TTA Championship, and his fame grew even more. He launched his own clothing line, and did endorsements for multiple companies. This year, at 22, he was chosen to represent Tyrrin in the first ever international tennis league, the NIFT. The Kemball Island Open would be the first major in the tournament.

Needless to say, Marcus was nervous in anticipation for the upcoming tournament. In a way, he enjoyed all the media coverage. It took his mind off what he had to do. Le Kha Manh of Unreal229 and Fernando Olivera of Uiri were in his group for the round robin part of the tournament. As it was the first ever international tournament, Marcus didn't really know what to make of his opponents. Manh was a lot younger than Marcus, at 19. Olivera came from Uiri, one of the biggest tennis nations in the world, so he might offer some stiff competition. As Marcus rode the elevator up to his room, he wondered what would transpire in this tournament.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

“What do you mean the interview has been bumped? I’m here in the frigging back of beyond to interview some frigging tennis player and you tell me the interview has been bumped?”

Sports correspondent Iowan Stone had traveled to Kemball Island to cover the tennis open and interview Queer Poco #1 Iqbaal Mansour only to discover his efforts had been an exercise in futility as the interview would not be making the next installment of the sports news and would be replaced with a feature on Queer Poco football league champions, Pythons.

“Just go back to the hotel and get some rest, we’ll use the footage tomorrow and some of the coverage of the opening games.” The voice of the producer infuriated Iowan, the smug sonofabitch, sat at home and not stuck in some shit heap hotel. If only the TV company had sprung for a decent hotel, at least that wouldn’t be so bad, but the hotel was a low budget economy affair and Iowan would remain here for as long as Queer Poco’s tennis representatives were in the competition.

“Fine, but let it be known I hate tennis and next time how’s about you send me to cover some women’s volleyball?” and with that he hung up the phone.

[Delaclava]

The Delaclava tennis delegation arrived at Kemball Island yesterday, excited to kick off the NIFT Masters Series with a bang. Regional Cup winner Rocco Davis said, "We've worked so hard in the region, and we're psyched to strut our stuff in international competition." Darren Giles added, "This is what we've worked for all our lives. We can't wait."

Here's a preview of all Delaclava singles players:

ROCCO DAVIS
Perennial Regional Cup winner, gold medalist at the regional Olympics, and consistent number-one player, the 23-year-old is ready to take on the world - literally, as Delaclava's finest is introduced to interregional play. Good serve, great groundstrokes, quick feet, Davis has it all. The roadblock here is going to be his net play, as well as the mental aspect; Davis has been known to get rattled at times. But if he plays his best, there's no reason he can't go far. He faces Palmouth's Adam Williams and Quintessence of Dust's Frederic Renard. Davis has been listed as the favorite in both matches.

DARREN GILES
With Davis often taking top honors, it's hard to forget that Giles is always right at his tail. But as former regional number-one and one of two all time career Regional Grand Slam winners (the other being Davis), the 26-year-old Giles still poses a threat not just to Davis, but to world competition. With the best serve in the region and great net play, the question here is how the aging legs of Giles will take the raised level of play. However, if Giles sticks to the normal game plan, he can do well. He will face Tomas Landonville and Pedro Bunilo. Like Davis, Giles is listed in both of his matches as the favorite.

MATT ANDREU
A recent riser to the top, the 18-year-old stole the pewter 4th-place medal at the Regional Cup. He's incredibly quick, has a great serve percentage, and plays great finesse tennis. For such a young player, he always keeps a cool head and never seems to get knocked off his rhythm. He'll need to turn up the power on his strokes to keep up, but he improves every day. He will face Huong Muoi and Chris Terell in his round robin. He's listed as a favorite against Terell and a very slim underdog against Huong Muoi.

DARKKI NEPAISALE
An immigrant from an unknown country, Darkki has learned the Delaclava culture well and knows the language of tennis even better. He's very quick, has powerful strokes, and can keep calm at all times. The liability for the 20-year-old will be the serve, which is a tad slow for regional competition and will be even worse for interregional play. However, Nepaisale steps it up when he needs to, and his work ethic is incredible. With number-3 Will Goggin playing doubles, it's great for Nepaisale to get a chance. He will play Ikonia Hurr and Bobby Chapman. He is listed as a slight underdog in both, but we've learned never to count him out.

[Somewhereistonia]

*wrong account- ignore*

[Unreal229]

Tennis was a fairly marginal sport in Unreal229, but it was definitely on the rise. Typically it was seen as a sport of the upper classes (although there was no actual reason that the working class couldn't play). This is shown clearly by the fact that the Unreal tennis open will later this year take place on the holy island of 229. This island is the spiritual centre of the nation and is home to the most influential people, including the emperor and leading politicians.

The young Le Kha Manh had really changed this perspective, his father still worked at a car factory in Cong and the youngster represented a new generation of tennis players from all backgrounds. Whilst Unreal229 had its own tennis league, this was to be the first time any of them had competed against other nationalities. With the 'Holy Island' due to host its own open masters tournament in the near future, tennis was really starting to take off.

The question everyone was asking was whether the players from Unreal229 were really able to compete at the top level. Whilst many other nations had competed in their own regional competitions, the players from Unreal had not.

When asked about their chances, team leader (and the long standing national no.1 Nguyễns Khan Suu said:

“ We have a strong squad, not in a long time has Unreal had so many players at this level. We are not the only nation without experience internationally, most of these players are new to this next level. We have a good chance to make something of this.”

Whatever happened the team knew that they had a lot of work to do but could put in a strong performance. The youngest player in the team; Le Kha Manh welcomed the opportunity to prove himself.

“We have already put a lot of effort into this, and we will continue to work hard. I just want to do my father proud, I think we can win this as a team, we have just the right balance as a team, the atmosphere is right. 229 will find its rightful place.”

Whilst there were four entries into the men's singles, only fifth seed Trương Van Thieu is to play in the men's doubles, whilst the women's team decided that they were not yet ready to compete at international level. Unfortunately, shortly before the competition the national fourth seed Tống Bao picked up a knee ligament injury and may miss the entire first year of the NIFT tennis competitions, Trương then took over his position on the singles team along with his doubles duties with the Uiric international.

