Ethanian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

by **Ethane** » Fri Nov 25, 2016 5:44 pm

The Ethanian Tennis Union Presents The...

Newton-Smith Tennis Centre
Lowes, Ethane

'Welcome to the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre, named after one of our former greatest Prime Ministers, who himself was named after one of our nation's greatest kings of history. Your accommodation is to your left, and the changing facilities, training courts and match courts are all to the right and down the corridor. I hope you enjoy your stay here on the Isle of Lowe. Make sure to leave time to explore our wonderful scenery, as this island, as well as being home to one of the best tennis courts in the country, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and habitats.

But before you do go off to your accommodation and exploring, there are a few procedural notes that I need to remind you of, most of which were stated during the application process for your participation in this tournament.

This is a Tier 2 NSTT event, and is played on grass. There will be two tournaments taking place here; singles and doubles. Both of these tournaments are not gender-specific, so men, women, girls, boys, dogs, aliens, and any other non-human entity may participate in the singles and doubles, provided they can actually play tennis. In the First Round, after the qualifiers, there will be 32 singles players and 16 doubles pairings. The top 8 seeded singles players and top 4 doubles pairings have been given a place in the First Round, with all other players participating in a qualifying round, of which the details are listed below on this sheet here. In terms of the schedule of the tournament, that is also listed below on the sheet I just gave you.'

Schedule
26/11/16 - Qualifying Match Day 1
27/11/16 - Qualifying Match Day 2
28/11/16 - Qualifying Match Day 3
29/11/16 - Singles Round of 32
30/11/16 - Singles/Doubles Round of 16
01/12/16 - Singles/Doubles Quarter-Finals
02/12/16 - Singles/Doubles Semi-Finals
03/12/16 - Singles/Doubles Finals

Singles

Doubles

by **House of Judah** » Fri Nov 25, 2016 8:02 pm

“I’m just saying, Simcha, you’re spitting distance from Hansil in the rankings,” said Hadar ben Ofer. “Another tournament or two and you’ll have broken into the top ten.”

“I can hardly wait,” Simcha bat Dor replied. The Judeans sat conversing amongst themselves as the bus from Lowes’ small airport to the hotel they would be staying at during the Ethanian Open. “Ceni has had their time in the sun. Now the rest of us get to start vying for the throne.”

“What is that?” Ofir bat Paz asked suddenly as she stared out the window. The other Judeans turned to look. The side of the building the bus was passing had a large piece of graffiti on the side of it, a bloody cross with a crown of thorns flanked by the words “WHITE KNIGHTS”. Arieh ben Daniyyel frowned.

“Not sure,” he said. He got up from his seat and made his way over to the driver. “Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me what the ‘White Knights’ are?”

“They’re a… uh… local trouble makers. I wouldn’t worry all that much about them.”

“What kind of trouble makers?”

“Nuisances, really. Like I said, you don’t need to worry ‘bout them.”

“If you say so.” Arieh made his way back to his seat in time to see the bus roll past a church with a letter board reading ‘GOD HATES FAGS’. Arieh let out a long low breath. “I’m not too sure where we are, but I’m really glad that Yissakhar isn’t here right now.” Livnat bat Avram nodded in agreement at the sentiment.

“I don’t think I’ll spend much time outside the hotel while we’re here,” she said.

“I don’t blame you.”

When the bus finally arrived at the hotel, the Judeans quickly moved inside and got their room keys.

“At least the front desk clerk was nice,” Ofra bat Dekel said to her girlfriend once they were in their room. The two looked at each other.

“You play this tournament and then we get out of here and never come back,” Liorit bat Gil replied.

“Agreed.”

In another room, Hadar ben Ofer and Anat ben Yonah looked over a map of the room.

“I don’t see any synagogues here,” Anat ben Yonah commented. “Maybe the hotel can set a room aside for us to hold services in.”

“It might not be a good idea to ask,” Hadar said. “I get the feeling calling attention to the fact that we’re Jews might not help us too much.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean it wouldn’t surprise me to find out that people in this town believe we use the blood of Christian babies in our rites or that the Elders of Zion are secretly running the world.” Anat’s eyes went wide.

“There are still people who believe that nonsense?”

“I think those people might be in ascendance in this town. I’ll hold my judgement for now, but I think after the tournament I’ll send a comment to the Ethane Tennis Association about how… unwelcome Lowes feels.”

by **Qasden** » Fri Nov 25, 2016 11:02 pm

Vans Prep for Operation Redemption: Part 2 in Ethane

The multiverse was in disbelief as they witnessed 3 unknown tennis players from a lesser-known country traversé through the Electrum Slam, ending with one of them reaching the quarterfinals. Experienced masters of NSTT were appalled by this, it was something no one thought could happen. That was many moons ago, when citizens of Qasden never even touched a racket before. We've struggled since them to wow people just as we did then, including terrible performances in San Salvador, Ceni, and Emberton. In Schottia, we lucked out with a R16 appearance, ending tramautically for home fans. In Mercedini, another goldstrike for Qasden occurred when Feyrord Pontiac finished in the quarterfinals. That was the most recent attempt at regaining tennis popularity in Qasden, domestically called Operation Redemption. Despite what Pontiac had achieved, it didn't really do much besides at a few points to his name sand add another quarterfinalist finish to the inventory of records.

A week later, hope appears in the form of a flammable gas. The tour now reaches its 2nd of 3 consecutive tier-2 tournaments near NSTT's end. From Novapax to Esportiva, this is Operation Redemption: Part 2.

With over 100 combined athletes from across 18 different nations, our first challenge just so happens to be the joyful qualifiers. Fun right? I mean, last time, we lost everyone except Feyrord before the proper, so this'll be great to watch. Anyways, lets get to the point. Y'all probably wanna know whose where and such. That's why we're here, isn't it?

To kick off our list is the darling herself, Halaeo DiGaldi. Last time, she struggled in Zoloroni, prematurely dying off in the qualifiers. This time she's been put into group A, where she must finish first in the group or, at least, a good runner-up. So in her first line of adversaries lies Fi Richardson of West Phoencia, Krytenian Stephen Perez, and Humberland's Daniel Pearce. While the match against Pearce is basically a shot in the dark right now, our key focuses lie on Richardson and Perez, two likely foes that will push DiGaldi to her limits. Our prediction: Perez will win the group, but DiGaldi will make a close second, earning her a lucky loser spot.

Next for the list is Jaxton Monty. Pre-NSTT, Monty was the 2nd-best tennis player in Qasden, behind Poniac. In Mercedini, he surprised us all by finishing second in his qualifier group, but not well enough to advance. So, for EO, Jaxton has been set up in group D, consisting of Eastfield Lodge's Estela Fenton-Millington, the host's Alice Curson, and....Judea's Ofra bat Dekel. I don't know how we always seem to have some form of match against Ofra or Ofir or someone from Judea early on, but we got them this time...maybe. Our prediction: Monty ain't gonna be as lucky as Zoloroni, so maybe 3rd or 2nd again but don't advance. Somewhere in that area.

Numéro trois, Ty Kanelious. When he debuted like everyone else in Electrum, he did relatively well, finishing somewhere in the top 32 or 16. Since them, he's been mostly clonking out in the first few rounds or so, but nowhere special really. For the Ethanian Open, he was assigned group J from the 16 groups, and will have to endure some powerful players. Other than Kanelious, the group pits the Qad against Mercedini's Laura Roshik, West Phoencia's Renee Richardson, and The Serbian Empire's Jade Oreskovic. Insane, right?! Well, it's safe to say this is gonna be a rough few days for Ty. Our prediction: 3rd or 4th. It's sad really, but he's gonna need some serious step-ups if he wants to perform well.

