Mercedinian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

by **Mercedini** » Sat Nov 12, 2016 3:02 am

LIVE from the Cortex Tennis Centre

Welcome to the Mercedinian Open held in Zoloroni, Mercedini. This is a Tier 2 NSTT event held on grass. As is tradition, two events will be held at this tournament, a singles event along with a doubles event. A quick reminder that all male, female and non-human participants are allowed in the singles' competition and all-male, all-female, mixed and non-human pairings are permitted in the doubles' competition.
They will respectively have 32 singles' players and 16 doubles' pairs in the First Round Proper. However, qualifying rounds have been arranged to accomodate as many players as possible. Please see the schedule below with the groups and the permutations on how players can qualify for the knockkout rounds of the Mercedinian Open.

Schedule: (cut-offs will take place at 1900 UTC on the dates stated below)
November 13: Qualifying MD1
November 14: Qualifying MD2
November 15: Qualifying MD3
November 16: Singles Round of 32
November 17: Singles & Doubles Round of 16
November 18: Quarter-Finals
November 19: Semi-Finals
November 20: Finals

Singles

The Top-8 ranked players at the tournament have all received seeding and automatically qualify for the first round proper.

For the other participants, they must qualify for the tournament via a round-robin group format. Each player will play every other person once with the group winner qualifying for the first round. Then, the players who finished in second place will be ranked with the top-9 best performing players also advancing to the knockout stage. The players who finished third and fourth will be eliminated from the tournament.

Doubles

The top-4 ranked players in the doubles tournament have all received seeds and have automatically qualified to the round of 16.

For the rest of the players, they have all been drawn into groups of three for the qualifying stage. The group winner will qualify and join the seeds for the round of sixteen. The players who finished in second place will be ranked with the top-2 from those rankings will also advance to the round of 16. The players who finish bottom of their group will be eliminated from the tournament.

by **House of Judah** » Sat Nov 12, 2016 7:22 pm

“I can’t believe we still have to go through qualifiers,” Hadar ben Ofer said as the Judeans relaxed in the hotel bar. “I mean, Anat and I just won the AOpen and we still have to qualify with the rest of the rabble.”

“Have you ever noticed that all he does is complain?” asked Livnat bat Avram and Arieh ben Daniyyel laughed in response.

“Tournament doesn’t start until tomorrow,” ____ said. “Anyone want to do something?”

“Well, the girls and I were going to go see the fashion houses,” Simcha bat Dor said. “Maybe find us something to wear.”

“Em… Simcha,” Ofra bat Dekel started. “We can’t afford anything from the fashion houses. I can’t at least.”

“Me either,” agreed Ofir bat Paz.

“Well, I can afford it,” Simcha said. “In fact, I can get all three of you something.”

“Simcha, don’t be ridiculous,” Ofra said. “Those dresses can go for thousands of shekels a piece.” Simcha shrugged.

“Well then maybe we’ll just look. Still might get something for myself.” Hadar scoffed. “Well, what are you boys going to do?”

“Looks like there is a local football match happening in the Sports City,” Hadar replied.
“We’re going to go catch the game.” Livnat stroked Arieh’s arm to get his attention.

“Hey, I was actually thinking about seeing a Merdicinian opera while we’re here. What do you think?”

“Em… sure,” he agreed. “Sounds like it could be fun.”

“Good. Go get your coat, it might be cool when we get out.”

“Sure thing.” Arieh got up and went back up to their room.

“Are you really going to make him go to an opera?” Ofir asked.

“No,” Livnat said. “It’s some Cirque du Soleil type thing. I think he’ll really enjoy it.”

“You’re mean,” Ofir said with a smile.

“I know.”

by **The Serbian Empire** » Sat Nov 12, 2016 10:50 pm

"What the? Never thought Vlad and Gisela would have the best chance of getting through qualifying. Marisa's got Eliza Reusmann of Schottia who has a history of being a top 20 player. Jade's pretty much doomed herself with one of those Cenians." Ria said.

"Why did you come with here, Ria? I don't see you having gotten the greenlight to play this tournament," the journalist replied.

"Well, Jade has me filming her play and asks me on her mechanics. I seem to be able to pick up on that kind of thing. The lack of a tournament going on this week or two over in the Empire makes a very easy decision. Not to mention the clothing stores around here in Mercedini. If Jade's not playing then I'm probably shopping," Ria stated with a smirk.

"So what is Jade to you?" the journalist asked.

"Nothing more than my closest competitive rival and best friend. We've competed against each other for years trying to become better than the other. In order to improve my skills, we often train together. I hope for an opportunity in a NSTT event that isn't a major, but sponsors are willing to pay Jade's entry fee," Ria said.

"So it's about money?" the journalist questioned.

"Yeah, that and the limited number of Visas for this event. I'm in on a tourist's Visa rather than a business one and really am here to back Jade. Not make money," as Ria sighed.

"I guess that's it for this interview. Ria's probably wanting to get back to studying film or shopping," the journalist said.

by **Mattijana** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 4:56 am

Mattijana's Tennis Players Back In Action In Mercedini

After a period off following the Krytenian open, Mattijana's tennis players are back in action at the Mercedinian Open, a tier II NSTT event held in the city of Zolorini.

The grass court tournament means another transition needs to be made from the hard courts of Krytenia and although the event is tier 2, therefore offering fewer points than the main slams, the tournament offers a healthy smattering of points, particularly with many of the big players, notably from Ceni and Electrum, taking the tournament off.
As usual, the tourney consists of a qualification stage before the main draw, but on this occasion, that qualification is a group stage with 4 players. That could make things interesting for the Mattijanans, as they will be given potential second chances after defeat, but may also slip up and let another opponent into the coveted first place slot, made even more vital as only a handful if the second place players are granted a place in the main draw.
Here's a closer look at the chances of success for each of our players:

Mattias Burges-Group 14:

The Mattijanan number one is back in action after a decent run in Krytenia and has a reasonable qualifying group to contend with. Tommy West, the world number 29 is on paper the toughest opponent for the world number 111 and while Mei Jokek from Mercedini is on home turf, she is unlikely to beat Burges based on rank and experience. 23 year old Sean Walters from Anthor is on debut at the tournament and should be there for the taking. The tie with West will probably prove pivotal in deciding the group and even if it is as one of the 9 2nd-placed players, Burges should seal a place in the main draw.

Aljaz Corluka-Group 5:

The Mattijanan number 2 and World 123 has a very winnable group ahead of him. Andrew Baumgartner has been knocking around for a while on the NSTT tour, but has only made it to 132nd in the world rankings and has struggled of late in the big tounaments. Having said that, the two did meet back at the AO Open, where Baumgartner won a tight affair 7-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. However, back on the grass and away from home courts, this one could still go either way.
The other two players will on paper not offer much threat. Vladimir Ivanovic Ivanov from The Serbian Empire is ranked only 205th whilst Jimmy Johnson from Dimetrija is very new on the international scene. Corluka should progress.

Dominika Lisicki-Group 4

After her sensational win against Ardil Navsal from Ceni at the AO Open, Lisicki will look to keep up the momentum in another good qualifying group. Mile Panika is playing his first ever international tournament, so will provide fairly little resistance to world 244 Lisicki, whilst Nik au Ignaa from Redvale is also very new to the NSTT. World number 78, Hadar ben Ofer is the toughest player for Lisicki, but if she can pull off a shock yet again, the Mattijanan number 4 will probably progress.

Sabina Soca- Group 6

Sabina Soca is not expected to progress with tough ties against Ofir Bat Paz and Louis Amada to come. However, after a lengthy injury break, match time is her main concern and a good run-around is guaranteed.

The Doubles:

With Doubles groups made up of only 3 pairs, progression should be a formality for top ranked Mattijanans Lara Basic and Julian Slazic, the world number 165 taking a break from singles action to concentrate on boosting their ranking of 44th. Newbies David Branson and Donavan MacBride are there to be put away whilst Owen Simmons and Perry Walsh from Krytenia are also beatable.
In group 10, Dominika Lisicki and Rikard Kampl look to keep up their good form against Jack Parminus and Adam Stratesimov from Mercedini, whilst Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic from The Serbian Empire will provide a stern test of nerve and ability.

by **The Redvale** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 9:58 am

OOC: Expect this to be a series of shorter, almost vignette like chapters from now on. I'm trying something more out of the box and one of the different things is that the posts are shorter than my usual ones.

The River

Book I: Flame

Chapter Three: The Rise

RECAP: In the last tournament, the gods of Redvale assembled a tennis team and sent them abroad to represent the country and spread the influence of the religion. Now, those players are stars and they're trying to figure out why exactly they were selected, and what the gods really want from a team of amateurs.

The Redvali tennis team were quickly becoming stars back home. That team of slaves, that had been selected to represent their gods, were now much more than simple servants. They were in commercials, they were recognized in the big cities, and they were getting endorsements. But they still didn’t understand everything about their role. They didn’t understand why they’d been selected. They didn't understand the full extent of the magical abilities they had, or how to use those abilities to win. Because they hadn’t been picked for their ability, but rather for their potential.

Nik au Ignaa, the former slave of the Inquisition and a member of the cult of Ignaa, the flame god, was at the forefront of the new Redvali sportsmovement. And yet he didn’t understand what the gods wanted, more than anyone else did. Meditating would solve it, he told himself, and so while the others were practicing for the Mercedinian open, Nik was in his hotel room, clearing his mind. Last time he’d done that, he had been rewarded with a vision where the gods had told him that they wanted him to represent the country.

He’d been meditating like this for half an hour, before he opened his eyes and once again found that the surroundings around him were different than the ones that had been around when he closed them. He was back in the field, still sitting cross legged with his arms folded in front of him. He didn’t move, and just watched the surroundings. The river wasn’t there, just the field this time. There was nobody else in the field, just a voice. “Why are you meditating instead of practicing?” the voice asked.

“Because I don’t know what the goal of this is, really. Is it really to spread the influence of the gods, or is there something more?” Nik replied. He kept still, though he glanced around to see where the voice was coming from.

“There is something more, but it isn’t the place of the slaves to know. The religion gains power through influence, and the religion needs more power. That is all you need to know,” the voice answered. “You should be practicing… Doing your job.”