[Kemball Island]

The 1st day of results are in! 2 of the round robin mens games have been completed per group and half the womens 1st round matches have been completed

Mens 1st Round
Group One: Iqbaal Mansour (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) bt Brendan Holt (Newmanistan) 6-3 5-7 7-6 7-6
Brendan Holt (Newmanistan) bt Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island) 3-6 6-2 6-2 6-7 7-5
Group Two: Brian Bond (Quintessence of Dust) bt Jackie Adams (Palmouth) 6-7 7-5 6-4 3-6 7-5
Magnus Karlsson (Raventopia) bt Jackie Adams (Palmouth) 6-0 7-6 5-7 6-4
Group Three: Nguyễns Khac Suu (Unreal 229) bt Amir Djebou (Iranitopia) 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-3
Nguyễns Khac Suu (Unreal 229) bt Ed Fisher (Taeshan) 6-4 7-6 3-6 4-6 10-8
Group Four: Rocco Davis (Delaclava) bt Frederic Renard (Quintessence of Dust) 7-6 7-5 4-6 7-5
Frederic Renard (Quintessence of Dust) bt Adam Williams (Palmouth) 6-1 7-6 4-6 6-4
Group Five: Jack White (Taeshan) bt Ali Bakht (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) 7-6 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-3
Ali Bakht (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) bt David Suazo (Sargossa) 5-7 6-2 6-2 7-6
Group Six: José Ruhoga (Uiri) bt Morris Susin (Milchama) 6-3 6-3 7-6
Marco Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago) bt José Ruhoga (Uiri) 7-5 6-1 7-6
Group Seven: Michael Johnson (Newmanistan) bt Gritty Grittonia (Grittonia) 4-6 6-7 7-6 6-2 6-4
Gritty Grittonia (Grittonia) bt John Farrell (Kemball Island) 7-5 7-6 3-6 6-7 6-3
Group Eight: Matt Cawfield (Taeshan) bt Prince John Kemball (Sethy Kemball) 7-6 2-6 6-3 4-6 6-2
Tim Cooper (Newmanistan) bt Prince John Kemball (Sethy Kemball) 6-4 6-1 5-7 6-4
Group Nine: Matt Andreu (Delaclava) bt Chris Terell (Newmanistan) 7-6 6-0 6-7 6-3
Huong Muoi (Unreal 229) bt Matt Andreu (Delacalva) 6-2 6-2 3-6 7-6
Group Ten: João Mariano (Iglesian Archipelago) bt Trương Van Thieu (Unreal 229) 6-3 6-1 6-3
João Mariano (Iglesian Archipelago) bt Robert Robredo (Sargossa) 7-6 6-0 6-2
Group Eleven: Liam Beacon (Palmouth) bt Everett Johnson (Milchama) 5-7 6-3 6-4 2-6 9-7
Marc Benson (La Lique) bt Everett Johnson (Milchama) 6-1 5-7 6-1 4-6 6-4
Group Twelve: Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia) bt Hugo Jukina (Uiri) 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-6
Simão Pereira (Iglesian Archipelago) bt Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia) 6-7 3-6 6-4 6-1 12-10
Group Thirteen: Bobby Chapman (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) bt Ikonia Hurr 6-4 6-3 7-6
Darkki Nepaisale (Delaclava) bt Ikonia Hurr (Grittonia) 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 6-3
Group Fourteen: Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) bt Le Manh Kha (Unreal 229) 7-6 4-6 6-4 6-7 6-2
Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) bt Fernando Olivera (Uiri) 5-7 7-6 6-4 2-6 11-9
Group Fifteen: Pedro Bunilo (Uiri) bt Tomas Landonville (Kemball Island) 7-6 6-2 6-3
Darren Giles (Delaclava) bt Pedro Bunilo (Uiri) 5-7 6-4 1-6 7-6 7-5
Group Sixteen: Craig McDonald (The Weegies) bt Mikael Vorgan (Swartaz) 6-0 4-6 5-7 7-6 6-4
Mikael Vorgan (Swartaz) bt Mickey Sylvester (La Lique) 5-7 6-1 6-3 6-3

Womens First Round
Lucy Feng (Quintessence of Dust) bt Tina Potter (Taeshan) 6-1 5-7 6-4
Meghan Brennan (Cassadaigua) bt Maria Suarez (Sargossa) 6-3 6-4
Ashley Hearn (Newmanistan) bt Lucy Smile (Palmouth) 7-6 6-7 6-2
Anna Quenland (Palmouth) bt Saleema Nayal (Iranitopia) 4-6 7-6 6-2
Lauren Martin (Newmanistan) bt Bárbara Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago) 6-3 6-4
Ariana White (Taeshan) bt Caitlin Kessinger (Cassadaigua) 7-6 7-6
Sophie Butler (Kemball Island) bt Amy Coldren (Palmouth) 3-6 6-4 6-3
Britney Hearn (Newmanistan) bt Stephanie Clewlow (Sethy Kemball) 7-5 2-6 11-9

The remaining 24 first round matches will be played tomorrow

[Quintessence of Dust]

The New Cleethorpes Enquirer

Mixed results on gruelling first day

Trick knee too likely to give out? First serve too slow? Flash gone at the net? Whatever doubts there may have been about Frederic Renard's game coming into the inaugural NIFT Open, one has been decisively silenced: that he's too old. Though the veteran sportsman may now not make it to the second round after going down in a 47-game opener against Delaclavan Rocco Davis, who Renard later proclaimed "one of the strongest grass court players I've faced", his stamina could not be faulted as he put up almost nine hours of resistance across the two four-set matches, registering a win against Palmouthian burnout Adam Williams, whose pre-tournament standing proved sadly overhyped.

"It's the longest I've had to play in a very long time," admitted the sweating Renard, though he was quick to defend the organizers' schedule. "I prefer it this way: it means I still have a chance to go through, and it's good for the players that get a break - I was not lucky not in that respect." He credited his fitness team at the Combined Veterans sports club for helping in preparation for the tournament: "Without them, I would have been slumped over by the first set."

As well as physical strength he showed grit to get back into the Davis match on a hot morning in Kemball Island. Both men held their serves coolly for the first set, which ended on a tie-break, and the second stretched to 12 before Renard finally overcooked a lob at 15-40. But two sets down he came out gunning, immediately breaking Davis's serve twice to set up a 3-0 lead. He was broken back once, but held out 6-4 for the set. The fourth, at one hour twenty the longest of the match, proved another blazing battle, Renard reliving some of his younger days with some lunging volleys at the net, but Davis landing his baseline punches to perfection to hold out for 7-5 and the match.

Teammate Brian Bond also beat a Palmouth player, notional regional champion Jackie Adams looking out of his depth against both members of his group. After going down on a tie-break in the first set, Bond broke for the second and third sets, exchanged five breaks to lose the fourth, and held his nerve in a 7-5 battle for the fifth, that almost took the match into its fifth hour. "I was very proud of Brian's determination," said Renard of the youngster, who some expected to be overmatched on grass. "He showed patience, and a fifth set is always the hardest time to serve, but he went without a double fault for the last nine games. Superb." Bond now needs to beat yet another regional champion, Raventopia's Magnus Karlsson, who bent Adams over in a quicker, four-set match.