Lastly of our individuals is the rising star, Feyrord Poniac. Back in Electrum, the Qad finished around where Kanelious fell out, around the round of 32 or 16. Since his inauguralization into NSTT, Poniac made two more impressive runs. One being in Handon, Schottia (finishing in the R16), and the other being in the recent Mercedinian Open (quarterfinalist). For his debut in Ethane, Feyrord will play group L's Felice Mareaux (of New Engollon), Prince Simon (of Muchwowz) and powerhouse, Mei Jokek (of Mercedini). Now, Simon is an interesting opponent, as this is probably the first time ever that Qasden and Muchwowz will face off with each other. Meanwhile, Mareaux will act as the person to defeat, being one the well-ranked players and will probably determine who goes on. Jokek will probably be the toughest opponent, especially since finishing in the finals in Zoloroni. Our prediction, a proud 2nd place in the group, well enough to advance.

Competing alongside the individual delegates are our doubles teams, who played pretty ok in Novapax. First of these dynamic duos is Blair Forest and Donny Knight. Despite having been relatively low on TQ's list, the team worked their magic in Mercedini, placing 2nd in their group and 4th overall of the runner-ups, eliminating them. For this series, it's basically the same rules. Top dog moves on and top 2 runner ups get to tag along. In Forest and Knight's group, group D, they will be facing Judea's Anat ben Yonah and Hadar ben Ofer, along with Schottia's Peter McLeod and Anna Jones. Now, Schottia will be more-or-less a target to beat, as we données the win for potentially advancing. Judea, however, seems like one heck of a hurdle to surmount. Hopefully Maggie leans in our favor. Our prediction: 4th place of runner-ups, just like last time! But seriously, getting past Judea is gonna be tough.

Last but definitely not least is Terry Rèben and Icy Mellows, the pure feminine touch our country needs. While not exactly a great performing team in NSTT events, they sure as heck are good at home. For their time in Ethane, they will be playing out of group G against (oh boy) Márcus Gabriel Alencastro and Mihai Carson Mihailescu of Natanians and Nosts, and Eric Parry and Phoenix Moore of Humberland. The two sets of opponents are basically new to this whole ordeal, so this might be their moment. Our prediction: 1st place in group, but loses quickly into the proper.

That's all from our first report. Will TQ survive the qualifiers? Or will they crash and burn just as they did in Mercedini. Only one way to light it, so stay unflinching, stay firing, and stay crashing for our next EO report, ripening at the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre in Lowes, Ethane!

by **Electrum** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:20 am

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kimiko Shigaraki

Noses to the grindstone

After a long and protracted absence of Electrumites on the NSTT, they are finally back after a long period of absence. The reason for their absence was twofold: first, the establishment of a local circuit, the Electrum Tennis League, which comprised of mixed competitions between city-based franchises in Electrum, which paid a significantly higher amount than their Tier 1 and 2 equivalents on the NSTT, and secondly, the recent government shutdown. Recent government deadlocks meant that critical funding for Electrumite athletes to travel overseas were cut -- there were lots of sponsorship money for the Electrum Tennis League, but less so for the international competitions. With a few members not having enough money to go, the whole team decided not to go until funding was restored -- which is where we are now.

They find themselves at the tail end of the season, in fact, the very last tournament of the grass swing with two more hard court tournaments to go. Representing Electrum are the top four Electrumite singles players, Ronya and Gates/Meares. Missing the past few tournaments, including the Krytenian grand slam, means that Electrumites are at a massive disadvantage. Not having match fitness after not playing a proper game of tennis for a while, acclimatising to the new surface (hard and clay courts are the most common in Electrum) and the recent rise of new players has meant that this tournament is more important than ever. Ronya more than ever needs to do well, to secure one of those eight spots in the final. It is imperative that they do this - lest they drop all of those points they accumulated at last year's final. They find themselves 12th YTD and must perform very well compared to the other pairs.

Grass is a relatively fickle surface -- short points and powerful serves are the go. This means that the serve-and-volley style of Ronya would put them at a distinct advantage at the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre. Gates and Meares, who are both known for their strong service motions are also expected to do well in the competition. Ronya were the only Electrumites granted automatic access to the tournament proper, the other doubles airing of Gates/Meares having to go through qualification. All other players have had to go to the group stage qualification. It seems that more than ever, NSTT tournaments are popular with the multiverse, with a stampede of new players and nations joining in the tournament. As a result, Electrumites which would usually qualify (not to mention their recent fall in rankings) have not. There are just too many players and pairings for a Tier 2 draw and perhaps it is this humble journalists opinion that the Ethanian Open be granted Tier 1 status.

Hence the long road to the end of the year begins. Ronya must gain around 2,000 points over their opponents to get a look-in of the final tournament, and that's not accounting for the points their opponents might gain. It's a very unlikely path, but it is still there nonetheless. Meanwhile, let's see what our singles players can do. Meares, Cassington, Roberts and Press, the usual suspects, have all been drawn into the qualification phase. They must succeed in every match - because quite unlike other tournaments, it is not the top two players in each group that are guaranteed entry, but only the group Champion is guaranteed. Only eight runners up can advance as well. This makes the stakes even higher than before. Time will tell if their time off the tour did any harm.

by **West Phoencia** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 7:39 am

"Can we please try and make the Ethanian Open as drama free as possible" Laurel Mitchell exclaimed as she gave her team a final pep talk. "I'm not your old coach, i don't want to have to wipe your noses and deal with your tantrums on the court, name calling, racquet throwing, bad sportsmanship and political protests. We are here to play. We are here to rank. Do i make myself clear? "

Renee Richardson felt as if Coach Mitchell's eyes were aimed right at her. It was not as if she alone caused all the drama for the team. She knew she was a great player, and when she sighted an injustice from a gram slam organiser it was her right to speak out. Whether that be favoritism that was showed to other teams or ignoring the drama from other players while highlighting every time a member of the West Phoenician squad sneezed in a way they didn't like. It was not her fault. She also could not believe the coach had come to her senses and paired her with someone else from the doubles. She hated playing with her less talented sister, it was usually her that let the doubles side down.

But the coach did have one thing right. For far too long West Phoenicians had been knocked out of the tennis circuit so early. Time for a change.

by **Mattijana** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 10:21 am

Mattijanan Tennis Ready for Ethanian Challenge

Following a half-decent showing at the Mercedinian Open, particularly from the doubles teams, Mattijanan tennis players are back in action this weekend in Ethane at the NSTT Tier 2 Ethanian Open.
This particular tournament, similar to that in Mercedini, is on grass, probably the least favourite surface for Mattijanan players, but one they are warming to after increased exposure and practice on what were previously alien conditions in a largely clay-court nation.

Mattijana make 1 change from their lineup in Mercedini, with Maria Julenic replacing Sabina Soca, who will take a tournament's rest from the sport after a busy grass-court season. The youngster joins Mattias Burges, Aljaz Corluka and Dominika Lisicki in the qualifying rounds, which is once again formed of a group stage with 4 players per group. Only the top player in each group, as well as the 8 best second placed players, will progress to the knockout stages.

Singles Group B: Maria Julenic

17 year old Pulnik Academy graduate Maria Julenic is playing in just her third NSTT event whilst regularly swapping her tennis gear for her school uniform at the academy. She has been placed in what appears to be a tough, but not unwinnable group alongside Georgia Basset from Krytenia, Nik au Ignaa from the Redvale and Tyler Mills from Humberland.
Basset will undoubtably be Maria's most difficult game and may well be the decider in the group if she can put away the more inexperienced figures of Ignaa and Mills. Her inexperience may well show however and in truth, she could end up anywhere between 1st and last in the group.