“I just want to know what my job is. I thought I was an Inquisitor, now I’m expected to be an athlete… I might have magic, but that’s not enough to win.”

The voice paused. “The gods have noted that. However, for now, your job is to be a tennis player and spread the fame of the island beyond our own borders. You, and the rest of your teammates, will learn the full reasons behind this in time, but now isn’t the right time to reveal them. Understood?”

“Sure,” said Nik, and then he blinked and found himself in the hotel room again, as if the vision had never happened. He stood up, and changed into his tennis clothes and grabbed his racket. It was time to join the rest of the team in practicing for the upcoming tournament… There would be time to ponder the vision later.

by **Mercedini** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 12:19 pm

Cutoff
Qualifying MD1

Will you players be jumping for joy after today's result? It's your Qualifying Matchday 1 cutoff!

Singles

Group 1
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)               6   6
Cacko Konopiski (TIT)              1   2

Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)        2   7   6
Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)      6   6   4


  Group 1                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Eliza Reusmann                   1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Marisa Celeste Frieri            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Colonel Selav Tukerawan          1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Cacko Konopiski                  1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 2
Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)               3   4
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)               6   6

Stephen Perez (KRY)                6   6
John Laskovic (DIM)                0   2


  Group 2                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Feyrord Poniac                   1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Stephen Perez                    1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 John Laskovic                    1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Ofra bat Dekel                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 3
Ty Kanelious (QAD)                 6   5   6
Sarah Dinsdale (KRY)               3   7   8

Peter Russo (DIM)                  3   2
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)             6   6


  Group 3                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mattias Doerwald                 1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Sarah Dinsdale                   1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Ty Kanelious                     1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Peter Russo                      1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 4
Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)               6   3   6
Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)             2   6   2

Mile Panika (TIT)                  4   4
Nik au Ignaa (REV)                 6   6


  Group 4                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nik au Ignaa                     1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Hadar ben Ofer                   1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Dominika Lisicki                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Mile Panika                      1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 5
Jimmy Johnson (DIM)                2   4
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)           6   6

Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic (SRB)     6   1   1
Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                4   6   6


  Group 5                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Baumgartner               1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Aljaz Corluka                    1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Jimmy Johnson                    1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 6
Louis Amada (CEN)                  6   6
Sabina Soca (MTJ)                  2   4

Fi Richardson (KWP)                1   6
Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                 6   7


  Group 6                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Louis Amada                      1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Ofir bat Paz                     1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Fi Richardson                    1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Sabina Soca                      1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 7
Dimitry Lamowska (CSN)             3   6   3
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)               6   4   6

Noah Damaris (CEN)                 6   1   6
Renee Richardson (KWP)             4   6   3


  Group 7                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jade Oreskovic                   1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Noah Damaris                     1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Dimitry Lamowska                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Renee Richardson                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 8
Felice Mareaux (NEG)               7   6
Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)               6   3

Gyda au Jara (REV)                 6   4   6
Damion Kester Dunn (ANT)           2   6   2


  Group 8                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                   1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Gyda au Jara                     1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Damion Kester Dunn               1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Halaeo DiGaldi                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 9
Leo Garry (BRI)                    4   2
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)           6   6

Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)        5   5
Frank Wilkinson (DIM)              7   7


  Group 9                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic               1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Frank Wilkinson                  1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Hammond Lauren Geroux            1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Leo Garry                        1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 10
Con Towers (KWP)                   6   7
Heidi Mardigorsz (CSN)             0   6

Alexander Linip (MRC)              6   6
Jakub au Ignaa (REV)               1   2


  Group 10                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Alexander Linip                  1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Con Towers                       1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Heidi Mardigorsz                 1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Jakub au Ignaa                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 11
David Branson (ANT)                3   6   4
Luciano Ziccardino IV (VKL)        6   2   6

Jessica Moreaux (KRY)              6   3   6
Liam Penderyn (NGD)                3   6   0


  Group 11                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jessica Moreaux                  1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Luciano Ziccardino IV            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 David Branson                    1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Liam Penderyn                    1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 12
Laura Roshik (MRC)                 3   6   6
Blazo Boev (TIT)                   6   4   3

Derek Dubrovnik (BRI)              6   6
Jaxton Monty (QAD)                 3   1


  Group 12                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Derek Dubrovnik                  1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Laura Roshik                     1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Blazo Boev                       1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Jaxton Monty                     1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 13
Stephanie Brown (NGD)              6   6   3
Jon Swanston (KWP)                 0   7   6

Martin Shearman (VKL)              7   6
Andrea au Jara (REV)               5   4


  Group 13                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Martin Shearman                  1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Jon Swanston                     1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Stephanie Brown                  1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Andrea au Jara                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 14
Mei Jokek (MRC)                    6   6
Sean Walters (ANT)                 0   2

Tommy West (NGD)                   6   7
Mattias Burges (MTJ)               3   6


  Group 14                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mei Jokek                        1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Tommy West                       1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Mattias Burges                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Sean Walters                     1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 15
Andrew Lamar (NGD)                 6   6
Martina Anger (VKL)                2   1

Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)            6   7
Risto Verbalistov (TIT)            0   6


  Group 15                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar                     1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Gisela Stefanovic                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Martina Anger                    1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Risto Verbalistov                1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Doubles

*pairs who have not played yet do not appear on the group table

Group 1
Blair Forest/Donny Knight (QAD)                          7   6
Martin Shearman/Martina Anger (VKL)                      5   4


  Group 1                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Blair Forest/Donny Knight                              1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Martin Shearman/Martina Anger                          1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 2
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                         6   6   7
Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala (NEG)                    4   7   5


  Group 2                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                             1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                        1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 3
Jade Oreskovic/Tijana Mirkic (SRB)                       6   4
Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva (TIT)                   7   6


  Group 3                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva                       1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Jade Oreskovic/Tijana Mirkic                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 4
Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh (KRY)                           5   7   3
Laura Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ)                          7   6   6


  Group 4                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Basic/Julian Slazic                              1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh                               1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 5
Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse (REV)                          6   6
Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski (TIT)                7   7


  Group 5                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski                    1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                              1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 6
Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat (KWP)                        7   3   6
Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)     6   6   4


  Group 6                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat                            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 7
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)                           7   3   6
Terry Reben/Icy Mellows (QAD)                            5   6   3


  Group 7                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                               1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Terry Reben/Icy Mellows                                1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 8
Andreas Astaukas/Leonadas Laaveon (CSN)                  3   2
Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse (REV)                    6   6


  Group 8                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                        1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Andreas Astaukas/Leonadas Laaveon                      1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 9
Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic (NEG)                       1   4
Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)                            6   6


  Group 9                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 10
Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                      3   7   9
Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)             6   6   7


  Group 10                                             Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

by **The Serbian Empire** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 1:21 pm

Serbian Empire Tennis Guide

Wins in Mercedinian Open Group Play for Serbs, Doubles Losses Mount

Marisa Celeste Frieri has continued her hot streak of late defeating the Colonel Selav Tukerawan of the Greater Vakolicci Haven after losing the first set 2-7 by winning the next two with 7-6 and 6-4 results. Jade Oreskovic defeated Dimitry Lamowska with 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 sets, but likely faces a dangerous Noah Damaris soon. That would be a longshot chance of winning. Gisela Stefanovic had a much easier time, she only needed two sets to defeat Risto Verbalistov. One of which was a 6-0 rout, the other a 7-6 nailbiter. The only Serb who lost was anticipated to be an advancing threat in Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic, but media from Mattijana stated he posed little threat to Aljaz Corluka. They were right on the outcome. However, Vladimir has reportedly sustained a injury that if his play doesn't improve suggests may require surgery. This situation should be monitored closely.

Meanwhile at Jade's hotel room post match
"Jade, you looked quite smooth out there. Just like how we've played for the past five or six years. So what is it like to defeat Dimitry Lamowska? I've never heard of him before? Is he any good?" Ria asked Jade.

"It feels good to win, but I know that Renee Richardson put up a solid fight against Noah Damaris and Damaris is one of those Cenians that are so hard to defeat. And I never heard of Lamowska before today, but he's a capable and dangerous adversary if you ask me. I didn't win as quickly as I could have if he wasn't good," Jade replied.

"I guess that makes it hard for me to defeat him if you ask me. But then I've beaten you enough times to know it is possible for me to have won if I played," Ria wistfully spoke.

"So what's with the pleated skirt? It's metallic bronze and where did you get it?" Jade asked Ria.

"Some boutique in Zoloroni's nicest shopping district. It wasn't cheap. If you want one, I can sell it to you as I don't absolutely need it and we're the same size," Ria said.

"Well, let's see if I can win the next match first. If it's against the Cenian and I win, the sponsors will pay me a million Palla dinar bonus. I think that would be around 50,000 Yvronis if my exchange rate knowledge is accurate," Jade said.

"That'd be more than enough to buy several of these skirts! More like dozens, but who would need that many skirts that look the same?" Ria joked around.

"A fashionista would! I only need one of those skirts though," Jade stated.

by **House of Judah** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 8:55 pm

“That is not how I needed to play today,” Ofra bat Dekel mused as she sat with Simcha bat Dor. “Perez is favored to win the group. If I’m going to advance, I need to be one of the best placed seconds. Now it looks like Poniac will take that spot and I’ll be out of it.”

“You’ll have your day eventually, Simcha,” Ofra reassured.

“I’ve had my day. I might still do fine against a lot of the young folks on their first few times out, but my best days are already behind me.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re retiring.”

“God, no. I’m having way too much fun doing this to quit now. I’ve just accepted the fact that I’ve probably peaked in terms of play and will probably never rise much higher than I have at this point. You, on the other hand, are on a pretty much constant upward trajectory. From unknown to 16^th in the world in just under half a year is amazing. A tournament or two and you’ll be a top ten player, I’m sure of it.”

“Well, I certainly look forward to that. Of course, then I’ll have to wait for the rest of you to catch up to me.” Ofra chuckled.

“Hey babe,” Liorit bat Gil said as she walked up. She kissed Ofra briefly before dropping into a seat beside her. “What’s the topic?”

“Tennis futures,” Ofra replied. Liorit rolled her eyes.

“Ugh. New topic, please.”

“Fine, what do you want to talk about?”