In the women's, Lucy Feng destroyed Taeshanite Tina Potter in the first set, gunning a 126-mph inside line ace for the set having broken Potter's serve twice with withering backhand blasts. But she began double faulting in the second, giving away three for a decisive break in the second, for which Potter held on for the set. But Tank's strength was too much in the third, pounding three consecutive 120mph+ serves to lead off, and breaking the second return of serve with some crunching forehand games. Afterwards, she ate eight babies.

Kyllikki Putkonen, whose diet contains fewer live infants, enjoyed a rest day on Matchday 1, and took the opportunity to serve the players. "In the men's, Rocco Davis looks good, but the early favourite has to be João Mariano," she said. The Iglesian was the only player to qualify in six sets, with only his first going for closer than 6-3. "He's a clay specialist, but the ball is holding up a little at the backcourt, and that's helping him a lot."

"In the women's, it's all about One Big Island. The Hearns were both impressive, and especially Britney for showing such stamina in the third. Lauren Martin too - the Newmanistanis definitely have the strongest women's team here. And the 'Dagans too: if Meghan [Brennan's] clinical display was anything to go by, they're going to be real challengers too." Asked to pick a favourite, she said she was going to be concentrating on her own game.

[Delaclava]

DELACLAVA STAR

Rocco Davis def. Frederic Renard 7-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5
Darren Giles def. Pedro Bunilo 5-7, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, 7-5
Matt Andreu def. Chris Terell 7-6, 6-0, 6-7, 6-3
Huong Muoi def. Matt Andreu 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6
Darkki Nepaisale def. Ikonia Hurr 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3

Day one of the Kemball Island Open is over. Here's a recap of how each Delaclava player did:

ROCCO DAVIS
Regional number one Davis faced Frederic Renard yesterday. Believed to be too old to continue his career, Renard showed that he can still fight. Davis took the first two sets, although it wasn't easy. Renard proved tough to break as he held serve along with Davis to force a tiebreak. Davis showed well in crunchtime, taking the tiebreaker 7-2 and therefore the first set. The second set went the same way until Renard found a reserve of energy and broke Davis at 4-4 to take a lead and serving for the set. However, Davis managed to break back and keep the set going. Davis held his serve for 6-5, then took the set as Renard made two crucial errors, including an overhit lob at set point.

However, Renard showed that old dogs can still fight as he broke Davis twice, once after a lengthy deuce, to take a 3-0 lead. Davis did make up one break, but it wasn't enough as Renard held out for a 6-4 win. An 80-minute fourth set almost necessitated a fifth as Renard seemed to grow back into his past day, going all out all over the court to challenge Davis. However, with Davis nailing groundstrokes consistently in the last games, Renard couldn't lengthen the match any longer.

Davis said after the match, "Frederic gave me a fight. I'm proud of him for challenging me so much, and I'm happy that he picked up a win in his other match. I have nothing but utmost respect for him." Renard himself called Davis "one of the strongest grass court players I've faced". To advance, Davis will need to beat the overhyped Palmouthian Adam Williams. Should Davis lose, all players will be 1-1. No tiebreak has been listed by Kemball Island.

DARREN GILES
Giles faced Pedro Bunilo, who had just come off a straight-set win over Pedro Bunilo. The young Bunilo looked like he had come straight from the locker room rather than another match as he took the first set 7-5. Giles struggled at first with serve and just barely held on, except for one game that Bunilo broke in five points at 3-3. Bunilo's serve was unbreakable as he ripped 11 aces. For the second set, Bunilo seemed to tire. His serve didn't quite pack the same punch. Giles, meanwhile, sped up immensely. Leading 5-4, Giles jumped all over Bunilo's serve, breaking in just four points and pulling even.

For the third set, the two seemed to switch roles. Bunilo turned up the heat once again, and Giles seemed to show his age. Bunilo broke Giles at 1-1 and cruised from there, alternating between holding his own serve and breaking Giles until the affair ended after just 21 minutes and the scoreboard reading 6-1.

Bunilo continued on his hot streak, rolling to a 4-0 lead. However, it was all Giles from there. Giles won 5 of the next 6 to bring the set to a 5-5 tie. Each held serve, and Giles crushed Bunilo as if Giles was playing a 10-year-old, getting 4 aces to win 7-0. Giles started the next set by taking a 4-0 lead. Bunilo tried coming back one break at a time, but eventually Giles was too strong as he pulled out the set 7-5.

Giles credited Bunilo, saying, "It's tough to play a second match at all in a day. For Bunilo to stretch it out to 5 sets, that's just amazing." Giles' situation is similar to Davis': win against Tomas Landonville, and he moves on; lose, and each player is 1-1. The tiebreaker is unknown.

MATT ANDREU
Andreu was the only Delaclava player to play two matches. The first came against Chris Terell. Considering the score, it really was a breeze for Andreu. Both players held serve for the first set, but Andreu won the tiebreak 7-1. It was all Andreu in the second set as Andreu breezed throught, 6-0.

The third set was harder, as each held serve, and then played the longest tiebreaker in Delaclava history. It was a true showcase of skills and mental toughness, but finally Andreu couldn't pull out the straight-set win, losing 37-35. However, Andreu managed the next set 6-3.

Andreu next played Huong Muoi. Andreu seemed tired after his duel against Terell, as he was slow, didn't hit well, and lost the first two sets 6-2. Andreu found some extra energy to take the next set 6-3, but dropped a fourth-set tiebreak 8-6.

Andreu should hope for Chris Terell to beat Huong Muoi for a chance to advance. Each player would be 1-1, but no tiebreak has been listed.

DARKKI NEPAISALE
With Will Goggin playing doubles, Nepaisale got a chance to play singles, and he took advantge. He played Ikonia Hurr, who came off a loss earlier against Bobby Chapman.

Hurr showed signs of life early as he broke at 5-5 and held serve to win the first set 7-5. However, Nepaisale recovered to hold serve, then win a tiebreaker 7-4. Nepaisale took a third-set lead of 3-0, but lost his rhythm as Hurr forced another tiebreak. This one Nepaisale also won, ripping through a 7-0 affair with two aces.

Nepaisale dropped the next set 6-3, as he got nervous and allotted a 2-2 tie. However, Nepaisale got control, and leading 4-3 he broke Hurr, then served out the match, ending with two aces.

With Nepaisale and Bobby Chapman each at 1-0, the scenario is simple: the winner moves on. Nepaisale said, "I feel really confident about the match against Chapman. I focus on one at a time, and because of it I beat Hurr. It's time to focus on my game against Chapman, and I'm really excited."

Tomorrow's Matches
Rocco Davis (1-0) vs. Adam Williams (0-1)
Darren Giles (1-0) vs. Tomas Landonville (0-1)
Darkki Nepaisale (1-0) vs. Bobby Chapman (1-0)

[Milchama]

"Hey I here we are playing in tennis right now"

"Yep Milchama's got two guys playing right now and I think they're doing excellent"

"Really I heard they were horrible"

"Very well could be the case, I have no idea"

"Me neither"

"Now why do you have no idea?"