Singles Group E: Dominika Lisicki

Lisicki was the only Mattijanan to progress from the qualifying stage of the Mercedinian open and has gone from strength to strength in recent months, both independently and alongside doubles partner Rikard Kampl. She finds herself with a potentially tricky encounter against experienced Judean Hadar ben Ofer. Her other two ties are somewhat more simple however, against Andrea au Jara from The Redvale and total novice Filippo N'Dragheta from Muchwowz, who were only registered as a country 5 days ago. Lisicki should be able to spoil the party at the nation's first sporting event under their new flag, and will fancy herself for at least a spot in the 8 best second-placers.

Group G: Aljaz Corluka

Mattijanan number 2 Corluka was unlucky to fall just outside the lucky loser positions in Mercedini, but will undoubtedly be seeking a more assured route through to the knockout stages this time round. He faces what looks to be an intriguing qualifying group, with Jaimy Leger (Eastfield Lodge), Con Towers (West Phoencia) and Mattias Doerwald (Neu Engollon). This group is an opportunity for Corluka, who is probably a favourite alongside Leger, but he will have to show consistent form whilst the experience of Leger, coupled with luck, or a turn-up from one of the others could see the group go either way.

Group I: Mattias Burges

Mattijanan number 1 Mattias Burges is back again after the disappointment of Mercedini and faces a difficult tie with Giorgio Irani from Eastfield Lodge, as well as two hopefully easier ones against Redvalen Jakub au Ignaa and Joe Mantella, another newbie from Muchwowz. The match against Irani could be the pivotal one, but Burges will fancy himself for a springback group victory.

Doubles:
Group A: Dominika Lisicki/ Rikard Kampl.

After a storming run to the semi-finals in Mercedini, the best by any Mattijanan tennis player(s), Lisicki and Kampl will be looking for momentum for the Mattijanan doubles game, which is undoubtedly stronger than the singles one at the moment. They will face familiar opponents, Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic (SRB) who were defeated by Julian Slazic and Lara Basic in Mercedini, as well as Emmerich au Fuse and Conrad au Fuse, the less experienced duo from The Redvale. The Serbians could prove tricky, but after a strong tournament, the pair will be disappointed if they fail to progress.

Group J: Julian Slazic/ Lara Basic:

Mattijanans book-end the doubles line-up with dedicated doubles pair Slazic and Basic in group J alongside Túlius Tarquínio da Silva/Ápio Rog dos Santos of Natanians and Nosts, as well as awkward Mercedinian duo Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov, who beat the pair at their home tournament. Away from home, things could be different, but this group will be a tough test of the pair's credentials.

by **The Serbian Empire** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 11:53 am

Serbian Tennis Guide
Vladimir Out, Marisa in Top 100 YTD

Vladimir Ivanov Ivanovic is out due to lingering leg issues. Many suspect that his hamstring has been plaguing him for months resulting in underwhelming play. He anticipates a return in the next open presuming no set backs in his recovery.

On a more positive front, Marisa Celeste Frieri has made it into the top 100 in the NSTT rankings at 93rd YTD and 99th overall due to her strong performance at the Mercedini Open. Gisela Stefanovic is not far outside of the top 100 herself as both made it to the round of 16 at #106 YTD and #107 overall. Gisela's been more reliable with advancing or so it seems, but Marisa's produced stronger performance in Grand Slams and Tier 1 opens. The player quality between the two is similar.

At Jade and Ria's hotel room

"Jade, I'm coming along with you this time. However, I'll be playing in Doubles this time. Vladimir's not feeling well enough to play the Ethanian Open as his leg seems to be bothering him," Ria said.

"So how do you think you'll do?" Jade asked.

"Alright, but I don't expect to advance out of group play. Miracles would be needed to advance," Ria responded.

"Anyways, did you see the NSTT rankings yet? I think something amazing has happened," Jade stated.

"Is Marisa in the top 100?" Ria asked.

"Yes, she's the first from the Empire to make it in there. I think that's pretty cool. Better congratulate her for this feat," Jade said.

"Will do that as Marisa would do that for us if we did very good," Ria whispered.

by **Neu Engollon** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 3:10 pm

"Good evening Neu Engollon, and to our international viewers. You're got your set tuned in to Courtside Central on NETV Sports 19. I'm your host Lizbet Rittenhaus. We're covering the Ethanian Open. We have quite a few Neu Engollian players heading in to the qualifiers as they have progressively lost their seeding over several bad showings over the last few tournaments. There is a gap forming from the top NETC players to their teammates. Marla Gerard, after proceeding on to the quarterfinals in Mercedini, has managed to solidify her 1st seat, while Felice Mareaux, the promising young woman with a lot of expectation on her has continued to drop in the seedings.

Alma Semmes, the most veteran woman of the NETC, has risen a bit in her pursuit of top seeding, however. She now sits 8th and will be able to sit out the qualifying rounds during this NSTT event. We are looking at the same team that went to the Mercedinian Open, and one can only hope that the doubles teams have learned lessons from their earlier fiascos. While our singles players remain strong, the record for Neu Engollian doubles teams remains tepid at best.

While few could work or even stomach to be around Paul Quiront, Thierry Garzala was a glaring exception and the Garzala-Quiront duo was the one to beat for a time on the NSTT circuit. Now, with Quiront sanctioned out and all but retired, Garzala struggles to work on his communication with his teammate, Dom Ripaldi. Neither are exactly fresh to the tour, but they are green when it comes to being on the same court together. So far, all the kinks haven't been worked out in their professional partnership.

Meanwhile, taking a look back at the singles for this tournament, we should mention that some familiar faces will be formidable challenges for our NETC players. Ardil Navsal and Johmer Vales of Ceni remain strong at 4th and 2nd seeding respectively. Cathy Krumins of Schottia now holds on to a 3rd seeding in the NSTT top 8 and shows no signs of slowing down. A lot has been said of Krumins in local Neu Engollian press and little of it has to do with her on court skill and demeanor. She is one of the steadiest players that many of us retired players have seen on the courts in a long time.

New comer Judean Simcha bat Dor has raised many eyebrows by bursting into the top seeds in a relatively short amount of time. The Judeans have a remarkable tennis program and are certainly showing that they can swoop in and take titles at will when more seasoned veterans aren't prepared for their unconventional style of play.

Jill Walker holds the seed just above Alma and is another steady player that can be relied on to make few errors on the court, with an incredible endurance game.

We're looking at another tough Open and tennis fans in the Confederacy may be in for a rocky road ahead as we watch our favorites struggle against a field that has grown around them. We will continue to give you the top NSTT coverage right here on Courtside Central, on NETV 19 Sports. Stay tuned after this sponsor break..."

by **Ethane** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 4:54 pm

The Lowes Lighthouse - ... --- ... (Part 2) Part 1

The officer gazed across at the captain, who was gripping onto the ship.
'CAPTAIN?' he asked, panic-stricken. 'ARE WE-' he hesitated. 'ARE WE GOING TO BE OKAY?' The thunder rumbled outside, the lightning flashes illuminating the rain lashing down on the ship. The ghost ship thrown about on the waves as it sailed ever closer to the rocks.
'OUR PRIORITY IS TO SAVE LIVES', the captain shouted over the ferocious din. He was frustrated, powerless, hopeless in the face of nature. No matter what humans created, nature could always destroy it. 'SEND OUT AN SOS CALL. MAYBE SOMEONE WILL HEAR US.'
'I CAN'T HEAR YOU,' the officer replied. The waves crashing against the side of the ship, tipping it from side to side like a rocking horse, meant that the speech was inaudible.
'SOS CALL,' the captain repeated, shouting as loud as he could. The officer heard and scrambled across the deck to the radio, where he sent the message across on all frequencies. There was no knowing whether anyone would pick it up, especially in this weather and so close to the shore, but he hoped that someone would receive the message. Being so close to where the lighthouse was instilled some hope, but then the occupant by now was likely sleeping. Yet the message was still sent out, scrambled across all frequencies, their last hope.
'... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../... --- .../
It was repeated over and over and over again, the occupants of the ship desperate for someone to pick up the call, for someone to come out and save the people on the ship; yet they knew with so many people on the ship, this challenge was likely impossible.