“I think we need to chip in together to get Livnat a dress from one of the fashion houses.” Simcha raised her eyebrow in curiosity.

“Why is that?” she asked.

“Because I overheard Arieh talking with Gilad about how he proposed to Shani at the Electrum Slam.”

“You think Arieh is going to propose to Livnat?” Ofra asked her girlfriend. “They only made it official a month and a half ago.”

“Yeah, but they’ve been going around together unofficially for a year or two. It wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibilities.”

“I suppose not.”

by **CoraSpia** » Sun Nov 13, 2016 10:40 pm

It was safe to say that the Colonel was annoyed. It was even safer not to approach the colonel to ay anything, unless you wanted to risk a punch. He'd informed Havenssport, a group of individuals whose lack of actual sporting experience showed very clearly, that having the same players play singles and doubles was a bad bad idea. He'd been told it was being sorted out: it quite clearly wasn't.
While other players got some degree of rest, Selav Tukerawan had to train for a doubles game later in the day, and so did his partner. It wasn't a surprise that he lost both of them then, was it? Well, to the morons who sorted this sort of thing out clearly it was a surprise Clearly, the Havens team were supposed to be showing how amazing they were by overcoming yet another challenge: like the lack of tennis funding and the lack of any good courts.
"Owww..."
Selav realised he had been pressing very hrd. Having to give Luciano Ziccardino a massage was not a bet he was happy he had taken drunk. If he lost, and Luciano won, he had to give him a massage. The fact this felt like he was risking breaking the law as Luciano was only 11 was one thing, the fact he was convinced that Luciano was throwing the doubles game was another. He relaxed his strokes with the oil and tried to get his caloused hands to do something relaxing. They were not good at it, as could be heard from Luciano's annoyed sounds. About 5 minutes later, the boy wandered off, and the colonel sat down heavily.
Half an hour later,Selav had found a girl in a bar. He was well on the way to being drunk, he was well on the way to losing more money, and he didn't care too much how the next match went.

by **Neu Engollon** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:17 am

TELL IT LIKE IT IS

"Hey, welcome back to ‘Tell It Like It Is’ on BGV Radio in Burgunden. I'm your host Rory Tiegel. We got a special guest on tonight. Back by popular demand is our man, Paul Quiront. Actually in the studio with us is this guy, this amazing tennis player, who embodies the full spirit of 'Tell It Like It Is'. Paul, welcome back to the show, it's an honor to have you back and this time actually in our studios."

"Hey, Rory, good to be here. I wish it was under better circumstances, but...ya know."

"I do. Total bummer, dude. They yanked you from the tour. What exactly happened?"

"Well, because of what I said on here and on NETV and some other stuff, the NSTT sanctioned me, then the NETC hit me after that. Some fines and all, whatever. I can pay those. They steal back my money. But I won't be able to play for the rest of the tour. NSTT said I was still eligible for the final Diamond Trophy Tour, but I'm out of all the lead up tournaments and won't be able to qualify...Then...Then, NETC comes back and says, No. I'm off the tour for the whole year and slaps me with a bigger fine. Not payin' it. So, yeah, I could come back next year, but...I may have other plans."

"Wow! So, just...wow. You're done for the year. Right now, your team mates on the NETC are playing in Mercedini, right?"

"Yep. Good luck to them, I guess. They're going up against this totally BS corrupt system. Mine and Marla's wins were total flukes, really."

"Yeah, so, we heard how corrupt you think they are. They heard you say it and now...This."

"Yep. This BS. Even though I was on my own time, off the court, they still stick their nose in my business."

"Well...it was in their rules and guidelines, though, Paul."

"Rory. They don't haul that out and dust it off for anyone else. They targeted me, because I was onto them."

"Okay, so, you mentioned other plans? Like not playing for the NETC? Who would you play for...or, is this like some sort of corporate sponsor thing?"

"Uh, no, not corporate. I have some friends higher up in Albertville, and they think I should run for mayor. Clean house there."

"Wow, you're blowing my mind, man. Mayor of Albertville. That's like 5th biggest city in the Confederacy. I didn't know you had connections there."

"I'm from Rhone. I have residency in Albertville, even though I've been off at NETC training facilities and what not...I still maintain a place there. I lived in that city for a long time and I hate to see it go down a bad road. It's been run into the ground by the same type of idiots that run the NETC and NSTT."

"Yeah, but, making the jump from athletics to politics...that's a big step."

"Rory, I'm a smart guy, I can do the job. I can motivate people to get the jobs done that need doing and I have the determination to get in there and clean things up. Albertville has a huge deficit right now and they've sunk money into some ridiculous projects that don't help the people out one bit. Pantywaist liberals have wrecked that city. I want to change that all. I want to do my part to get the city back on its feet."

"So...Cool. That's going to be interesting. I take it you want to take it further from there? Cantonal Governor? Assemblyman? President, maybe?"

"Yeah, we'll see. One step at a time, but I won't rule that out."

"So, then that's it for tennis?"

"That's it, I think. I'll never say never, but it's not likely I'll come back. It was time. I don't need to be involved with those clowns anymore, anyway."

"What about your teammates, will you miss them?"

"Sure. Of course. Some good people. We had our differences, but they're good people."

"Well, we'll come back after the break and take some calls for Paul. Big stuff to talk about here. Stay tuned to 'Tell It Like It Is' here on BGV Radio..."

by **Mercedini** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 1:48 pm

Cutoff
Qualifying MD2

Will your players be wishing the Men In Black would come to erase their memories? The Qualifying Matchday 2 cutoff is upon us!

Singles

Group 1
Cacko Konopiski (TIT)              7   3   3
Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)      5   6   6

Eliza Reusmann (SCH)               4   7   4
Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)        6   5   6


  Group 1                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marisa Celeste Frieri            2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Eliza Reusmann                   2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Colonel Selav Tukerawan          2   1  1    3   3   0    7
4 Cacko Konopiski                  2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 2
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)               6   6
John Laskovic (DIM)                4   3

Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)               6   4   7
Stephen Perez (KRY)                1   6   5


  Group 2                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Feyrord Poniac                   2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Stephen Perez                    2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Ofra bat Dekel                   2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 John Laskovic                    2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 3
Sarah Dinsdale (KRY)               3   3
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)             6   6

Ty Kanelious (QAD)                 5   5
Peter Russo (DIM)                  7   7


  Group 3                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mattias Doerwald                 2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Peter Russo                      2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Sarah Dinsdale                   2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Ty Kanelious                     2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 4
Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)             2   4
Nik au Ignaa (REV)                 6   6

Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)               6   7
Mile Panika (TIT)                  2   6


  Group 4                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nik au Ignaa                     2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Hadar ben Ofer                   2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
3 Dominika Lisicki                 2   0  2    1   4  −3    0
4 Mile Panika                      2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 5
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)           7   6
Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                6   4

Jimmy Johnson (DIM)                3   1
Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic (SRB)     6   6


  Group 5                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Baumgartner               2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Aljaz Corluka                    2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Jimmy Johnson                    2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 6
Sabina Soca (MTJ)                  2   0
Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                 6   6

Louis Amada (CEN)                  6   2   6
Fi Richardson (KWP)                4   6   4


  Group 6                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ofir bat Paz                     2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Louis Amada                      2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
3 Fi Richardson                    2   0  2    1   4  −3    0
4 Sabina Soca                      2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 7
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)               6   5   6
Renee Richardson (KWP)             4   7   1

Dimitry Lamowska (CSN)             4   1
Noah Damaris (CEN)                 6   6


  Group 7                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Noah Damaris                     2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Jade Oreskovic                   2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
3 Renee Richardson                 2   0  2    2   4  −2    0
4 Dimitry Lamowska                 2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 8
Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)               6   6
Damion Kester Dunn (ANT)           1   2

Felice Mareaux (NEG)               6   6
Gyda au Jara (REV)                 2   1


  Group 8                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                   2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Halaeo DiGaldi                   2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Gyda au Jara                     2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Damion Kester Dunn               2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 9
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)           6   6
Frank Wilkinson (DIM)              4   1

Leo Garry (BRI)                    6   6
Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)        2   2


  Group 9                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic               2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Frank Wilkinson                  2   1  1    2   2   0    7
  Leo Garry                        2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Hammond Lauren Geroux            2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 10
Heidi Mardigorsz (CSN)             4   2
Jakub au Ignaa (REV)               6   6

Con Towers (KWP)                   5   7   4
Alexander Linip (MRC)              7   5   6


  Group 10                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Alexander Linip                  2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Con Towers                       2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Jakub au Ignaa                   2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Heidi Mardigorsz                 2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 11
Luciano Ziccardino IV (VKL)        4   6   3
Liam Penderyn (NGD)                6   2   6

David Branson (ANT)                0   6   6
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)              6   4   4


  Group 11                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 David Branson                    2   1  1    3   3   0    7
  Jessica Moreaux                  2   1  1    3   3   0    7
  Liam Penderyn                    2   1  1    3   3   0    7
  Luciano Ziccardino IV            2   1  1    3   3   0    7

Group 12
Blazo Boev (TIT)                   2   6   5
Jaxton Monty (QAD)                 6   4   7

Laura Roshik (MRC)                 6   6
Derek Dubrovnik (BRI)              4   3


  Group 12                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Roshik                     2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Derek Dubrovnik                  2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Jaxton Monty                     2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Blazo Boev                       2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group 13
Jon Swanston (KWP)                 6   6
Andrea au Jara (REV)               2   3

Stephanie Brown (NGD)              7   6
Martin Shearman (VKL)              6   3


  Group 13                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jon Swanston                     2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Stephanie Brown                  2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Martin Shearman                  2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Andrea au Jara                   2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 14
Sean Walters (ANT)                 2   6   0
Mattias Burges (MTJ)               6   4   6

Mei Jokek (MRC)                    6   6
Tommy West (NGD)                   3   3


  Group 14                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mei Jokek                        2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Tommy West                       2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Mattias Burges                   2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Sean Walters                     2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 15
Martina Anger (VKL)                6   6
Risto Verbalistov (TIT)            4   1

Andrew Lamar (NGD)                 1   3
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)            6   6


  Group 15                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Gisela Stefanovic                2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Andrew Lamar                     2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Martina Anger                    2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Risto Verbalistov                2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Doubles