"What are their names?"

"I have no idea, I think one is Craig Mcdonald but it could be Philip Hammond, really have no idea"

"Same here"

"You know what would make it much easier?"

"What?"

"If after the players names we knew what country they were from?"

"You can do that?!"

"Yes you can!"

"Yes we can you mean"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but we do need change you can believe in as well as hope"

"Yep hope that we can put country names after the players and somebody who has the will power to make that change"

"Yes we can"

"Yes we can"

"Go Milchama!"

"That too"

OOC: A semi light way of pointing this out can you please Kimball put the country of origin after the players' names, I don't remember which players are mine and I'm not going to look at the sign up thread every time just to remember. I do a lot in NS and it's hard to remember what names I made up for who it would be much appreciated. I do understand that it's work but I don't think it would take that much extra to do. You could probably have a program do it for you. Alternatively if you do not wish to do that, can you at least link the sign up thread so that I don't have to go searching to remember. Thanks in advance.

[Kemball Island]

"Hey I here we are playing in tennis right now"

"Yep Milchama's got two guys playing right now and I think they're doing excellent"

"Really I heard they were horrible"

"Very well could be the case, I have no idea"

"Me neither"

"Now why do you have no idea?"

"What are their names?"

"I have no idea, I think one is Craig Mcdonald but it could be Philip Hammond, really have no idea"

"Same here"

"You know what would make it much easier?"

"What?"

"If after the players names we knew what country they were from?"

"You can do that?!"

"Yes you can!"

"Yes we can you mean"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but we do need change you can believe in as well as hope"

"Yep hope that we can put country names after the players and somebody who has the will power to make that change"

"Yes we can"

"Yes we can"

"Go Milchama!"

"That too"

OOC: A semi light way of pointing this out can you please Kimball put the country of origin after the players' names, I don't remember which players are mine and I'm not going to look at the sign up thread every time just to remember. I do a lot in NS and it's hard to remember what names I made up for who it would be much appreciated. I do understand that it's work but I don't think it would take that much extra to do. You could probably have a program do it for you. Alternatively if you do not wish to do that, can you at least link the sign up thread so that I don't have to go searching to remember. Thanks in advance.

OOC: sorry, i'll sort that out now.

IC: The second half of mens and womens first round will conclude today. If a tiebreak is necessary, the schedule for the groups will be repeated over the next two days whilst the womens second round will be played. If after this each player still loses 1 and draws 1, the player who won their two games overall in the least number of sets will go through.

[Raventopia]

Karlsson Roars to Victory

Magnus Karlsson bt Jackie Adams 6-0 7-6 5-7 6-4

Magnus Karlsson, Raventopia's only participant in the NIFT Kemball Island Open and one of the early favourites, made a good start to defending a title he won back when the Kemball Island Open was an unofficial regional tournament a year ago defeating Palmouth's Jackie Adams over four sets.
Karlsson was rarely troubled in the first set, not dropping a single game in the first set as he roared into a commanding lead, finishing the 6th game with 3 consecutive aces to take it in style. Buoyed on by 1,500 travelling Raventopians Karlsson roared out into the second set, but when he found Adams harder to break Karlsson became sloppy and frustrated, nearly being broken at 3-3 before saving the game with two aces. Both players managed to hold unitl the tiebreak, where frustrated Karlsson fell 5-2. With Adams set to serve the next two points it looked like he would snatch the set, but two genius backhands by Karlsson were followed by two aces, and suddenyl Karlsson lead 6-5. As the tiebreak swung between the two players, eventually Karlsson won when Adams smashed the last ball of a 33 hut rally into the net to give Karlsson the tie-break at 13-11.
Tired, Karlsson seemed to lose concentration again when Adams refused to be broken, and a series of mis-hits and a few double faults gave Adams a 7-5 victory in the third set.
Overwhelmed, angry and frustrated Karlsson slipped again the fourth set, trailing 3-0 after being broken early on after just six points. With the match slipping away Karlsson attacked, holding with 4 aces in the next game. At 4-2 down, Karlsson manged to break Adams and eventually seized the match, breaking Adams again and holding to steal the game.

Karlsson will play Quintessence of Dusts Brian Bond i a winner takes all match to try and go through.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

“Christ when’s this game gonna end?” reporter Iowan Stone was unimpressed at that length of the Ali Bakht game. The 18 year olds stamina was about to give way in the fifth and his brave performance against Jack White was going to come to an end. The opening set had finished 7-6 to White, who went off the boil in the second and third set losing 3-6 in both only to come back in the fourth and set up a nail biting conclusion.

The fifth set was still going but Ali appeared to have been sapped of all his energy and the finale was imminent. Iowan was waiting away from the court with the news crew to interview Ali post match having already spoken to Bobby Chapman and Iqbaal Mansour. Mansour had beaten Newmanistan player Brendan Holt and Queer Poco’s number two, Chapman, had beaten his opponent in straight sets. Mansour was pleased to have beaten Holt in a tough fought game and Chapman had breezed past Ikonia Hurr in a straight sets.

5-3 to Jack White and Bakht’s sound bite would be recorded shortly. Stone was twiddling his thumbs he had a distinct distain for tennis, but with QPBC News reporter who normally covers the tennis on maternity leave the honor was bestowed upon Stone to report Queer Poco’s inaugural venture in international tennis.

“Ali, Ali, how do you feel?” the game was over and he had just been beaten.

“I’m gutted, I gave it my all out there but didn’t have the answers.” He wiped his brow and set off toward the changing room.

“One more, how are you preparing for your next game against David Suazo.”

Ali shrugged “same as always, I don’t know much about him so I’m just gonna hit the gym and a few games with my trainer.”

[Unreal229]

Tennis champ takes group in Kemball!

Nguyễns Khan Suu had a fantastic first round in the blue of 229 in the Kemball Island open this week. He began by thrashing Amir Djebou 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-3 to take control of group three. Despite a poor first set Nguyễns really began to dominate, using his power to really overcome his opposition. The nations no.1 proved why he had that spot again last night, beating Ed Fisher 6-4 7-6 3-6 4-6 10-8 in an amazing encounter, his fitness certainly not in question as the two men battled amazingly in the fifth set in which the Unreal no.1 eventually won 10-8. Now that Nguyễns has won group 3, the attention moves to the more mixed results of the other three competitors looking to get to the next round.

When asked about the success, Nguyễns responded:

“I'm not going to be vainglorious, as that would conflict with the understanding of 229. Even so, I felt before this tournament began that we had a good chance of doing well, as so it looks to be.

We have worked extremely hard in the run-up to this tournament and I personally feel that we all deserve to at least get to the second round. As it stands we are not all quite at that stage yet, but I really believe that we can do it. Even so, for our first international tournament, we have done well.”