I was satisfied that my job was done. There was nothing that I could see on the seas with the light on or off, so I assumed that all was safe. The light was shining out, a beacon of warning. The lighthouse was almost like a beacon to ward off evil spirits - the ships that passed by being evil to the rocks when they smashed against them, but its primary job was to protect the humans. I picked up my lantern that I had set down on the sill, and began to descend the stairs, when I heard the most dreaded sound - other than the storm - of my night. The quiet beeping of the radio, followed by a 3 longer beeps and then 3 short beeps. In a pattern - 3 short beeps, 3 long beeps, 3 short beeps. Repeated over and over again. Filling my head with dread. Panic ensued.

It was all my fault. I had failed to turn the lamp on that night. It was me, that meant there was no warning to passing ships, nothing to guide them away from the treacherous rocks below. I set my lantern aside again and gazed out, trying to spot the ship. Surely enough, it was there, being tossed about in the waves like a toy, nature not giving a care in the world about the human lives aboard the vessel as it slowly edged its way towards the rocks.

I grabbed a bright torch and shone it out across to the ship. Just so they knew I could see and hear them. Then I sent out a radio message, confirming I had seen them. Then another radio message to the lifeguard station at Lowes. Letting them know of the live-saving operation that needed to operate. They made their respective calls to their officers, who immediately jumped into action. Yet they would be an hour yet. By that time, many more would perish than could be saved if I were to act now. I gave one last look out the window on the topmost of the lighthouse, and seeing the ship about to crash into the rocks, flung myself down the stairs to where a small boat of mine awaited, ready to jump into action and save people's lives. There were going to be a lot of casualties this night, and I wanted to try to limit the number.

by **Ethane** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 6:26 pm

That'll be your cutoff. Don't make a racket as you grab your racquets.

Singles

Group A
Fi Richardson (KWP)                      3   4
Daniel Pearce (HUM)                      6   6

Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)                     3   4
Stephen Perez (KRY)                      6   6


  Group A                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Daniel Pearce                          1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Stephen Perez                          1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Fi Richardson                          1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Halaeo DiGaldi                         1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group B
Georgia Bassett (KRY)                    6   3   2
Maria Julenic (MTJ)                      2   6   6

Nik au Ignaa (REV)                       6   6   6
Tyler Mills (HUM)                        7   1   3


  Group B                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Maria Julenic                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Nik au Ignaa                           1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Georgia Bassett                        1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Tyler Mills                            1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group C
Malcolm Press (ETM)                      7   7
AlcIdes Ferrera (SRB)                    6   5

Jon Swanston (KWP)                       3   3
Andrew Lamar (NGD)                       6   6


  Group C                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar                           1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Malcolm Press                          1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 AlcIdes Ferrera                        1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Jon Swanston                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group D
Estela Fenton-Millington (EFL)           3   4
Alice Curson (ETN)                       6   6

Jaxton Monty (QAD)                       3   6
Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)                     6   7


  Group D                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Alice Curson                           1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Ofra bat Dekel                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Estela Fenton-Millington               1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Jaxton Monty                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group E
Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)                   6   1   6
Andrea au Jara (REV)                     2   6   3

Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                     3   6   6
Filippo N'Dragheta (MHZ)                 6   4   4


  Group E                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominika Lisicki                       1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Hadar ben Ofer                         1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Andrea au Jara                         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Filippo N'Dragheta                     1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group F
Greg Meares (ETM)                        6   7
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)                 4   5

Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                       1   3
Tommy West (NGD)                         6   6


  Group F                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Greg Meares                            1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Tommy West                             1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Andrew Baumgartner                     1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Ofir bat Paz                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group G
Jaimy Leger (EFL)                        6   4   4
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)                   2   6   6

Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                      4   6   7
Con Towers (KWP)                         6   3   5


  Group G                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Aljaz Corluka                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Mattias Doerwald                       1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Con Towers                             1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Jaimy Leger                            1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group H
Hunter Roberts (ETM)                     6   7
Frankie Webb (HUM)                       0   5

John Muir (SCH)                          2   6
Noah Damaris (CEN)                       6   7


  Group H                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hunter Roberts                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Noah Damaris                           1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Frankie Webb                           1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  John Muir                              1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group I
Mattias Burges (MTJ)                     6   6   6
Joe Mantella (MHZ)                       7   3   4

Giorgio Irani (EFL)                      3   5
Jakub au Ignaa (REV)                     6   7


  Group I                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jakub au Ignaa                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Mattias Burges                         1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Joe Mantella                           1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Giorgio Irani                          1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group J
Ty Kanelious (QAD)                       7   6
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)                     5   4

Laura Roshik (MRC)                       5   6   4
Renee Richardson (KWP)                   7   4   6


  Group J                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ty Kanelious                           1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Renee Richardson                       1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Laura Roshik                           1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Jade Oreskovic                         1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group K
Alexander Linip (MRC)                    6   6
Stephanie Brown (NGD)                    4   2

Maya Cassington (ETM)                    6   6
Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura (NTN)     2   1


  Group K                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Alexander Linip                        1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Maya Cassington                        1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura         1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Stephanie Brown                        1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group L
Felice Mareaux (NEG)                     7   3   6
Mei Jokek (MRC)                          5   6   4

Feyrord Poniac (QAD)                     6   2   6
Prince Simon (MHZ)                       2   6   1


  Group L                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                         1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Feyrord Poniac                         1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Mei Jokek                              1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Prince Simon                           1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group M
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)                    1   6   8
Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell (MHZ)     6   3   6

Ion Victor Amúlio (NTN)                  3   6   3
Olivia Murphy (HUM)                      6   2   6


  Group M                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jessica Moreaux                        1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Olivia Murphy                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Ion Victor Amúlio                      1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell         1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group N
Liam Penderyn (NGD)                      4   3
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)                     6   6

Mihaela Ioana Prisco (NTN)               2   0
Thomas Hutchon (ETN)                     6   6


  Group N                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Eliza Reusmann                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Thomas Hutchon                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Liam Penderyn                          1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Mihaela Ioana Prisco                   1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group O
Nico Angelo (ETN)                        4   5
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)                 6   7

Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)                  6   6
Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)                    2   3


  Group O                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic                     1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
  Gisela Stefanovic                      1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
3 Nico Angelo                            1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Rog Ion Tralito                        1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group P
Bradyn Burn (EFL)                        2   6   6
Gyda au Jara (REV)                       6   4   4

Marisa Celeste FrIeri (SRB)              0   4
Hollie Gratton (ETN)                     6   6


  Group P                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hollie Gratton                         1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Bradyn Burn                            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Gyda au Jara                           1   0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Marisa Celeste FrIeri                  1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Doubles

Group A
Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse (REV)                      6   2   4
Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)              2   6   6


  Group A                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                  1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                          1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group B
Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel (JUD)                  4   6   5
Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala (NEG)                      6   3   7


  Group B                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                      1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group C
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)                             2   6   3
Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)                        6   2   6