Group 1
Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                      4   6  14
Blair Forest/Donny Knight (QAD)                          6   3  12


  Group 1                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Blair Forest/Donny Knight                              2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
2 Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Martin Shearman/Martina Anger                          1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 2
Laura Simmons/Jenna Mercedes (DIM)                       4   6   2
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                         6   4   6


  Group 2                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                             2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                        1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Laura Simmons/Jenna Mercedes                           1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group 3
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD)                         6   6   9
Jade Oreskovic/Tijana Mirkic (SRB)                       2   7   7


  Group 3                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva                       1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon                             1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Jade Oreskovic/Tijana Mirkic                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 4
David Branson/Donovan MacBride (ANT)                     4   4
Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh (KRY)                           6   6


  Group 4                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh                               2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
2 Laura Basic/Julian Slazic                              1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 David Branson/Donovan MacBride                         1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 5
Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)                      6   6
Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse (REV)                          3   1


  Group 5                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood                          1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski                    1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                              2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 6
Jamie Lisec/Ramona Velbod (DIM)                          1   4
Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat (KWP)                        6   6


  Group 6                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat                            2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
3 Jamie Lisec/Ramona Velbod                              1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 7
Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel (JUD)                2   3
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)                           6   6


  Group 7                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                               2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Terry Reben/Icy Mellows                                1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
3 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                    1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 8
Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)                 6   6
Andreas Astaukas/Leonadas Laaveon (CSN)                  4   1


  Group 8                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                        1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux                     1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Andreas Astaukas/Leonadas Laaveon                      2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 9
Fi Richardson/Renee Richardson (KWP)                     4   2
Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic (NEG)                       6   6


  Group 9                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Fi Richardson/Renee Richardson                         1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group 10
Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)                     3   6   7
Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                      6   4   9


  Group 10                                             Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl                          2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

by **The Serbian Empire** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 2:46 pm

Serbian Empire Tennis Guide

Reusmann falls to Marisa Celeste Frieri

The upset was unexpected in group play at this point. Eliza Reusmann even has a NSTT Tournament win to her name and Marisa has yet to advance beyond the 2nd round while residing some 100 positions in the rankings behind her adversary. The first set was Marisa's to win, the second a narrow loss of 7-5, the third was identical to the first, a 6=4. The play style of grinding an opponent into exhausting is a common tactic of Marisa's not to mention other players from the Serbian Empire.

The only upset that could possibly be bigger awaits us tomorrow with a match up of Jade Oreskovic and Noah Damaris. There's something about grass that lends well to both Marisa and Jade in their playing styles. One notices that the games the two play seem to be modeled off each other right down to conserving energy losing the middle set and then surging past her adversary. It is widely believed that Marisa's play style is emulated in most female tennis players from the Serbian Empire. Some variations are seen such as Gisela Stefanovic who usually relies on a higher velocity and less accurate serve or Jade Oreskovic's style which seems to involve more slice in each volley and serve than her contemporaries yet all of them seem to attack the net in the same fashion. Lesser known entities like Ria Valentia are slightly different in play style but mirror Oreskovic with slight nuances. She exclusively avoids top-spin on the tennis ball and seems to use a high precision style of play that forces the opponent into errors rather than exhausts them physically with low-risk, low-reward play and then changes tempo on them.

Meanwhile at Jade's Hotel Room

"Did you hear what Marisa did?" Ria asked Jade.

"Not really... did she somehow not lose in straight sets?" Jade questioned back.

"Even better, she beat Eliza Reusmann. Never thought I'd see that with my own two eyes. And I scouted the Cenian today, you're in for a tough battle. Don't think he'll be able to keep pace if you can keep the slice consistent in your shot. He can be caught out of position but Dimitry didn't exploit that at all," Ria stated.

"I noticed that about Dimitry yesterday, he tried to overpower with top spin all the time. So try to get him out of position and force him into the corners to tire him out?" Jade asked.

"Yes, and he smashes top spin very well. Your top spin is weak when compared to Dimitry's and he was able to stop Dimitry handily. Oh yes, I heard rumors of a fashion house I haven't heard of yet. Apparently, there's some very pretty dresses in there. Might visit there tomorrow after the match you have with that Cenian," Ria said with interest.

"What is going on with Vladimir? I haven't seen him wincing in pain like that in months. The same injury that got him to miss the NSTT event shortly after the Olympiad must be bothering him again. Wonder who will fill the void if he misses next Tour event?" Jade asked.

"Probably either Marika or Alcides since Goran and Tijana doesn't like to partake in Singles competition anymore. As for doubles? Goran and Mila would probably show up. Anyways, I think this might shake up doubles more than singles," Ria said.

by **Qasden** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:27 pm

TQ Starts Redemption Quest Decently in MO

Two days into the new Mercedinian Open, Qad tennis players have been playing their hearts out to try and take the title, or at least make it out of the qualifiers. The tournament is a relatively unique tier 2 grass-court layout, being the first in the region of Novapax. Through heavy training and dedication, the 8 individuals competing in the singles and doubles events are actually seeing difficulties in their first 2 games. Well, most of them anyways.

Feyrord Poniac

Since his R16 finish at the Handon Open in Schottia, Feyrord has slowly and steadily built his way back to the tops of Qasden, earning him the right to represent in Zoloroni. In his first two matches of qualifying, Poniac had to face Judean rival, Ofra bat Dekel, and Dimetrijan player, John Laskovic.

Versus Dekel, Feyrord took the first set, 6-3. While we all expected some form of comeback and annihilation, the Qad held on to set 2 and won, 6-4, ultimately shutting out a difficult opponent right away. Next for him was the interestingly unkown Laskovic, who lost his first game in the group. The first set went by, and Poniac took it, 6-4. The second set provided about the same difficulty and resulted in yet another clean sweep, 6-3.

With his fantastic start, Feyrord Poniac currently sits atop group 2, where he meets Krytenian powerhitter, Stephen Perez, for the auto-qualifier spot.

Ty Kanelious

Next is the lovable Tyler Kanelious. While his initial appearances at tournaments seemed like he was pretty skilled, it's been since ES3 that he has managed to proceed deep into a tourney's cut. For the Mercedinian Open, he was matched with Sarah Dinsdale (Krytenia), Mattias Doerwald (New Engollon), and Peter Russo (Dimetrija) in group 3.

In his starting match, he met with Dinsdale, first. The starting set showed a dominating Kanelious slam the Krytenian to the ground, winning the set, 6-3. Sarah, however, countered in the second set. Her retaliation barely got past Ty, and she won the set, 7-5. Things were heating up now. The third set was a long and vigorous one. Neither one of them wanted to dig their own graves that early into the challenge. Unfortunately for Kanelious, Dinsdale won the set, 8-6, declaring her victorious. In the second match, the Qasdonian played Peter Russo, a Dimetrijan newbie. ~~Of course, Kanelious slammed him.~~ NOPE!! The match ended in two sets, both 7-5 in favor of Russo, a frightening sight to see in a game involving such a Qad.

The double-loss leaves him in last place of group 3 with a final match against undefeated Mattias Doerwald of New Engollon left. Despite his efforts, Ty will need all the luck in the multiverse to at least reach second place. We may have to say our goodbyes to him in Mercedini.

Halaeo DiGaldi

The quest for redemption wouldn't be finished without the darling of Qad tennis herself! Halaeo DiGaldi, the infamous athlete who reached the quarter-finals of Qasden's NSTT debuting tournament (ES3), was placed into group 8 in the qualifiers, co-occupying with Anthorian Damion Kester Dunn, New Engollon pro Felice Mareaux, and athlete Gyda au Jara of The Redvale.

First up was Mareaux, whose nation apparently overthrew Ceni and New Gelderland as top dog in the house. In the first set of games, it took 13 of them for Mareaux to actually show his country's name. With heavy efforts, Halaeo lost the first set, 6-7. The second set was all the more challenging, as Felice begun acting like the master he was supposed to be. In the end, DiGaldi but the dust with another loss, 3-6, resulting in a clean defeat on day 1. The future was brighter, however, as day 2 saw the darling face Anthor's Damion Kester Dunn. The first set was a real confidence booster for fans watching the game from home or at restaurants that mostly serve wings and beer, as the lovely DiGaldi royally flushed Dunn, 6-1. Fear of a retaliation soon spread over some fans during set 2, as Damion led 2-0. That quickly changed, however, as Halaeo rebounded and topped the Anthoran, 6-2, winning with a sweep.

Standing at 1-1, Qasden's darling currently places in second, but will face Gyda au Jara next, meaning winner takes all. All eyes will be on Halaeo tomorrow at Zoloroni, as losing won't be a very pleasant option for most. May Maggie show her empathy.

Jaxton Monty

Lastly is the seemingly good athlete from the streets, Jaxton Monty. As far as many civillians know, Monty ain't exactly great when it comes to international tournaments, and many protested for him to be switched with Tuk or Brazzos prior to the tournament. But the majority had spoken, and faith in the man still flows in. Mr. Monty was thrown into group 12, a group consisting of relatively new person, Blazo Boev, Britonisean hammer arm, Derek Dubrovnik, and home-town hero, Laura Roshik of Mercedini.

Monty's success was delayed a bit when he faced Dubrovnik on day 1. Let's just say it didn't go well. First set ended with a 6-3 pounding of the Van, and the second set didn't go as hoped for either. Instead, Derek destroyed Jaxton, 6-1, in the second set, winning via clean sweep. Things didn't look to well for the man's career before Game 2, where he played the also-0-1 Blazo Boev. To start things off, Mr. Monty actually played to his full core strengths, somehow winning set 1, 6-2. That sure as heck woke up Boev, however, because the second set was almost all Blazo. The match entered set 3 via 4-6 defeat of Jaxton, so this was his time to prove himself. A couple of nervous stares and nail-biters later, he had did a do. Monty won the last set, 7-5, asserting himself the W.

Despite that brief moment of pride, the Qad player is still in third, just behind Dubrovnik. The hopeful thing to happen is a Boev victory over Derek and a complete shutdown of Roshik in front of her own country by Jaxton. Can he do it?