Other players in the Kemball Open

Huong Muoi had a good first game beating Matt Andreu 6-2 6-2 3-6 7-6 to give him a good position to top his group, especially as Andreu won his other game fairly convincingly. Huong Muoi looks set to take his group and join Nguyễns in the second round.

The nations no.5 Trương Van Thieu didn't match the success of Huong or Nguyễns, losing to Joao Mariano in straight sets 6-3 6-1 6-3. Trương only came into the singles tournament late on and was unprepared for a singles tournament, but he hopes that it is not too late for him to get through to the second round as this may be his only chance to win the Kemball open (with his age meaning that his chances would be few even if he was a top 4 rank).

The young Le Manh Kha didn't have much success to show his father in his first match, going down to Tyrrin's Marcus Kay in five sets 7-6 4-6 6-4 6-7 6-2. Le Manh will be looking to overcome the Uiric player in his group to move to the next round, although he still has many seasons ahead to make a success of himself.

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

Player Information

Nguyễns Khan Suu is the top ranking player in Unreal229 and has been for the last three years after beating the new retired Nguyễns Bak To in the final of the 229 national. A competition Nguyễns Khan Suu has won every year since, making him the closest thing to a superstar that Unreal has when it comes to tennis (although this is rapidly changing).

His favourite surface is what is commonly known as “hard”, this is fairly useful considering that the Unreal open and the 229 national are both held at the hard courts at the 229 tennis centre on the holy island. The 26 year old is just now reaching his prime and has recently shown that he is fully capable on grass courts as well.

Nguyễns style of play? Well its power play. A strong serve and devastatingly powerful shots have baffled many a player to cross his path. He may struggles somewhat against nimbler players who like to play unconventional shots, but if they make any mistakes, he is able to pounce on them more than would be believed.

Nguyễns has a middle class background, something quite common for tennis players. His father works as a high level manager for an advertising firm based on holy island, so the young Khan Suu had the perfect opportunity to get into this individualistic sport.

Huong Muoi doesn't have quite the same success as Nguyễns Khan Suu but has certainly improved with age to move up to second seed for the first time in his career at the age of 29. Huong has several small competition titles to his name, but has never managed to claim the all important 229 national, although he did come close to overcoming the no.1 seed Khan Suu in the final last year.

Huong Muoi has something of a rivalry with Trương Van Thieu as they were for a long period at a very similar level. Rivalries are very much taboo in Unreal229 as they show a poor personality balance and an inability to control the inner workings of the mind. Neither player has publicly stated anything to reveal any sort of rivalry but body language suggests that it is the case. Muoi has now definitely become the dominant player in this 'rivalry'. If there ever was one, it must now have ended.

Muoi has probably been held back somewhat in the national rankings by his preference for playing on clay and so missing out on the points of the 229 national (as you may have noticed, this is the most important tennis tournament in Unreal229). Huong Muoi plays a sort of “middle ground” style, able to draw on any type of play when needed, but never excelling in any to the same level as Nguyễns or Le Kha.

Huong Muoi's background is not too dissimilar to Nguyễns Khan Suu's with his father also being a manager, although this time for a car manufacturer in Cong.

Le Kha Manh is the new upcoming player in Unreal. He has rapidly risen to become the national number 3, with only the 229 national still eluding him at national level. The player is very quick and is highly adaptable, able to use a wide array of shots in his game. Inexperience is his main problem, with Manh often making poor decisions on important shots. This is almost certainly not an issue in the long term as many young players suffer from the same issues.

Importantly, Le Kha Manh's favourite surface is “hard” and so will be looking for a good showing at the Unreal open and 229 national later in the season.

Oddly enough, Le Kha's father works directly under the father of no.2 seed Huong Muoi. This doesn't show any disrespect in Unreal229 as a good worker always stands a good chance of promotion to whichever level is most appropriate. Even so, it is still a fairly large coincidence considering the two players met first on the tennis court.

Trương Van Thieu is coming to the end of what has been a mildly successful career in Unreal###. Never having won the 229 national, and only occasionally winning any of the smaller 3 cities set of tournaments (the next three highest level of national tournaments after the 229 national).

The no.5 rank was not set to play in the Kemball open until the injury of the fourth seeded player forced him out of competing. Trương favourite surface is grass, whilst this may help him in the Kemball open, it has made his career at home more difficult (none of the top 4 competitions are held on grass as it is seen as primitive).

Trương Van Thieu is actually a second cousin of the great and honourable leader and emperor. The greatness of the emperor having only passed to some degree into his distant relation. Both of Van Thieu's parents work in the civil service in Unreatiante, although they didn't get the jobs through any relationship with the emperor.

Van Thieu's style is typically slow but stable and not prone to making simple errors. Many of his points come from forcing (or waiting) for his opponent to make an error whilst he just ensures that he returns the ball capably.

[OOC: You may notice that Unreal229 appears to have some very quirky ideas especially relating to the number 229. This is entirely deliberate although not all Unrealish people believe in this nonsense]

[OOC2:My newspaper logo isn't working properly atm, look at it as if it goes across the whole screen.]

[Tyrrin]

Kay Dominates Group!

Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) bt Le Manh Kha (Unreal 229) 7-6 4-6 6-4 6-7 6-2
Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) bt Fernando Olivera (Uiri) 5-7 7-6 6-4 2-6 11-9

Marcus read the headlines in the Tyrrinian paper over a cup of coffee in his hotel room. He thought back to the matches...

Hundreds of people were in the stands as Marcus walked through the doors on to the court. Some were waving Tyrrinian flags, while others sported Unreal229 colors. His opponent, Le Manh Kha, walked in right behind him. Marcus headed to his chair by the umpires stand, dropping off his bag, and zipping off his warmup attire. Underneath, he was wearing a polo tennis shirt and his signature white short shorts. He put his headband around his long hair, which had a cursive K in the middle. He trotted out to the court for a warmup with Kha, and they began hitting balls back and forth.

Kha looked even more nervous than Marcus did, which was understandable, as it was his first international match as well. He was also only 19. Marcus decided that coming after him early would be the thing to do. As they went over to the umpire to shake hands, Kay thought he had a good judge of what his opponent would be like.

Marcus immediately went out and took the first two games with good returns and shots in general. Kha seemed to get the hang of it after that, and took the next three, two of them going to deuce. Marcus then buckled down and won the next two, and then they traded games, with the set finishing 7-6 to Marcus. He figured Kha would have the wind out of his sails by now.

However, Kha came back in the next set and won it 4-6. Marcus had been feeling a bit overconfident, but now realized that Kha, despite his young age, was in fact a proffesional tennis player, and treated him as such after that. He won the next set 6-4, but was unable to close out the fourth set, and lost it 6-7. Kha's serve was speeding up at this point, but his feet were slowing down.