  Group C                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood                            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group D
Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                        6   7
Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)                              2   5


  Group D                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer                            1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                  1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group E
Kiersten Bullock/Reina Jaber (EFL)                         3   5
Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse (REV)                            6   7


  Group E                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Kiersten Bullock/Reina Jaber                             1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group F
Renee Richardson/Fi Richardson (KWP)                       6   6   6
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                           7   3   3


  Group F                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Renee Richardson/Fi Richardson                           1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                               1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group G
Terry Rèben/Icy Mellows (QAD)                              3   6  11
Eric Parry/Phoenix Moore (HUM)                             6   4   9


  Group G                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Terry Rèben/Icy Mellows                                  1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Eric Parry/Phoenix Moore                                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group H
Samuel Gates/Greg Meares (ETM)                             7   7
Owen Simmons/Perry Walsh (KRY)                             5   5


  Group H                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Samuel Gates/Greg Meares                                 1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Owen Simmons/Perry Walsh                                 1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group I
Goran Petrovic/Ria Valentia (SRB)                          2   3
Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic (NEG)                         6   6


  Group I                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                             1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Goran Petrovic/Ria Valentia                              1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group J
Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)                       6   7
Lara Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ)                             3   5


  Group J                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                           1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Lara Basic/Julian Slazic                                 1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

by **Qasden** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 12:19 am

"Darn Judeans!" Monty yells in his hotel room, "Why are they always so difficult to defeat?!". He struggled to maintain emotional homeostasis after that last serve, which he embarrassingly missed, costing him the match against Ofra bat Dekel. He continues to shout into his pillow, "Why do I keep signing up for this? Half the time I'm either forgotten by the news reports or seem like a total failure for the country. Ugh, I'm gonna go take a shower!". He furiously makes his way to the room's bathroom, practically leaving behind a trail of fire and anger.

He turned on the warm water and stepped into its range. Slowly, his tensions eased from his core, released in the form of soothing sighs. "This is what I needed," Jaxton thought to himself, "maybe I should just take a breather and try my luck against Alice and Estela. If i win, good. If I lose..." his thoughts paused to a certain sound coming from the far wall of the bathroom. "FFFWWOOOOOOOOSSSHHHH" it roared before settling into a faint hiss. Suddenly, the warm water had turned freezing, and with it...Monty's mood erupted in to blissfully pure fury. "WHY THE DUCK DID YOU DO THAT?!" he scolded at the wall, slamming it with his fist in the process. Suddenly, a high-pitched squeal seeped through the wall, as the child on the other side began to bawl.

Monty didn't know what to do then. He just froze with not a thought in his mind. Quickly, he turned off the water and rushed himself out of the bathroom. He dressed and made a break for the hotel elevator. Blinded by anger,adrenaline, and...sadness, Jaxton stormed past the irate family gazing at him with their teary son. He bypassed the cleaning lady, the ice machine, even the elevator he was aiming for. In a heartbeat, everything came to a stop, and Jaxton crashed to the floor, dazed and confused. He looked up to see another person on the floor, possibly unconscious. "Oh gosh," he thought, "what did I just do?". The figure then slowly lifted itself off the ground and faced Monty. It was Halaeo DiGaldi, who now just seemed to be slightly bruising.

"Oh crap, Halaeo I'm really sore—" he was interrupted by her calm voice. "Shush, man, take it easy. Well, if it ain't Mr. Monty. Any faster than that, and you would've been in Aeropag!", faintly laughing to herself. Jaxton helped her up and slowly walked back to his room. "Why are you leavin' so early, Jax?" DiGaldi toyed, "Thought you were some kind of gentlemen?". He paused and slowly turned to face her, still a bit loopy from the collision. "Sorry, darling," he started, "it's personal, don't worry about it.". He ran back to his room while making a quick stop in another room before leaving. Halaeo casually walked over to the layover spot, which turned out to be the ice machine room. In the middle of the area laid a little bucket of ice, with a scribbled note starting with "For Halaeo". She opened the note, which seemed nearly illegible, but she did make out two sentences of the hurried letter. They read, "I'm so sorry I had to leave so fast. Just meet me at this spot and I'll tell you everything.".

by **United Humberland** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 3:47 am

Channel 8 News
A woman with red hair, an impeccable dress and subtle makeup was speaking. "... efforts to evacuate sixty-two Humbrish citizens, including the embassy staff in Qashmar, are still ongoing in Diyaristan. Now to Ron, with a special sports report." The woman turned to the right, and the screen changed to camera two, which displayed a somewhat burly and balding man, in a more-or-less fitting suit.

"Thanks Cindy, this is truly a great day for Humberland. The Government has funded the first team to go overseas and compete in any sport in an international competition. The Humbrish tennis team is in Ethane currently, and we have the first results already. Eric Parry and Phoenix Moore, both young and both from Amford, put up a darn good fight in the doubles and while they didn't manage to beat Qasden's experienced players, Terry Rèben and Icy Mellows, we're all still very proud of their hard-fought game. In the singles, Frankie Webb, the team's resident North Humbrian, had trouble initially but recovered his footing by the end of the game. But Electrum's Hunter Roberts stole the show with an outstanding performance."

"Tyler Mills from east Ludnell had an astounding start to his game but the consistency of the Redvale's Nik au Ignaa won the day. However, Olivia Murphy from Chuddley started and finished strong, beating Ion Victor Amúlio from Natanians and Nosts in what proved to be a fairly close game. No doubt though Cindy that the hero of the hour is central Ludnell's own Daniel Pearce, who bested West Phoencia's Fi Richardson. Richardson performed reasonably well in the game but Pearce showed a consistent strength that was unexpected by most sports pundits."

"Fans and supporters of the Humberland team have come out in droves in the major cities. Some, fans of tennis, others very patriotic. Whatever their reasons, pubs throughout Humberland will be very busy. Our correspondents in Lowes, Ethane, had a chance to quickly catch up with Daniel Pearce about his game, and the team's over all performance so far." A video began playing of Daniel Pearce inside the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre.

"Yeah, it was a great effort from everyone. Obviously I couldn't be happier with my own result, Fi Richardson is a player that I respect very much, she's the second highest-ranked female player in West Phoenicia y'know, and it wasn't an easy game. Really proud of Olivia too, she had a tough game against Ion Amúlio but did awesome. Some of us didn't come back with a win tonight but I don't think anyone played a particularly bad game, and I think it means well for the future."

"Your group includes Qasden's Halaeo DiGaldi and Krytenia's Stephen Perez. How do you feel about taking them on?"

"Not great to tell you the truth, they're very strong players. I'll just have to play my best and see what happens."

"What are your, and the team's plans before the next game?"

"Uh, I suppose we'll be practicing for the most part, but also making sure to get a good rest for the game itself."

"Is there anything else you'd like to say, particularly to the people watching at home?"

"Let me think for a second... hi Mum?"

"Haha, that was Daniel Pearce from Ethane. Back to you, Cindy." Back to camera one, and the very intentionally attractive woman in front of it.

"Thanks Ron. Parliament will be voting soon on whether or not to legalize..."

by **House of Judah** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 7:51 am

Arieh bat Daniyyel and Livnat bat Avram raised their heads at the knock on the door. Arieh got up and looked through the peephole to see Ofir bat Paz. He promptly opened the door and was pushed back by the blur entering the room.

“Come on you two, get your swim suits. We’re going to go do something touristy.”

“I don’t know,” replied Livnat. “This place unnerves me something bad.”

“It’s fine. We’re going cliff diving. It’s really touristy so the local color will be on their best behaviour.” Livnat looked at Arieh, who promptly shrugged.