Doubles Squads

As our time ticks out, we'd like to quickly recap the doubles performances so far. Blair Forest and Donny Knight, who were chosen over Franklin Polymar and Yves Whitz to represent due to AOpen gameplay, were placed in group 1, meeting VKL's Martin Shearman and Martina Anger in round 1. The first set relievingly ended 7-5 Qasden, with the second set ending 6-4, ultimately sweeping Shearman and Anger. The second day featured a much more intense game than we've seen this tournament, which was the duo against Judeans Anat ben Yonah and Hadar ben Ofer. The first 2 sets both ended 6-4, but the first going to Forest/Knight and Yonah/Ofer winning the second. Then, the third set, managed to reached a Qad record-high 26 games before Judea ended the BRs once and for all, 14-12. With one game remaining in group 1, it's up to Shearman and Anger to stop the Judeans and ease Qasden into the proper.

As for Terry Rèben and Icy Mellows, their route is a bit bumpier than the men. Group 7 homed them, Judeans Livnat bat Avram and Arieh ben Daniyyel, and the hometown heroes known as Laura Roshik and Wendy Noyek. Their starting match was against the Mercedinians, which started out ok before slowly getting worse. Laura and Wendy nipped set 1, 7-5, while Terry and Icy came back, winning set 2, 6-3. Then it was down to that glorious third set. The ball was served, and the match had ended. 6-3, the homies take the V over TQ. The following day was a bye for the Qads, but Roshik and Noyek used day 2 to assert themselves a ticket to the proper, finishing with a record of 2-0. If we want any chance of seeing Rèben and Mellows go further, a win over the Judeans would be critical.

Can Qasden hold together it's delegates into the tournament proper? Or will the Vans be falling apart at the seams? Only measuring octo-squares will reveal the answer, so stay sharp, stay OW! not that sharp! And stay dull for our next report, straight from the Cortex Tennis Centre in Zoloroni, Mercedini!

by **House of Judah** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:17 am

“So…” Ofra bat Dekel said to Liorit, “for me to have a chance of moving on, I need to win tomorrow and Perez needs to lose. It is not nice when your fate is only partially in your own hands.”

“Aw, poor baby,” Liorit replied. “You want to go get a massage to make it all feel better?”

“I’m not opposed to the idea.” There was knock on the door. Ofra rose from her seat and opened it to reveal Arieh ben Daniyyel.

“Ofra, hi, I was hoping you could help me with something,” he said.

“Em… sure. What do you need?”

“I want to get Livnat a promise ring.”

“You’re shopping for a promise ring?” Ofra said loud enough for Liorit to hear. She turned to look back at her girlfriend who shrugged at her previous mistake. “That’s sweet. Of course I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.” Ofra went to gather her things when her cell phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the caller.

“It’s my father.” Liorit’s head snapped up and looked at Ofra.

“When was the last time you spoke to him?” Liorit asked.

“Right after the Olympiad, when I told him about… us.”

“Are you going to answer?”

“I… am.”

“Okay. I’m here for you.”

“No, you go with Arieh. Help him pick out a promise ring.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Go on. I’ll catch up when I’m done.”

“All right. If you’re sure.”

“Go.” Liorit left and ushered Arieh out of the room and Ofra pressed answer.

“Hello daddy.”

by **Mercedini** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 1:04 pm

Cutoff
Qualifying MD3

It's the last chance for your players to qualify for the Mercedinian Open. Will they be Stayin' Alive after this? Qualifying Matchday 3 has arrived!

Singles

Group 1
Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)        7   6
Cacko Konopiski (TIT)              6   1

Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)      2   4
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)               6   6


  Group 1                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marisa Celeste Frieri            3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Eliza Reusmann                   3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
3 Colonel Selav Tukerawan          3   1  2    3   5  −2    7
4 Cacko Konopiski                  3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Group 2
Stephen Perez (KRY)                6   5   8
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)               2   7   6

John Laskovic (DIM)                3   2
Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)               6   6


  Group 2                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Feyrord Poniac                   3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
2 Stephen Perez                    3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
3 Ofra bat Dekel                   3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
4 John Laskovic                    3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group 3
Peter Russo (DIM)                  2   3
Sarah Dinsdale (KRY)               6   6

Mattias Doerwald (NEG)             4   4
Ty Kanelious (QAD)                 6   6


  Group 3                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mattias Doerwald                 3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
2 Sarah Dinsdale                   3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Ty Kanelious                     3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Peter Russo                      3   1  2    2   4  −2    7

Group 4
Mile Panika (TIT)                  5   0
Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)             7   6

Nik au Ignaa (REV)                 2   1
Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)               6   6


  Group 4                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hadar ben Ofer                   3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Nik au Ignaa                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
3 Dominika Lisicki                 3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Mile Panika                      3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group 5
Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic (SRB)     0   4
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)           6   6

Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                6   6
Jimmy Johnson (DIM)                3   0


  Group 5                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Baumgartner               3   3  0    6   0  +6   21
2 Aljaz Corluka                    3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic         3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Jimmy Johnson                    3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group 6
Fi Richardson (KWP)                2   5
Sabina Soca (MTJ)                  6   7

Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                 2   1
Louis Amada (CEN)                  6   6


  Group 6                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Louis Amada                      3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Ofir bat Paz                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
3 Sabina Soca                      3   1  2    2   4  −2    7
4 Fi Richardson                    3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Group 7
Noah Damaris (CEN)                 7   6
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)               5   4

Renee Richardson (KWP)             2   7   6
Dimitry Lamowska (CSN)             6   5   4


  Group 7                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Noah Damaris                     3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Jade Oreskovic                   3   2  1    4   4   0   14
3 Renee Richardson                 3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
4 Dimitry Lamowska                 3   0  3    2   6  −4    0

Group 8
Gyda au Jara (REV)                 7   7
Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)               6   6

Damion Kester Dunn (ANT)           2   6   3
Felice Mareaux (NEG)               6   1   6


  Group 8                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                   3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Gyda au Jara                     3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Halaeo DiGaldi                   3   1  2    2   4  −2    7
4 Damion Kester Dunn               3   0  3    2   6  −4    0

Group 9
Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)        1   2
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)           6   6

Frank Wilkinson (DIM)              1   2
Leo Garry (BRI)                    6   6


  Group 9                        Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic               3   3  0    6   0  +6   21
2 Leo Garry                        3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
3 Frank Wilkinson                  3   1  2    2   4  −2    7
4 Hammond Lauren Geroux            3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group 10
Alexander Linip (MRC)              6   3   4
Heidi Mardigorsz (CSN)             0   6   6

Jakub au Ignaa (REV)               6   2   5
Con Towers (KWP)                   2   6   7


  Group 10                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Alexander Linip                  3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
2 Con Towers                       3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
3 Jakub au Ignaa                   3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Heidi Mardigorsz                 3   1  2    2   5  −3    7

Set Differential: Linip +12, Towers +7.

Group 11
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)              7   6
Luciano Ziccardino IV (VKL)        5   3

Liam Penderyn (NGD)                4   6   6
David Branson (ANT)                6   3   3


  Group 11                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jessica Moreaux                  3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
2 Liam Penderyn                    3   2  1    5   4  +1   14
3 David Branson                    3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
4 Luciano Ziccardino IV            3   1  2    3   5  −2    7

Group 12
Derek Dubrovnik (BRI)              7   6
Blazo Boev (TIT)                   6   2

Jaxton Monty (QAD)                 7   6
Laura Roshik (MRC)                 5   2


  Group 12                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Derek Dubrovnik                  3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
2 Jaxton Monty                     3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Laura Roshik                     3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
4 Blazo Boev                       3   0  3    2   6  −4    0

Set Differential: Monty +2, Roshik +1

Group 13
Martin Shearman (VKL)              1   5
Jon Swanston (KWP)                 6   7

Andrea au Jara (REV)               3   3
Stephanie Brown (NGD)              6   6


  Group 13                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jon Swanston                     3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Stephanie Brown                  3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
3 Martin Shearman                  3   1  2    2   4  −2    7
4 Andrea au Jara                   3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group 14
Tommy West (NGD)                   6   6
Sean Walters (ANT)                 2   4

Mattias Burges (MTJ)               6   5
Mei Jokek (MRC)                    7   7


  Group 14                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Mei Jokek                        3   3  0    6   0  +6   21
2 Tommy West                       3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
3 Mattias Burges                   3   1  2    2   5  −3    7
4 Sean Walters                     3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Group 15
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)            4   2
Martina Anger (VKL)                6   6

Risto Verbalistov (TIT)            1   1
Andrew Lamar (NGD)                 6   6


  Group 15                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
2 Gisela Stefanovic                3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
3 Martina Anger                    3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
4 Risto Verbalistov                3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Set Differential: Lamar +11, Stefanovic +9, Anger +4.

Doubles

Group 1
Martin Shearman/Martina Anger (VKL)                      6   1
Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                      7   6


  Group 1                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Blair Forest/Donny Knight                              2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Martin Shearman/Martina Anger                          2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 2
Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala (NEG)                    3   6   3
Laura Simmons/Jenna Mercedes (DIM)                       6   1   6


  Group 2                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                             2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Laura Simmons/Jenna Mercedes                           2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                        2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group 3
Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva (TIT)                   4   7   1
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD)                         6   5   6


  Group 3                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon                             2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva                       2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Jade Oreskovic/Tijana Mirkic                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group 4
Laura Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ)                          6   6
David Branson/Donovan MacBride (ANT)                     0   3


  Group 4                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Basic/Julian Slazic                              2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh                               2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 David Branson/Donovan MacBride                         2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 5
Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski (TIT)                6   4   3
Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)                      4   6   6


  Group 5                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski                    2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                              2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 6
Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)     6   7
Jamie Lisec/Ramona Velbod (DIM)                          1   6


  Group 6                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat                            2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Jamie Lisec/Ramona Velbod                              2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 7
Terry Reben/Icy Mellows (QAD)                            0   6   5
Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel (JUD)                6   4   7


  Group 7                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                               2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                    2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Terry Reben/Icy Mellows                                2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group 8
Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse (REV)                    7   4   6
Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)                 6   6   8


  Group 8                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux                     2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                        2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Andreas Astaukas/Leonadas Laaveon                      2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group 9
Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)                            6   6
Fi Richardson/Renee Richardson (KWP)                     7   7