Marcus went on a tear in the last set, winning points with crushing forehands, curving backhands, and his devestating drop shot. On the final shot, Kha hit a lob that didn't quite go far enough, and Marcus slammed it into the grass at the Unrealish player's feet. He did a giant fist pump for the cameras and shook hands with Kha and the umpire before taking a bow. He walked off the court feeling elated after his first ever NIFT tournament victory.

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

The next day, Marcus was set to face off against Uiri's Fernando Olivera. Kemball Island girls begged for his autograph, and he happily obliged. After warming up with Olivera, Marcus noted that his opponent seemed more confident, probably because he had seen Marcus play the day before. However, this also meant that Marcus had one more day of practice.

Marcus came out shaky, and was dominated by Olivera's powerful serve in the first set, and lost 5-7. In the next set, Marcus was all over the court. He made a diving shot to take advantage in the set 5-4, and didn't look back as he won the set 7-6. Marcus was not managing many break points, which he knew would haunt him later in the match.

It didn't haunt him in the next set, as he won easily 6-4. Yet again, Marcus suffered a bout of overconfidence, and promptly lost the next set 6-2, getting driven back by a powerful forehand from Olivera.

In the final set, both players brought their A games. However neither player managed a break point. Even on his serve, Marcus was forced to make many bad shots, and was only saved by Olivera frequently hitting the ball into the net. When the set was 9-9, Marcus decided to try what he was good at. He rushed the net, and managed a spectacular lunging drop shot that sent Olivera sprawling. He began to use his net play to his advantage, and won the game, achieving the set's first break point. He then used more drop shots to finally win the set 11-9.

The relief at winning this game was undescribable. Marcus now looked back on the match, having defeated both of the other players in his group. He had autographs to sign later that day, which he would now do with more enthusiasm than he would have if he had lost.

[Kemball Island]

Day Two's Results are in!!

Mens First Round
Group One: Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island) bt Iqbaal Mansour (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) 7-6 7-6 4-6 6-2
Group Two: Magnus Karlsson (Raventopia) bt Brian Bond (Quintessence of Dust) 3-6 6-4 7-6 4-6 7-5
Group Three: Ed Fisher (Taeshan) bt Amir Djebou (Iranitopia) 7-6 6-3 6-7 6-3
Group Four: Rocco Davis (Delaclava) bt Adam Williams (Palmouth) 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-2
Group Five: Jack White (Taeshan) bt David Suazo (Sargossa) 6-3 6-4 6-3
Group Six: Morris Susin (Milchama) bt Marco Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago) 6-7 6-3 3-6 6-4 7-5
Group Seven: Micheal Johnson (Newmanistan) bt John Farrell (Kemball Island) 6-4 6-3 7-6
Group Eight: Matt Cawfield (Taeshan) bt Tim Cooper (Newmanistan) 3-6 7-6 6-2 6-4
Group Nine: Huong Muoi (Unreal 229) bt Chris Terrell (Newmanistan) 7-5 3-6 3-6 6-2 6-4
Group Ten: Robert Robredo (Sarogssa) bt Trương Van Thieu (Unreal 229) 6-4 5-7 6-2 6-4
Group Eleven: Liam Beacon (Palmouth) bt Marc Benson (La Lique) 6-4 6-3 4-6 7-6
Group Twelve: Hugo Jukina (Uiri) bt Simão Pereira (Iglesian Archipelago) 7-6 6-2 6-3
Group Thirteen: Bobby Chapman (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) bt Darkki Nepaisale (Delaclava) 7-6 4-6 6-4 3-6 8-6
Group Fourteen: Le Manh Kha (Unreal 229) bt Fernando Olivera (Uiri) 6-1 4-6 7-6 6-3
Group Fifteen: Darren Giles (Delaclava) bt Tomas Landonville (Kemball Island) 6-2 7-5 6-4
Group Sixteen: Craig McDonald (The Weegies) bt Mickey Sylvester (La Lique) 5-7 3-6 6-4 7-6 6-2

Womens First Round
Emma Parton (Kemball Island) bt Paula Soto (Sargossa) 7-6 6-3
Amira Sayeed-Khan (Iranitopia) bt Ana Matias (Iglesian Archipelago) 4-6 7-5 11-9
Shannon Mayer (Newmanistan) bt Gemma Marsh (Sethy Kemball) 4-6 6-1 7-5
Adriana Ferreira (Iglesian Archipelago) bt Shelby Pratt (Cassadaigua) 7-6 6-3
Jackie Joplin (Taeshan) bt Swenda Retgers (Graziland) 3-6 6-2 6-2
Lopesiana Greturn (Graziland) bt Khlaeda Mashik (Iranitopia) 6-4 4-6 6-3
Kyllikki Putkonen (Quintessence of Dust) bt Aisha Maliki (Iranitopia) 7-5 6-1
Camille Lovatt (Kemball Island) bt Shannon Preston (Cassadaigua) 3-6 6-3 13-11

And here is the draw for the Second Round (Mens replays will be played over the next two days):
Mens Second Round
Winner Group One vs Matt Cawfield (Taeshan)
Nguyễns Khac Suu (Unreal 229) vs Bobby Chapman (Queer Poco el Mono Ara)
Michael Johnson (Newmanistan) vs Jack White (Taeshan)
João Mariano (Iglesian Archipelago) vs Craig McDonald (The Weegies)
Huong Muoi (Unreal 229) vs Winner Group Twelve
Magnus Karlsson (Raventopia) vs Liam Beacon (Palmouth)
Winner Group Six vs Darren Giles (Delaclava)
Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) vs Rocco Davis (Delaclava)

Womens Second Round
Lucy Feng (Quintessence of Dust) vs Lauren Martin (Newmanistan)
Jackie Joplin (Taeshan) vs Sophie Butler (Kemball Island)
Ashley Hearn (Newmanistan) vs Shannon Mayer (Newmanistan)
Amira Sayeed-Khan (Iranitopia) vs Adriana Ferreira (Iglesian Archipelago)
Emma Parton (Kemball Island) vs Lopesian Greturn (Graziland)
Britney Hearn (Newmanistan) vs Anna Queenland (Palmouth)
Meghan Brennan (Cassadaigua) vs Kyllikki Putkonen (Quintessence of Dust)
Camille Lovatt (Kemball Island) vs Ariana White (Taeshan)

[Tyrrin]

"Mr. Kay, the draw is out."

A man handed Marcus a sheet of paper containing the draw for the second round of the Kemball Island Open. He found his name at the bottom of the list.

"Shit."'

Marcus was drawn against Rocco Davis, who some consider to be the best tennis player in the world. The Delaclavan player had a complete skill set. His only weakness seemed to be his net game, which, fortunately, was Marcus's strength. He knew that the match would inevitably be a tough one, and he would need to give it all he got. No sudden bouts of overconfidence would strike him this time. The fate of Tyrrinian tennis was resting on him. He would not let them down.