“Sounds like it could be fun,” he said.

“Alright,” Livnat acquiesced. “We’ll meet you in the lobby in, what, ten minutes?”

“Ten minutes.”

There was just enough time for Arieh to realize how fast he was hurtling through the air and think to himself that he might have made a mistake before he hit the water. He wasn’t sure how deep he was but he immediately began pushing himself to the surface. When he got out and joined the others he nodded his head.

“Alright, I admit it,” he said. “That was fun.” He looked up at the top of the cliff. “Is Livnat ever going to-” He heard a scream and watched his partner plummet into the water. She made her way to them after resurfacing she looked around the group.

“Never again,” she said. “Never ever again.” There was laughter amongst them.

“I think I’ll do another before we leave,” Simcha bat Dor said. “Anyone else in?” A few of the others joined her. Arieh stayed with her.

“So I found it fun,” Arieh said.

“I’ll give you exhilarating,” Livnat replied. “Not fun.”

“Whatever.” He hugged her close as the latest jumper made his way past the couple. Livnat saw his bloody cross tattoo and leaned into Arieh.

“Maybe we should just go back to the hotel.”

“Maybe. We’ll wait for everyone else to get done and head back as a group.”

“Okay.”

by **Electrum** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 7:56 am

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kimiko Shigaraki

Routine of a tennis player (pt. 1)

Instead of the typical results regurgitation that would bore you to death, the Centralis Herald team has decided to write a two-part article about the routine of a typical, high-calibre tennis player. The Centralis Herald was granted exclusive access by the Electrum Lawn Tennis Association to behind-the-scenes press clearance at the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre and the CH thanks the ELTA and the Ethanian organisers for their co-operation. For the day, it was decided that we follow Greg Meares, a veteran singles and doubles player on the tour who hasn't yet cracked the top ten, but would like to do so in his lifetime. Looking at his routine gives an enormous amount of insight into how much work and effort goes into becoming a professional athlete, and maintaining that level of fitness needed to play at his very best.

6am: Wake-up routine and breakfast
At the start of the hour and Meares wakes up on the dot. He's doing calf and arm exercises, and a spot of yoga for the day ahead. Doing so activates muscle groups around the body, for use later on in the day. Meares explains to me that the exercises were developed in consultation with his coach, Coach Kirner and that it was a good way to remain flexible. With more practice and training, he can become more flexible and hopefully be avoid the dearth of injuries which can happen on the court. He then pops downstairs for a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Meares eats an ungodly amount of food - fruits, toast, bacon, etc. It is important, according to his dietician, to get some complex carbohydrates in the morning, because they slowly release their energy throughout the day, instead of one large burst.

8am: Chat to coach, trainer and agent
Next is a long chat with his support crew for the day. Coach Kirner comes down with her laptop and shows Meares the athletes of the day. She rehashes what she told him yesterday - "focus on his backhand -- it's an unusual grip and you can take advantage of that," "next time, I want you to focus more on standing a metre or two closer to the baseline than you normally do." He then launches into a discussion into tactics and strategy which I can't really talk about. Next is his physiotherapist, and they go to a massage room for a quick massage -- again, to warm up the joints and muscles for the day ahead. Finally, he talks to his agent, to discuss his finances. Although it may seem like athletes do make a large amount of money (it is true, given that the money earned in a tournament doubles the further in the competition you go through), most of that money goes into expenditure such as hotels, airfares, staffing, etc. An agent would help athletes with their finances and earn sponsorship deals which make a real difference to an athletes bottom line.

9.45am: Practice session
Finally, Meares hops onto a car and is driven from the hotel to the Newton-Smith Tennis Centre. Once his accreditation is in order, he finally gets to the court at around 9.45am for a spot of light training before his matches. It is good to get a feel of the ball and the conditions before actually playing -- you can get a handle on the wind, the temperature, etc. through these training sessions. Meares has a hitting partner in his best friend and wife, Julia Meares, who frequently accompanies him on tour with their three-year old son Tyler. Coach Kirner, as expected, is there at the session, and tells Julia what to do. Sometimes he goes for a hit himself, but mainly he adjusts Meares positioning, and has discussions with Meares on what he could improve before the matches. Then, Samuel Gates comes along and they have a joint training session, in preparation for the doubles later on in the day.

Once they are done with the session, Meares and Gates stay around and meet the welcoming fans who come early just to visit them before they head off to the players lounge, awaiting their first matches for the day. Meares has two matches today, and in the short time we're by ourselves in the lounge, he leans in and whispers to me, "It's going to be a very, very long and exhausting day. Hopefully you can stay more energised than me throughout the day!" I slump into the couch -- I can't wait to stay in the sun for the entire day. Luckily play in tournaments doesn't usually start until 11am, so we have a bit of respite until then.

Read tomorrows paper for a continuation of this report

(OoC: Had to cut it off here because its 2am and I need some sleep)

by **Mattijana** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 1:29 pm

Pulnik Academy, Central Mattijana

Maria Julenič was sitting in her English class when she got the call up to the Ethanian open.
Martin Stefanović, the Tennis co-ordinator at Pulnik, "borrowed" her from the class and although all subject teachers at the academy recognise that Sports are integral to them keeping their job, they still get irritable when any interruptions pop up during their on lessons.
"Someone's here from the MattijanaTennisZentra to talk to you about a new tournament. It could be a nice break for you", said Martin.

"Which tournament?" Maria asked the obvious question.

"He didn't tell me. I know there's a new Tier 2 Tournament in Ethane coming up soon, but I doubt they'd enter you for that. Our players have been in pretty solid form lately."

"Any injuries?"

"Not that I've heard of...and I hear of most things. Oh and sort your tie out, it looks ridiculous short and loose like that. We want to leave a good impression."

Having let the 17 year old re-fashion the offending item to Martin's higher standards, Maria was shown into a meeting room containing Alex Dimitrov, the assistant head of the Mattijanan Tennis Federation.
Dimitrov recently retired from professional Tennis, but was appointed shortly afterwards by the Mattijanan tennis board with the particular task of meeting with current and prospective players. Despite never being particularly good in International competitions, he was an excellant team man and knew most members of the squad inside out.

"Hello Maria", said Alex. "You might have heard recently that Sabina Soča wants to take a month or so off for some rest and recuperation, so we've decided to offer you a chance to play some tennis at the Ethanian Open. We understand that you might have schoolwork, but we think it would be a great opportunity for you to get some game-time under relatively little pressure."

"That would be great, sir. Thank you!"

"You're very welcome. You deserve it in truth. I'm sure Martin won't want me to say this, but we've been hearing good things from you recently. Just get out there and have a go and I'm sure you'll prove it."

Martin scowled. "Keep training hard though. You can't get complacent two weeks before a major tournament."

"Of course. In fact you'll probably have to go onto quite an intensive schedule until the tournament, but I know you're a hard worker, you wouldn't be here if you weren't. So keep working hard and we'll see you next week."

"Can I ask you a question? Said Maria, slightly sheepishly. Martin scowled even more than he already was, which Maria didn't know was physically possible.

"Of course" replied Alex, slightly caught off guard by the request.

"Is Sami coming as well?"

Sami Dominikanov is another young, Pulnik-based player who made his competitive international debut at the junior ITT in Ceni. He also happens to be Maria's boyfriend.

"I'm afraid not. Mattias and Aljaž need the ranking points, so we didn't have room for anyone else new in the squad. He'll get his chance though. We'll make sure of that. He's very welcome to join the squad on a non-competitive basis though. It'll be a good learning curve."