  Group 9                                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                2   1  1    2   2   0    7
2 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Fi Richardson/Renee Richardson                         2   1  1    2   2   0    7

Set Differential: McLeod/Jones +5, Vrient/Zovic -1, Richardson/Richardson -4

Group 10
Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)             4   0
Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)                     6   6


  Group 10                                             Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl                          2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Maria Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                 2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Second-Chance Round

Singles

Second Chance
1  Eliza Reusmann                   3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
2  Stephanie Brown                  3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
3  Stephen Perez                    3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
4  Nik au Ignaa                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
5  Ofir bat Paz                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
6  Leo Garry                        3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
7  Con Towers                       3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
8  Tommy West                       3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
9  Gisela Stefanovic                3   2  1    4   2  +2   14
10 Sarah Dinsdale                   3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
11 Aljaz Corluka                    3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
12 Gyda au Jara                     3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
13 Liam Penderyn                    3   2  1    5   4  +1   14
14 Jaxton Monty                     3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
15 Jade Oreskovic                   3   2  1    4   4   0   14

Doubles

1  Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (+6)
2  Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (+5)
3  Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                        2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (+4)
4  Blair Forest/Donny Knight                              2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (+1)
5  Owen Simmons/Parry Walsh                               2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  ( 0)
6  Simona Pipileva/Petar S. Cvetkovski                    2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (-1)
7  Marijana Valevska/ Nadica Miseva                       2   1  1    3   2  +1    7  (-2)
8  Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
9  Laura Simmons/Jenna Mercedes                           2   1  1    3   3   0    7
10 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                    2   1  1    2   3  −1    7

First Round Draw

(1) Marla Gerard (NEG) vs. Con Towers (KWP)
Jessica Moreaux (KRY) vs. Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)

(2) Catherine Krumins (SCH) vs. Feyrord Poniac (QAD)
Stephen Perez (KRY) vs. Nik au Ignaa (REV)

(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN) vs. Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)
Ofir bat Paz (JUD) vs. Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)

(4) Neia Dovan (CEN) vs. Felice Mareaux (NEG)
Stephanie Brown (NGD) vs. Mei Jokek (MRC)

(5) Luke Pool (SCH) vs. Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)
Jon Swanston (KWP) vs. Noah Damaris (CEN)

(6) Simcha bat Dor (JUD) vs. Derek Dubrovnik (BRI)
Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB) vs. Andrew Lamar (NGD)

(7) Jill Walker (SCH) vs. Mattias Doerwald (NEG)
Tommy West (NGD) vs. Eliza Reusmann (SCH)

(8) Alma Semmes (NEG) vs. Louis Amada (CEN)
Alexander Linip (MRC) vs. Leo Garry (BRI)

(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN) vs. Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)
Laura Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ) vs. Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)

(2) Elizabeth Quehall/Leo Garry vs. Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC) vs. Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat (KWP)

(3) Will Nolovor/Kell Korden (CEN) vs. Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)
Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT) vs. Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)

(4) Rob Westfelt vs. Ken Gates vs. Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD) vs. Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)

by **The Serbian Empire** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:31 pm

Serbian Empire Tennis Guide

Marisa-Mania, Air Raid Jade, and Gisela

The top 16 singles players emerged. The interesting absence of Jade Oreskovic can be explained by an obvious defeat to a Cenian. However, that is a rare encounter for Serbian tennis players. The ranking disparity means Serbs rarely are around long enough to play such tennis mastery let alone compete against the Cenians. Marisa is one of the favored showcase leadoffs not for her ranking but due to very strong play in group play. Losing sets, but never losing the whole match to an opponent. Gisela on the other hand was last second placer in the group pool in and the favorite for advancing due to Eliza Reusmann and Marisa Celeste Frieri sharing a group play pool. Not surprisingly, Gisela Stefanovic has done what was expected. No more and no less.

As for the matches? The only winning player from the Serbian Empire was Marisa Celeste Frieri, with her 7-6 and 6-1 sets against Cacko Konopiski. The rest went down in defeat. However, the big news is how narrow the match between Noah Damaris and Jade Oreskovic really was with both sets going within 2 with 7-5 and 6-4 losses. Never out of hand for the Cenian but never out of reach for the unheralded Jade who resides quite low in the ranking. The Cinderella story is over, but not without going down with a fight.

Meanwhile at Jade's Hotel Room

"You lost, but didn't do badly at all. But Cenians are tough to crack. They are so good that it's not funny. Only a boatload of experience can counter them. Although the likes of the other Marisa in Maradona could be handled by Gisela or our own Marisa. But you usually don't see Maradona unless the event's a Major. She's probably no better than I am in the rankings of Cenian players in ranking," Ria said.

"But Cenian players are a lot better than Serbian ones are. Look at how Damaris defeated me. Those Cenians are the ultimate tennis power. If we could achieve a tenth of the success would be great," Jade responded.

"So will the sponsors pay a bonus for this performance?" Ria asked.

"Yes, but a smaller one of 250,000 Palla Dinar. Not as enriching as a win. Marisa and Gisela got 1,000,000 Palla Dinar bonuses for advancing into the round of 32. But the sponsor lists for them are a bit longer than mine is. More NSTT event appearances and a higher rank gets more money," Jade stated.

"That's enough to buy the skirt. And since you're done here, we'll be able to shop and then watch Marisa and Gisela play!" Ria exclaimed with excitement.

"Calm down, Ria. We still need to study the tape of my play. I think there was something missing that could have helped me win if I did that instead," Jade said.

by **Qasden** » Tue Nov 15, 2016 11:57 pm

Hearts Break as 1 Qad Remains past Qualifiers

The treacherous 3 days of qualifying at the Mercedinian Open have ended, but not to Qasden's favor. Out of the 8 members of TQ in Zoloroni (4 singles & 4 doubles), only 1 of them actually managed to make the cut. That Van is none other than Feyrord Poniac, who, despite slipping his last game to Stephan Perez, won his qualifying group and advanced to the next round.

Others, well, they weren't so lucky. Take a quick look–

Out of Poniac, Kanelious, DiGaldi, and Monty, Feyrord and Jaxton had at least finished in the top 2 of their group. Both Ty and Halaeo, however, finished third in their respective groups, not high enough to qualify. As for Monty, his big win over hometown hero, Laura Roshik, kept him alive as the runner up of the group. Ranking the runner-ups in the second chance round ultimately gave 9 lucky souls of the singles event and 2 pairs in the doubles event another shot at the tournament proper. Unfortunately, Jaxton's performance did not exceed the requirements, finishing 14th out of 15 players, eliminating him from Novapax.

The doubles didn't have much luck, either. The Judean tennis pairs crumbled up both Qad pairs in the qualifiers, knocking one of them straight out. Blair Forest and Donny Knight showed a strong start, winning their first game before dropping their second, ultimately holding them in second. Terry Rèben and Icy Mellows, however, couldn't make any form of win appear, ending their road in last. Out of 10 lucky/unlucky pairs of second-placers, the top 2 got to advance. Again, TQ couldn't impress, and closed out fourth in the second-chance round. So with that, we bid the doubles event adieu.

Now we have one primary focus, and that's Feyrord Poniac. In an interview after winning qualifying group 2, he exclaimed, "It has been a rough year for all of us. Hatred in one country, wars between two countries, even dilemmas between the racket and the ball can happen. Qasden had a great start in the tour, but they just faded from the mainstream. If I'm the only Qad left, I hope I'm able to take us to the top. Gotta practice as hard as I can and watch my opponent's strategies to prep for this upcoming match.".

Despite Poniac's titleship, Project Redemption isn't looking too well as Feyrord's first opponent in the proper is the #2 Catherine Krumins of Schottia, someone we really didn't want to see this early. Being the powerhouse she is, Krumins became one of Schottia's #1s not too long ago. Now, our lone survivor must defeat her power in the last chance Qasden has at redeeming themselves. On the brighter side, Catherine has yet to play any games in Mercedini, giving us some form of advantage going into the match.

Can Feyrord Poniac upset Catherine Krumins in what a truly one of the most vital matches in Qad Tennis history? Or will the Schottian bring down TQ altogether in just a couple of swings. The pressure intensifies, so stay checked, stay marked, and stay cool for our next report, live from the Mercedinian Open in Zoloroni!

by **Neu Engollon** » Wed Nov 16, 2016 12:15 pm

Paul Quiront's Townhome
Albertville, Rhone, Neu Engollon

“Paul, you need to stop interrupting and just listen. This is part of the job. You have to start acting like you have this in the bag and be confident with the topics you will face. No more of this fluffing your way through hard questions and going off on a tangent about foreigners and immigrants, and liberals and women…Anyway...Just LISTEN!”
The skinny man with graying sandy hair punctuated the air with a chop from his right hand, then pushed back the bit of bangs on the left side of his scalp that always flopped forward when he moved that suddenly.

Freddy DuChamp had never had such a tough project as this one. He was an experienced political advisor and had coached numerous people, of all political shades, on how to win. Usually, there was a bit of experience under their belts already, professionally or politically, before they came to him. Hell, even being on a Parent-Teacher Board was something towards experience. All Paul Quiront seemed to have going for him was celebrity status. Really, that was all. It wasn’t winning personality, that was for sure. Well, except for that small niche of highly xenophobic, misogynistic, bigoted people that had always been entertained by Quiront’s antics. He’d been encouraged, then begged by a group of mutual business acquaintances to take on Paul and give him a real campaign.

Most of those high rollers didn’t even live around Albertville, or know the issues that really affected the city. Burgunden was the economic center of the Confederacy, as well as the largest burg in the nation, possibly the region. It wasn’t even like they were friends with Paul. He just had done several endorsements for their companies, and now, they wanted to ride his new rebel wave, and maybe use him as a tool for further political leverage. They had some scheme going on, but the end game wasn’t entirely clear.
None of that helped Freddy in the immediate sense, other than assuring him of worthy compensation for this hellish task.

“Freddy, this guy is boring the piss out of me...” Paul pointed directly at the hydrologist, who had been trying to break down water issues of the Albertville area in laymen’s terms.
Dr. Pierre Roccia blinked and turned a few shades pinker. He wasn’t used to being dismissed and insulted by someone sitting a couple feet away from him in such a bold manner.