[Graziland]

Swenda Retgers was not happy. The current champion of Graziland tennis had learned that these girls can play. It had all started so well, too. She broke Joplin's first service game to take an early lead. It seemed so easy, even that worthless hick Lopesiana was winning. This belief held more and more, with each game Retgers held. Soon, the first set was her's and she was feeling like she did last Autumn when she won the Graziland championship....and then it all fell apart. In each of the final 2 sets, she didn't hold until 4-0 down, and suddenly even winning a point on Joplin's serve was becoming difficult. Just 40 minutes after winning the first set, she was out and the temper tantrum she threw on her way out did not endear her to the locals.

Lopesiana Greturn, on the other hand, was having the time of her life just competing. While Retgers had spent most of her free time sulking in the hotel, Greturn was exploring the terrain. She had met some fascinating people in her travels here, and even had time to learn a little bit about the land Mashik came from, Iranitopia. She had even tried to open up to her rival, Retgers, after a practice session. When Swenda had rebuffed her, she was disappointed but not surprised. She was always putting her down. But soon it was matchday, and Greturn was nervous. She only just saved her first service game, saving 3 break points. It was a stroke of fortune that a net cord bounced just right for her in the 9th game to break Mashik and led to her taking the first set. Nerves got to her in the second set and dropped her first service game to lose the set 4-6. This had all the drama of last year's Graziland League final, but this time she fought through her nerves and won the 3rd set 6-3. At match point the spontaneous show of joy warmed the hearts of the Kemball Island crowd. The contrast between Graziland's 2 best tennis players couldn't be clearer. Next up of Lopesiana would be one of the hosts' players Emma Parton. She knew this was going to be a great challenge. Could she beat the hosts? The knockout format meant there would be no second chances. Can she do Graziland proud? She was about to find out.........

[Quintessence of Dust]

The New Cleethorpes Enquirer

One Big Showdown

Frederic Renard and Brian Bond both crashed out of the Kemball Island Open in the first round, leaving Quodite hopes pinned on the women as Lucy Feng and Kyllikki Putkonen went through - both to face strong One Big Island players in the second round. Bond was eliminated after another epic, 5-set match with Raventopia's Magnus Karlsson, while Rocco Davis's confident victory over Jackie Adams was enough to deny Renard a place in the second round.

Though disappointed, the two were quick to point out that grass is not a favoured surface of Quodite players, who are raised on baseline hard courts, and that the early losses should not mean they should be written for the remainder of the NIFT Tour. "It's a long series of events we are scheduled to appear in, and now all the concentration will be going to the Olympics, so I definitely wouldn't count us out at this early stage," said Renard. Bond praised his opponent, Karlsson, and pointed to the Delaclavan and Unrealian delegations as among the strongest at the tournament.

With the doubles action not slated to start until later in the tournament, for the moment Quodite concerns are monopolised by the women's singles, where Putkonen joined Feng in the second round thanks to a relatively emphatic victory over Iranitopia's Aisha Maliki. After a closely matched, 12-game first set that went to an over an hour and avoided a tiebreak only on consecutive double faults, she swept away Maliki 6-1 in the second with three breaks of serve, though she dawdled her way past 5 match points.

Newmanistani Lauren Martin and 'Dagan Meghan Brennan, both players coming into the game with strong pedigrees and straight-sets first round victories, will be "challenging" opposition according to Putkonen. "We know they are both very strong players, but Lucy is in great form and I feel like I am hitting my serves well, so we have every chance of getting something out of this."

[Delaclava]

DELACLAVA STAR

Rocco Davis def. Adam Williams 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2
Darren Giles def. Tomas Landonville 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
Bobby Chapman def. Darkki Nepaisale 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6

Day two of the Kemball Island Open is over. Here's a recap of the Delaclava players.

ROCCO DAVIS
After defeating Frederic Renard yesterday, Davis needed to beat Adam Williams of Palmouth to avoid a tiebreaker, which was revealed to be a replay of the round-robin. The youthful but overrated Williams seemed that he could keep up for a little bit, as in the first set he held serve along with Davis, then winning a 7-5 tiebreaker. However, this did not last.

Davis started the second set with renewed zeal, possibly angry that an enemy nation's player had stolen a set. His serve was at its best, and Williams won exactly one point against Davis' serve. Williams seemed increasingly worn down each game by Davis' serve, and eventually Davis broke Williams at 5-4 to level the score at 1-all.

Davis picked up where he left off in the third set. Davis broke Williams at 1-1, and was ferocious from there. He either was playing better than ever or Williams had just given up for the set; either way, Davis managed 25 winners, including 12 aces for the set. On the flipside, Davis made no unforced errors that set.

Williams "outdid" himself in the fourth set, holding serve until 2-2. Davis broke Williams in five points, and from there it was just a question of how quickly Davis would finish the job. In the end, the final two sets lasted a combined 53 minutes as Davis took the fourth by a 6-2 score.

Davis, who has been known for occasional off-court antics, blasted Williams in a press conference. He said, "Can't wait for my match today. Wait...I already played it? I thought I was just warming up against a ball-boy!" He joked with the reporters for a few more minutes, then slumped slowly off the stage, with tongue hanging out; a last crack at a weak opponent.

Davis will play Markus Kay of Tyrrin, who needed five sets in each of his matches to defeat Le Manh Kha of Unreal229 and Uiri's Fernando Olivera.

DARREN GILES
After his win against Pedro Bunilo in five sets, it was time to face the hometown favorite in Kemball Island, Tomas Landonville. Uiri's Bunilo needed just three sets to get rid of Landonville in a 7-6, 6-2, 6-3 affair. In the end, Giles found the match just as easy.

Landonville seemed slow at first, while Giles, normally stiff at the start, was quick on his feet. Giles gave no mercy to Landonville, blasting serves that topped out at 141 mph, reminiscent of younger days. Landonville looked as though he was attempting to serve a basketball, serving very slowly and without much accuracy. In fact, at 1-1, Giles needed to do almost nothing to break Landonville as Giles hit two return winners and watched Landonville double fault twice without much dignity. Landonville put slightly more fight into his next serving game, actually carrying the game to deuce. Eventually Giles' mental toughness and powerful returns were too much as he broke against. While Landonville managed to hold in his next service, he was too late as Giles ended the first-set carnage in just 26 minutes.

The impressive play by Giles seemed to wake up Landonville. Landonville matched Giles' serve game for game, and the set went to 5-5. However, Landonville got nervous leading 40-0, and threw away three points to force deuce. On the fifth deuce, Giles hit a return winner, then hit a baseline winner down the line as Landonville came to the net. Giles played some beautiful serve-and-volley to finish the set at 7-5.