"Thank you. See you next week then." Maria tried to hide her dissapointment, but knew she was probably failing. Martin let her go, scowling profusely still, but not openly annoyed about her 'cheekiness.' She stopped at a bathroom on the way back to her class to undo her top button and put her green and yellow tie back to its previous shorter, looser and more comfortable state.

by **The Serbian Empire** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 3:32 pm

Serbian Sporting News
Racing For Serbia

The sounds of wrenches turning at a small garage. The garage isn't for people to take their Yugos, Ladas, Skodas, or Fiats. The garage is for working on racing cars for Marika Pedanovic, a hopeful to sign with a team in the WGPC. What most don't realize is that she turned down a chance to compete in the NSTT as sponsors wanted her to give up motorsports.

The story of multi-discipline athletes like Pedanovic has been seen before. Danny Ainge played as an infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays during the basketball offseason during the 1980s. Derrike Cope won the Daytona 500 in 1990 and only started racing after an injury ended his baseball career. But to have turned down the opportunity to become a top 100 player like Marisa Celeste Frieri makes you wonder if racing is really more Marika's true passion or a realization that Cenians are so dominant that tennis is best served as a hobby for her during the week between races. In reality, Marika chose racing as a passion. The thrill of battling off Marisa Celeste Frieri wasn't the same as driving down into turn one at the temporary race track at Batajnica. Her driving style as smooth as the clay courts she used to play on.

Serbian Tennis Guide
Hail Gisela

Gisela Stefanovic was the only winner of Serbian tennis players today who won both her singles and doubles matches. Some would point out that this open's got more highly ranked players than some of the prior ones. For example, Maya Cassington hasn't been in a NSTT event in some time. The big thing is that Gisela simply had the softest matchups of Serbian athletes in this event as Electrum's athletes have returned making Marisa Celeste Frieri's effort a loss against Hollie Gratton. The other two situations of Alcides Ferrera and Jade Oreskovic can be explained by rankings more than talent. They lack the positioning in the rankings and often need good luck to produce. So what is next? Hopefully more wins.

by **Ethane** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 6:30 pm

And that marks the Cutoff. You can go HAM today. Especially considering the better driver lost.

Singles

Group A
Daniel Pearce (HUM)                      0   6   3
Stephen Perez (KRY)                      6   2   6

Fi Richardson (KWP)                      6   6   6
Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)                     3   7   2


  Group A                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Stephen Perez                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Daniel Pearce                          2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Fi Richardson                          2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Halaeo DiGaldi                         2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group B
Maria Julenic (MTJ)                      6   2   4
Tyler Mills (HUM)                        2   6   6

Georgia Bassett (KRY)                    6   0   5
Nik au Ignaa (REV)                       3   6   7


  Group B                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nik au Ignaa                           2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Tyler Mills                            2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Maria Julenic                          2   1  1    3   3   0    7
4 Georgia Bassett                        2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group C
AlcIdes Ferrera (SRB)     3   6   6
Andrew Lamar (NGD)        6   4   4

Malcolm Press (ETM)                      4   6   7
Jon Swanston (KWP)                       6   4   5


  Group C                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Malcolm Press                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 AlcIdes Ferrera                        2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Andrew Lamar                           2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
4 Jon Swanston                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group D
Alice Curson (ETN)                       2   0
Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)                     6   6

Estela Fenton-Millington (EFL)           1   2
Jaxton Monty (QAD)                       6   6


  Group D                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ofra bat Dekel                         2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Alice Curson                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
  Jaxton Monty                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Estela Fenton-Millington               2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group E
Andrea au Jara (REV)                     7   6
Filippo N'Dragheta (MHZ)                 6   4

Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)                   4   0
Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                     6   6


  Group E                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hadar ben Ofer                         2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Dominika Lisicki                       2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Andrea au Jara                         2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
4 Filippo N'Dragheta                     2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group F
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)                 6   6
Tommy West (NGD)                         4   4

Greg Meares (ETM)                        2   6   6
Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                       6   0   4


  Group F                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Greg Meares                            2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Andrew Baumgartner                     2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Tommy West                             2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Ofir bat Paz                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group G
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)                   4   6   7
Con Towers (KWP)                         6   3   5

Jaimy Leger (EFL)                        4   3
Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                      6   6


  Group G                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Aljaz Corluka                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Mattias Doerwald                       2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
3 Con Towers                             2   0  2    2   4  −2    0
4 Jaimy Leger                            2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group H
Frankie Webb (HUM)                       3   6   6
Noah Damaris (CEN)                       6   3   2

Hunter Roberts (ETM)                     6   6
John Muir (SCH)                          2   1


  Group H                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hunter Roberts                         2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Frankie Webb                           2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Noah Damaris                           2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
4 John Muir                              2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group I
Joe Mantella (MHZ)                       7   7
Jakub au Ignaa (REV)                     5   6

Mattias Burges (MTJ)                     6   1   3
Giorgio Irani (EFL)                      4   6   6


  Group I                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Joe Mantella                           2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
2 Jakub au Ignaa                         2   1  1    2   2   0    7
  Mattias Burges                         2   1  1    3   3   0    7
4 Giorgio Irani                          2   1  1    2   3  −1    7

Group J
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)                     4   6   3
Renee Richardson (KWP)                   6   4   6

Ty Kanelious (QAD)                       1   4
Laura Roshik (MRC)                       6   6


  Group J                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Renee Richardson                       2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Laura Roshik                           2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Ty Kanelious                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Jade Oreskovic                         2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group K
Stephanie Brown (NGD)                    7   7
Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura (NTN)     6   6

Alexander Linip (MRC)                    2   3
Maya Cassington (ETM)                    6   6


  Group K                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Maya Cassington                        2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Alexander Linip                        2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Stephanie Brown                        2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura         2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group L
Mei Jokek (MRC)                          7   6
Prince Simon (MHZ)                       5   3

Felice Mareaux (NEG)                     6   6
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)                     0   1


  Group L                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                         2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Mei Jokek                              2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Feyrord Poniac                         2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Prince Simon                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group M
Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell (MHZ)     4   3
Olivia Murphy (HUM)                      6   6

Jessica Moreaux (KRY)                    6   3   3
Ion Victor Amúlio (NTN)                  4   6   6


  Group M                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Olivia Murphy                          2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Ion Victor Amúlio                      2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Jessica Moreaux                        2   1  1    3   3   0    7
4 Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell         2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group N
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)                     4   1
Thomas Hutchon (ETN)                     6   6

Liam Penderyn (NGD)                      6   4   7
Mihaela Ioana Prisco (NTN)               3   6   5


  Group N                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Thomas Hutchon                         2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Eliza Reusmann                         2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Liam Penderyn                          2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
4 Mihaela Ioana Prisco                   2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group O
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)                 1   6   6
Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)                    6   3   4

Nico Angelo (ETN)                        7   6
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)                  5   3


  Group O                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic                     2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Nico Angelo                            2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Gisela Stefanovic                      2   1  1    2   2   0    7
4 Rog Ion Tralito                        2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group P
Gyda au Jara (REV)                       0   2
Hollie Gratton (ETN)                     6   6

Bradyn Burn (EFL)                        6   6
Marisa Celeste FrIeri (SRB)              1   1


  Group P                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hollie Gratton                         2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Bradyn Burn                            2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
3 Gyda au Jara                           2   0  2    1   4  −3    0
4 Marisa Celeste FrIeri                  2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Doubles

Group A
Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                        6   4   6
Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse (REV)                      4   6   3


  Group A                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl                            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
  Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                  1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                          2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group B
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD)                           6   6
Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel (JUD)                  3   2


  Group B                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon                               1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                          1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                      2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group C
Jordan Bennet/Lucy Hockers (ETN)                           6   6
Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek (MRC)                             4   2