The Doctor tried to explain,
“Sir, I was told to try to educate you on the surrounding Isère-Arly river system and flood plains. I’m just doing what I was asked. I’m really making this as simple as…”

“I know how to read a calendar, Doc Ock! I’ve lived in the Ville long enough. Do ya think I don’t know when it floods?”

“Paul, come on, you have to get this stuff down. You want the job, you have to do the homework.”

“Goddam, Freddy. I don’t even know if I want the job now, if I have to sit through this bullshit. I thought Mayors had all kinds of city experts that knew all this stuff so they didn’t have to. This is sooooo boring. I’m not gonna remember any of this. Cozzfick!”

“Paul, get it together. Half hour more, then you have that meet and greet and you can blab on all you want...Er, stay on topic, of course.”

“I got that, Freddy. I know how to talk to people.”

“Then work on your listening skills, because they are sorely lacking. You’re gonna have debates against Sylvia…” Silvia Bascombe was the incumbent mayor, “...and she’ll fry you alive if you can’t address some of these practical, common issues.”

“Dude, I can handle women. I know how to shut them down. Especially that ugly twat.”

The hydrologist got up to get a beverage from the side board in the parlor. His hands were visibly shaking.

“Oh my gawd! Why did I take this on. I could get a ten year old in on this job with more ease than you, Quiront.”

“What? Ya sayin’ Imma kid? What the fuck are you trying to say, Freddy?!”

“Nothing. Can we just get through this?”

“Fine. Twenty more minutes.”

“Good. Doctor Roccia, can we continue?”

Roccia had gone straight for the brandy, bypassing the water and tea. He’d knocked back one snifter and refilled it already.
“I don’t think I can continue. This seems rather pointless.”

Paul saw the brandy in his hand, not even picking up on the hydrologists frustration.
“My man! This guy knows where it’s at...Who says you can’t knock back a couple in the afternoon.”

Freddy DuChamp shook his head, and drooped. Then he lifted it back up and quickly shoved his bangs back again.
“Aaggh...accorzu. Let’s do this. Alright?”

by **Mercedini** » Wed Nov 16, 2016 12:26 pm

Cutoff
Singles: Round of 32

Will your players continue their red-hot streak, or will it turn to Ice, Ice Baby? This is your Singles Round of 32 cutoff!

Singles

A
(1) Marla Gerard (NEG)          6   6
Con Towers (KWP)                2   3


B
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)           7   2   6
Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)            5   6   3


C
(2) Catherine Krumins (SCH)     4   7   1
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)            6   6   6


D
Stephen Perez (KRY)             6   6
Nik au Ignaa (REV)              2   3


E
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)          6   6
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)        1   2


F
Ofir bat Paz (JUD)              2   6   6
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)         6   1   8


G
(4) Neia Dovan (CEN)            3   3
Felice Mareaux (NEG)            6   6


H
Stephanie Brown (NGD)           6   1
Mei Jokek (MRC)                 7   6


I
(5) Luke Pool (SCH)             6   6   2
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)        7   1   6


J
Jon Swanston (KWP)              4   6
Noah Damaris (CEN)              6   7


K
(6) Simcha bat Dor (JUD)        6   1   6
Derek Dubrovnik (BRI)           2   6   1


L
Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)     2   7   8
Andrew Lamar (NGD)              6   6   6


M
(7) Jill Walker (SCH)           6   6
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)          2   4


N
Tommy West (NGD)                6   4   8
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)            0   6   6


O
(8) Alma Semmes (NEG)           7   6
Louis Amada (CEN)               6   3


P
Alexander Linip (MRC)           0   4
Leo Garry (BRI)                 6   6

Second Round

(1) Marla Gerard (NEG) vs. Jessica Moreaux (KRY)
Feyrord Poniac (QAD) vs. Stephen Perez (KRY)

(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN) vs. Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)
Felice Mareaux (NEG) vs. Mei Jokek (MRC)

Cracik Almeronovic (MRC) vs. Noah Damaris (CEN)
(6) Simcha bat Dor (JUD) vs. Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)

(7) Jill Walker (SCH) vs. Tommy West (NGD)
(8) Alma Semmes (NEG) vs. Leo Garry (BRI)

(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN) vs. Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)
Laura Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ) vs. Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)

(2) Elizabeth Quehall/Leo Garry (BRI) vs. Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC) vs. Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat (KWP)

(3) Will Nolovor/Kell Korden (CEN) vs. Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)
Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT) vs. Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)

(4) Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates (SCH) vs. Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD) vs. Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)

by **Mattijana** » Wed Nov 16, 2016 1:24 pm

Basič and Slazić Make Quarters, Burges out.

Lara Basič and Julian Slazić continued their impressive run at the Mercedinian open with a comfortable straight sets win against David Branson and Donovan McBride from Anthor.

Having beaten Owen Simmons and Parry Walsh, the pair knew that a win would send them through as group winners, but any pressure caused by that was not apparent as a flurry of volleys were too much for the inexperienced Anthorian pair. In fact, the Mattijanans were so dominant that they failed to drop a game in the opening set.
The second set was slightly more even as McBride and Branson scrambled an early game, much to the irritation of Slazić, who swiped a forehand narrowly wide from the back of the court to give the game away after two deuces. Nevertheless, the Mattijanans held easily before grabbing yet another break as Basič smacked away a short ball before holding yet again. The game went with serve until the final game, where a tiring Anthorian pair succumbed to another break, sealing the match with an unreturned serve from Slazić.

Meanwhile, the other Mattijanan pair of Dominika Lisicki and Rikard Kampl had a rest day, having already earned qualification with some brilliant wins against home pair Jack Parminus and Adam Stratesimov, as well as Serbians Maria Celeste Frieri and Gisela Stefanovic.

However, Mattijanan number 1 Mattias Burges suffered a dissapointing defeat against Mei Jokuk from Mercedini in a tight affair, losing a frustrating tie-break 7-6 before succumbing late under pressure to lose the second set 7-5. The loss leaves him 7 points short of qualification from a tough group.

by **The Serbian Empire** » Wed Nov 16, 2016 7:30 pm

Serbian Empire Tennis Guide
The Wins Keep Coming

Ofir bat Paz (JUD) 2 6 6
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB) 6 1 8

Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB) 2 7 8
Andrew Lamar (NGD) 6 6 6

The bolded sets tell you the reality of the Serbian players continuing their march in the Mercedinian Open. Marisa Celeste Frieri and Gisela Stefanovic are still very much alive in this tournament. The bad news is that seeded players are imminent. Simcha bat Dor of Judaea and Ardil Navsal of Ceni are looming for the Cinderella stories of this tournament. The odds of Marisa and Gisela continuing unimpeded is highly unlikely. Marisa's already defeated one top 25 player in the NSTT rankings so far in this tournament in Eliza Reusmann. Simcha's a few positions higher in the Year to Date position in 14th to Eliza's 22nd. Marisa is fighting for a top 100 ranking at this point. Gisela's got an even more troublesome opponent and less likely to win. Her track record unproven as yet.

Meanwhile at Jade's Hotel Room

"Marisa and Gisela have both won! This keeps getting better by the minute," Ria exclaimed.

"Nice, but don't wake up Marisa. She's in the room next to us and is demanding her rest," Jade stated.

"Alright, I'll keep it quiet. Anyways, I was able to get the skirt you wanted," Ria said.

"Alright, now we need to practice our tennis tactics tomorrow at a clandestine location. Don't want any of the other pros gathering info on us," Jade whispered.

"Why are you whispering?" Ria asked.

"Don't even want Marisa or Gisela knowing what we're up to," Jade responded.

"I guess that would make sense," Ria whispered back.

by **Qasden** » Wed Nov 16, 2016 11:41 pm

Poniac Versus Krumins

After 3 insane trial match days leading to the proper, Poniac was among the 4 Qads to have placed in the top 2, but was the only one to successfully advance. Following his conquering of Group 2, he was matched against the odds as he was set to play Catherine Krumins, whom was ranked as #2 in the tournament and Schottia's best athlete.

It was a fate no-one believed could be achieved.

The day of the proper's fruition started with the #1 seed, Marla Gerard of New Engollon, absolutely obliterating West Phoencia's Con Towers in straight sets. As the day carried on, it was finally time for TQ's game to commence.

Catherine served the ball first and dominated the set 3-1 right off the bat. Out of nowhere, it seemed however, that the Van had retaliated Krumins's attacks. Just like that, it was all tied up at 4 games a piece. The ball was hurled into the air once more and again struck by the racket on the way down. Poniac must've played well on those last two games, because he had taken the set, 6-4.

Set 2 was a tad more challenging, as that's when Catherine's power finally started to show. In the latter, Feyrord started to weaken, enabling the Schottian to swoop right past the Qad in the set's score, 6-5. The BRs of course equalized the score at sixes all, but Krumins couldn't be stopped, taking a 7-6 set win and sending the match to the third set.

Now, we're not sure what exactly happened with Catherine on set 3, because it seems her skill may have overheated. With Feyrord re-energized, his opponent didn't look all too well in performance talk most of the duration, having only won one game so far. 5 games to 1, 45-15, one more score for TQ and we're going to the next round. He serves, then swings......then wins.

Your eyes and minds ain't deceiving ya, pal. The magnificent Feyrord Poniac has won the last set, 6-1, upending the #2 player at CTC. Even he couldn't believe the luck that he was given today.

"I just want to thank my trainers and coaches and Maggie herself for getting me through his match. I have to admit, Krumins was a great player, but it was either her or me to go on and I wasn't about to let something like that get away. I wish whatever's left of Schottia's delegation after this good luck, and may the best swing win.".

Feyrord's win sends him to the Round of 16, an exciting feat to see again. With the feat, however, lies something more crazy. A rematch, you could say. After stopping Catherine in the R32, Poniac must now re-face Krytenia's Stephen Perez again in the R16. The last time these two met, in the qualifying rounds, the Krytenian got away with a win after slivering ahead of the Qad to take the last game of the group stage, which still couldn't take him down. In the R32, Perez swept The Redvale's Nik au Ignaa, 6-2 & 6-3, and is favored to reach the quarterfinals, where he'd meet the winner of Marla Gerard (New Engollon) and Jessica Moreaux (Krytenia). Poniac, however, did just beat one of the top seeded players in the Mercedinian Open, making him a much more valuable opponent now. Feyrord mentioned his plans to rematch his first match against Stephan, as well as the rest of his adversary's matches, to seek out key moves he needs to be aware of.