From there, Giles broke Landonville on the very first game of the third set, then coasted to victory. Landonville served fairly well after the break but did little to break back and get back into the match. Giles got 10 aces in the set, including two in the final game. At 30-0, Giles slammed down a Landonville lob for match point. At 40-0, as what seemed to be a final insult and the epitome of the day, Giles served and came up to volley. Landonville came up to the net as well, at which point Giles drilled a cannon shot right into the forehead of Landonville, ending the point.

Giles seemed apologetic about hitting Landonville, saying, "I was getting tired, even if I didn't show it, and I wanted to put that last shot more to the side. I hope he doesn't have any injury." Giles must wait for Group Six to replay before he knows his opponent. Group Six consists of Morris Susin of Milchama, Marco Lopes of Iglesian Archipelago, and Jose Ruhoga of Uiri. Ruhoga beat Susin, Lopes beat Ruhoga, and Susin beat Lopes.

MATT ANDREU
Andreu played two matches yesterday, and had an off day. He needed Newmanistan's Chris Terrell, whom Andreu had beaten, to win against Unreal229's Huong Muoi, who had beaten Andreu, to force the tiebreak, which turned out to be a replay of the round-robin. However, all Andreu could do was watch as Muoi came back from down 2 sets to one to dispatch Terrell, by a score of 7-5, 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 and move on.

After watching the Muoi-Terrell match, Andreu said, "I'm obviously disappointed that I couldn't move on, but I can leave with my head held high. I'm young and I have a lot of time. I did get one win and had a close loss to one of the best in the world, all in one day. I wish the best to Muoi, and I'll definitely stay here to support Rocco (Davis) and Darren (Giles)."

DARKKI NEPAISALE
Nepaisale had the least complicated situation to move on; win and move on, lose and be eliminated. The person to beat was Bobby Chapman of Queer Poco el Mono Ara. In the end, teammates Davis, Giles, and Andreu agreed that the match was "the best of the tournament", although all were visibly disappointed that Nepaisale couldn't move on.

In the first matchday, Chapman and Nepaisale each defeated Ikonia Hurr of Grittonia; Chapman in three, Nepaisale in five.

The match was close all the way through, and both were very strong. Giles even proclaimed that "today, Darkki could have beaten me." Nepaisale was indeed very strong, with a serve reaching 145 mph, a personal record. Chapman was equally strong as both held serve, including the tiebreak. Eventually, Chapman got the mini-break he needed to win, 16-14.

The next set, Nepaisale set the tone early by breaking in five points, then holding serve convincingly to win 6-4. Chapman seemed to rise to a new level afterward, doing the same to Nepaisale despite almost being broken in two different games, the second going to eight deuces before being settled. Chapman eventually held on to win 6-4.

In the next set, Nepaisale set an even stronger bar, breaking twice to lead 3-0, and win 6-3. However, in the next set, Chapman just barely held on to his serve, eventually getting stronger. Finally, at 6-6, Chapman broke Nepaisale after four deuces, then held on himself in a triumph for Chapman, an 8-6 heartbreak for Nepaisale.

Nepaisale, through Giles interpreting, said, "Chapman played very well. I played well too, but Chapman deserves the win. I hope I get the chance to beat him, but for now I wish him the best of luck. I can't wait to see how my teammates Rocco (Davis) and Darren (Giles) do in the knockout stage."

[Kemball Island]

Day Three Resutls are In! The only games played today were mens replays, but they held plenty of excitement. Tomorrow, the womens second round commences and the doubles finally get mentioned with the firt round draw happening.

Day Three Results:
Group One: Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island) bt Brendan Holt (Newmanistan) 6-2 6-7 6-4 6-4
Iqbaal Mansour (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) bt Brendan Holt (Newmanistan) 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-1
Group Six: José Ruhoga (Uiri) bt Morris Susin (Milchama) 7-5 5-7 6-3 4-6 10-8
Marco Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago) bt José Ruhoga (Uiri) 7-6 6-7 6-4 6-3
Group Twelve: Simão Pereira (Iglesian Archipelago) bt Hugo Jukina (Uiri) 4-6 7-6 7-6 4-6 6-3
Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia) bt Simão Pereira (Iglesian Archipelago) 7-5 6-2 5-7 7-6

[Milchama]

"Damn!"

"Yep that's about right"

"10-8 in the 5th set, so close"

"Yet so far"

"Luckily he's only 17, there is a lot more time, he'll be great one day"

"That he will, that he will"

"Damn"

"Yep"

[Kemball Island]

Wednesdays Results are in!:

Mens First Round Replays:
Group One: Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island) bt Iqbaal Mansour (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) 6-4 6-7 3-6 6-3 7-5
Going Through: Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island)
Group Six: Morris Susin (Milchama) bt Marco Lopes (Iglesian Archipelago) 7-6 6-2 6-3
Going Through: Morris Susin (Milchama) - won match in least sets
Group Twelve: Hugo Jukina (Uiri) bt Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia) 7-6 2-6 6-2 7-6
both won matches in least sets
Replay: Hugo Jukina (Uiri) bt Muhammed Al Khatari (Iranitopia) 6-7 4-6 6-4 7-6 6-2
Going Through: Hugo Jukina (Uiri)

Womens Second Round
Lauren Martin (Newmanistan) bt Lucy Feng (Quintessence of Dust) 7-6 4-6 6-4
Sophie Butler (Kemball Island) bt Jackie Joplin (Taeshan) 6-2 6-7 6-3
Shannon Mayer (Newmanistan) bt Ashley Hearn (Newmanistan) 7-5 6-1
Amira Sayeed-Khan (Iranitopia) bt Adriana Ferreira (Iglesian Archipelago) 4-6 7-6 13-11
Lopesian Greturn (Graziland) bt Emma Parton (Kemball Island) 7-6 3-6 6-4
Britney Hearn (Newmanistan) bt Anna Queenland (Palmouth) 6-1 6-4
Kyllikki Putkonen (Quintessence of Dust) Meghan Brennan (Cassadaigua) 7-6 6-4
Camille Lovatt (Kemball Island) bt Ariana White (Taeshan) 5-7 7-6 6-3

Mens Second Round Draw
Phillip Hammond (Kemball Island) vs Matt Cawfield (Taeshan)
Nguyễns Khac Suu (Unreal 229) vs Bobby Chapman (Queer Poco el Mono Ara)
Michael Johnson (Newmanistan) vs Jack White (Taeshan)
João Mariano (Iglesian Archipelago) vs Craig McDonald (The Weegies)
Huong Muoi (Unreal 229) vs Hugo Jkina (Uiri)
Magnus Karlsson (Raventopia) vs Liam Beacon (Palmouth)
Morris Susin (Milchama) vs Darren Giles (Delaclava)
Marcus Kay (Tyrrin) vs Rocco Davis (Delaclava)



the next two days wil be taken up by doubles 1st round and mens 2nd round