Can the Vans hold their position in Zoloroni against Krytenia? Or will the rematch still end in favor of Perez? Keep that gunshot covered, so stay still, stay standing, and stay away from the light for our next report, live from the Mercedinian Open in Novapax!

by **Mercedini** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 12:14 pm

Cutoff
Singles & Doubles: Round of 16

To get their name in the Quarter-Final draw, your players must Work It around the court. The Round of 16 cutoff for both singles and doubles tournaments have arrived!

Singles

A
(1) Marla Gerard (NEG)          6   7
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)           0   5


B
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)            6   6
Stephen Perez (KRY)             4   2


C
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN)          2   7   6
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)         6   6   4


D
Felice Mareaux (NEG)            3   6   6
Mei Jokek (MRC)                 6   4   8


E
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)        3   6   6
Noah Damaris (CEN)              6   3   1


F
(6) Simcha bat Dor (JUD)        4   6   6
Marisa Celeste Frieri (SRB)     6   4   1


G
(7) Jill Walker (SCH)           6   7
Tommy West (NGD)                1   5


H
(8) Alma Semmes (NEG)           2   6   6
Leo Garry (BRI)                 6   2   2

Doubles

A
(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN)                               6   6
Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)                            2   2


B
Laura Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ)                          3   5
Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)                     6   7


C
(2) Elizabeth Quehall/Leo Garry (BRI)                    7   6
Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)                      6   2


D
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)                           6   6
Vera Di Santos/Tariq Salmat (KWP)                        4   3


E
(3) Will Nolovor/Kell Korden (CEN)                       6   6
Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                      7   7


F
Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)                 6   4   6
Luciano Ziccardino IV/ Colonel Selav Tukerawan (VKL)     3   6   3


G
(4) Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates (SCH)                         6   6   6
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                         7   3   1


H
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD)                         2   6   2
Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                      6   2   6

Quarter-Finals

(1) Marla Gerard (NEG) vs. Feyrord Poniac (QAD)
(3) Ardil Navsal (CEN) vs. Mei Jokek (MRC)

Cracik Almeronovic (MRC) vs. (6) Simcha bat Dor (JUD)
(7) Jill Walker (SCH) vs. (8) Alma Semmes (NEG)

(1) Elia Xal/Fia Xal (CEN) vs. Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)
(2) Elizabeth Quehall/Leo Garry (BRI) vs. Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)

Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ) vs. Sean Walters/Hammond Lauren Geroux (ANT)
(4) Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates (SCH) vs. Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)

by **Qasden** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 8:21 pm

Poniac, Perez, and the Epic R16 Rematch

It's day 5 of the Mercedinian Open, and the insanity has only warmed up. Out of the 8 Qasdonians who arrived in Novapax those 5 days ago, only 1 remains now, at the round of sixteen of the tournament's proper. And his name is Feyrord Poniac.

For his fifth match at the Cortex Tebbis Centre, the Van had to face a familiar entity from just 2 days earlier. It was the Krytenian, Stephan Perez, who narrowly slipped past him in the third set of their final group match, shattering Poniac's hopes of finishing undefeated. Stephan went on to play Nik au Ignaa of the Redvale, destroying his opponent in straight sets, while Feyrord had to play the #2 seeded 9th overall ranked Catherine Krumins of Schottia, whom he defeated in three sets. It was no doubt that this game was critical to the Qad and all of Qasden. Operation Redemption couldn't proceed successfully without redeeming oneself.

The first set begun its crusade with the serving swing of Poniac, and the game lasted till the Krytenian finished off the round with a clean death strike. 1-0 Perez, 2-0 Perez, 2-1 Perez, 3-1 Perez, it just seemed like Poniac couldn't catch a break. But, by the time people began to accept his first set defeat, Feyrord sprawled back. 3-2 Perez, 3-3 All, 4-3 Poniac, 4-4 All, 5-4 Poniac, the anticipated final game ended by the miscalculations of Stephan, earning TQ the set's victory. BR fans in Novapax and Atlantian Oceania surmounted the previous jeers and filled them with joyful cheers. Could he actually restore his honor?

Next up, set #2, a time where a few Qasdonians feared a potential Krytenian comeback. The game had inaugurated, and it was officially on. Back and forth and back and forth, there was no sign of either showing any weakness, or any emotions at all. Only faint grunts from the players could be heard at the court. Then, a massive power-screech filled the air. Feyrord had taken the first game, then the second, and then the third. He was up on Perez 3 games to nothin at that moment, and fans actually loosened up from their initial perceptions and joined the rest of the adoring crowd. Stephan won back-to-back games, lowering his deficit to a mere single game. However, his opponent wouldn't just let him takeover that easy. The Qad then unleashed a wave on annihilation and obliteration on his adversary's side of the court, propably tarnishing it beyond the old mop bucket. And just like that, the broadcaster blinded millions of ears listening to the match via television or radio. He screamed, "OH MY GOODNESS! OH MY GOODNESS! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, STRAY CATS AND THE PRINCE HIMSELF, FEYRORD PONIAC HAS WON THE MATCH! OH MY CHEESE AND CRACKERS! THIS IS A GLORIOUS DAY FOR QAD TENNIS AND FOR THE ENTIRE 'PALITY ITSELF. I AM EXCITED TO SAY THIS AGAIN, WE ARE MOVING ONTO THE QUARTER FINALS!!!!".

It was true, Poniac eliminated Perez in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-2, reclaiming his lost honor.

"Wow. Just absolutely wow. I can't even comprehend what just happened today but somehow I did a do. Stephan was a cool guy to compete against again, and I can't wait for my next match. Gerard, I'm coming for ya! I'll be studying your moves and watching your previous matches.".

As Feyrord had said, his next opponent was, indeed, the #1 seeded Marla Gerard, the athlete who powered into the top ten of the NSTT rankings and quickly became the best non-Cenian player at the moment. In the round of thirty-two, New Engollon's star the day lights outta West Phoencia's Con Towers in straight sets, and in the R16, she slammed Krytenia's Jessica Moreaux in straight sets, as well, not letting her win at all in the first six games. Prince FP himself even saw Gerard as a major obstacle to tackle this coming match.

"I am very pleased with Qasden's performance in Mercedini, and I hope our campaign doesn't stop yet. I do admit that the next opponent [Gerard] will not be as easy to defeat as perhaps our last matchup [Perez]. But, he [Poniac] has defeated another highly ranked athlete this tournament, so I wish him the best of luck tomorrow. If he wins, I might just attend a future match at the Cortex Tennis Centre.".

That's all for now from Zoloroni. Can Poniac outright banish Gerard just as gloriously as he did to Perez? Or will Marla seize the opportunity to stomp on Qasden's last hopes of redemption for a semi-final spot? The gauntlets are throwing down tomorrow, so stay armed, stay awake, and stay alert for our quarterfinal match report, freshly imported from the streets of Mercedini!

by **-Anthor-** » Thu Nov 17, 2016 8:45 pm

In Hotel Room 23B, Hotel near Zoloroni Sports City
Following Round 16 Doubles Match, 4:45 PM, Local Time

"Come on, we need to go down to the weight room they have here and keep up our training"

Sean groaned as his aching legs which were previously sprawled over the muted colored blanket on the large queen bed in his room were shoved over the edge by the lanky man that had just come from the tub, undoubtedly from a hot bath as per his usual traditions after an grueling match; really, the last match wasn't too difficult, but it was the intensity with which they had played, coming on strong in the first set and then getting slightly winded and ended up dropping the second set only to find themselves motivating each other with the spirit to help recover national Anthoran tennis prestige after the exit of every other Anthoran in the tournament, and now, here they were, farther then any other Anthoran tennis player had gone before internationally; Sean himself had nearly done it in the AOpen, nearly made it to qualifications but ended up just short. He personally was happy with how he performed, it was a way bigger game out here then it was just back at home, but he knew his partner, Hammond, was aching for success.

Hammond Lauren Geroux was probably the most recognizable name to the 1.2 million estimated fans of tennis back home in Anthor, winning 6 full Major titles in the RTA's season calendar, and winning a national calendar Grand Slam as well, and nearly two career grand slams, it made him the most successful male tennis player in the last five decades, and his debut internationally was dogged with reporters and the press; but he had sadly come up short, exiting very early in both the Handon and AOpens, and even here he had been downed early on, and Sean could tell he was determined to not let it end in the same fashion.

Sean continued to hold a large plastic bag, which he gotten from a store when he bought some food for their stay here, that was filled with ice from the machine down the hall on his right shoulder, which had by now gone numb but he was undoubtedly still recovering from his match. Hammond himself had gone for their fridge and taken the first water bottle within reach and drained it of it's contents near instantly before heading for his side of the dresser, grabbing some clothes and stepping off into the bathroom to change, while Sean sat up at this time, unhappy with the high mood of motivation from his partner. He shouted out in a grumpy tone to Hammond who was still changing "We just won the Round of 16 and we have another day to rest, do we really need to go train right now? Couldn't we just rest?"

Hammond's square-angled face stuck itself out from the doorway of the bathroom, the hair still visibly wet and freshly combed straight back "Sean, come on, we need to be consistently training if we want to win, and I don't know about you, but I'd love to go home with the win from this thing for doubles! This is a whole new kind of game for us, thousands of athletes at the top of their prime, and we need to be always shaping our form and honing our skills and style. Our upcoming matches are going to be huge, and we need to make sure we're on top of the ball. We need to work on working in better cohesion and reflexes, so I figure we can brush up on those for an hour or two and then we can practice on your weak backhand and my serve which I've seemed to lost as of late, if we can improve our flaws, I know we'll have the next one in the bag."

Sean grumbled in response, still slumped over though now sitting on the edge of the bed. Hammond at this point was finished, walking out of the bathroom with purple gym shorts and a grey exercise shirt on, and he walked over to a drawer, pulled a fresh red shirt out and tossed it at Sean's chest, who let it fall into his lap, and then went to ready their tennis bags. "Come on, man, let's go."

"I swear, if we win this thing, I'm going to shove you into a pool."

Mercedinian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

Mercedinian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

Who is online