  Group C                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jordan Bennet/Lucy Hockers                               1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood                            1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                                 2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

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


  Group D                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer                            2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Blair Forest/Donny Knight                                1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                  1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group E
Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates (SCH)                               2   6   6
Kiersten Bullock/Reina Jaber (EFL)                         6   4   1


  Group E                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates                                   1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
3 Kiersten Bullock/Reina Jaber                             2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group F
Jack Booth/Nicholas Burns (HUM)                            6   6
Renee Richardson/Fi Richardson (KWP)                       1   4


  Group F                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jack Booth/Nicholas Burns                                1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Renee Richardson/Fi Richardson                           2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                               1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group G
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro/Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN)     7   0   6
Terry Rèben/Icy Mellows (QAD)                              6   6   4


  Group G                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Márcus Gabriel Alencastro/Mihai Caeso Mihailescu         1   1  0    2   1  +1    7
2 Terry Rèben/Icy Mellows                                  2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Eric Parry/Phoenix Moore                                 1   0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group H
Phoebe Harvey/Berat Latif (EFL)                            3   4
Samuel Gates/Greg Meares (ETM)                             6   6


  Group H                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Samuel Gates/Greg Meares                                 2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Owen Simmons/Perry Walsh                                 1   0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Phoebe Harvey/Berat Latif                                1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group I
Tariq Salmat/Vera di Santos (KWP)                          0   4
Goran Petrovic/Ria Valentia (SRB)                          6   6


  Group I                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                             1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Goran Petrovic/Ria Valentia                              2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Tariq Salmat/Vera di Santos                              1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group J
Túlius Tarquínio da Silva/Ápio Rog dos Santos (NTN)        6   6
Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov (MRC)                       1   3


  Group J                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Túlius Tarquínio da Silva/Ápio Rog dos Santos            1   1  0    2   0  +2    7
2 Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Lara Basic/Julian Slazic                                 1   0  1    0   2  −2    0

by **Neu Engollon** » Sun Nov 27, 2016 8:54 pm

“Paul, man, I’m not saying ya can’t win, I’m just...well, wondering what you would do when ya do win?”

“Whaddaya mean, WIlli? I’ll be mayor.”

Willi took another sip of his beer.
“Right, but what will you do as mayor?”

“Mayor shit.” Paul Quiront took a big slug of his beer. They were holding down the corner of the bar at Fezzi’s, an old institution in downtown Albertville. He’d called a few old friends together to meet for what may be one last time before the campaign kicked into high gear. The rest had rolled on over to the billiards table and darts board, leaving Paul and Willi to talk by themselves.

“No, man. Seriously now...How’s Albertville going to benefit from you being in the big seat?”

“Dude, ya know...We’ll be on the right track. No more free hand outs. We’ll get business to come here and...spend money...and stuff...Jobs! They’ll bring jobs!”

“How do ya lure the companies here?”

“Why are ya hasslin’ me, Willi? I thought we were buds. I thought you’d be on my side.”

“Paul, I love ya, but you’re kind of a putz. You were an awright tennis player, but yer not a politician. Ya didn’t seriously think this through. This town needs an overhaul, but are you the one to do it? Did you have a plan at all once you got in office?”

“Willi...Willi...Willi. Willi. Widdle Willi...Wee Widdl-”

“Dude!”

“Willi, listen. I got people for that. A whole team that has a budget figured out, people to bring in. Companies to dump money into our poc...into the town budget. These guys got it all figured out. I just smile and look pretty and tell everyone what they wanna hear. I can do that.”

“Until they piss ya off and stop feedin’ ya shrimp cocktail.”

“Yer pissin’ me off now. Awright tennis player? Yeh, I caught that. When did ya become such a whining ninny, Willi? Everyone’s so down on everythin' ‘round here.”

“Because everything is down around here. Everything’s gone to shit and yer not offerin’ any better plan to make it right again. Nothing that hasn’t been tried before, anyway. Yer not a politician, Paul. Yer a showman, nothing more. A facade fer the same people makin' money off the common folks and not passin’ anything down to us.”

Paul slammed his beer down.
“Fuck you, Willi. Yee of little faith. I told you, we’re not continuing the hand outs. It’s time for this town to get itself on it’s own feet and quit whinin’, startin’ with you.”

It took some effort for Quiront to struggle off the bar stool, with a widening girth he wasn’t used to getting in the way. He finally broke free and shoved it into the handrail. Paul then stumbled to the door.

Willi went from grinding his teeth in anger to a sudden look of shock.
“Hey!” He called after Paul, “What about the tab? You said you’d pick it up!”

“Fuck yoo! I said no handouts, Willi!”
With that he slammed the pushbar on the door open and strolled out.

by **West Phoencia** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 1:29 am

West Phoenician Renee Richardson is showing her fans why is the top female player in West Phoenicia after beating Jade Oreskovic of the Serbian Empire. She is currently the only West Phoenician player not to lose a singles game for the Ethanian Open.

Her team mates are Fi Richardson 1-1, Jon Swanston 0-2 and Con Towers 0-2.

"That is to be expected with these tournaments. There alot of good players. And there are some who are just good friends with the organisers. We dont have the best track record, as we are not one of the favorites. But we dont mind being underdogs.. We play good and we play fair. If any of us progress from the qualifers, i have the best chance at the moment.

Over on the doubles side Renee and Fi Richardson are 1-1. While fellow team mates Tariq Salmat and Vera di Santos lost their first match.

by **Schottia** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 2:20 am

Cathy Kruminš was learning that life at the top was much tougher than she had anticipated. She now had more respect than ever for the guys like Botack Andiamand Lonus Valarin, because if it was hard getting to the summit, then it was even harder staying there. The way players such as Marla Gerard and Marisa Maradona had found the going so much tougher this year proved just how much pressure players were under to sustain their ranking. The way it worked meant that there was constant need to replenish your points from the previous year, and a couple of poor performances in the slams could cost you dearly.

Cathy's debut season had gone better than she could have ever dreamed of. If someone had asked her before the Rushmori Swing, what she would have been happy with come the end of the year, she would have said to twenty-five. Now, remarkably, she stood on the brink of the tour finals, and so long as she could pick the momentum back up, then she had an excellent chance of making it.

It hadn't all been plain sailing, but then again, for someone who had just turned eighteen, that had to be expected. She had left the AOpen in Emberton totally burned out, that exasperating straight sets defeat to home favourite Stephen Perez in the semis. It was a match she knew she should have won on paper, and that made much worse. Moreover, that feeling of being drained had continued into the Merdecinian Open, a tournament she really should have sat out. The grass court season on the NSTT was a long one, and those initial successes in San Salvador and Whitehaven seemed like a lifetime ago. Building up the skill set, and the muscle structure for grass was not something that came naturally to Cathy, a player more accustomed to skidding around the baselines of clay courts. That said, the grass court season had coincided with an up turn in her form, and the difficulties of playing on her least favourite surface hadn't really been felt to any real extent.

Cathy was sat in her hotel room in the armchair beside her bed, hands folded behind her head. She would have been hard pushed to say exactly how long she had been sat there, but it had been a while. She looked down at the bedside alarm clock, catching the time in the corner of her eye. Ten more minutes of rest, and then she would get back to working on her tournament preparations. Was this what it had been reduced to? Living by numbers? Playing, resting, training, sleeping, eating. Her life was just divided up into a tennis routine. It was something people didn't realise - even some of the lower ranked Schottic tennis players - just how much of your life you needed to give up to make it to the top at such a young age. Since the age of twelve she hadn't really had any sort of a life other than schoolbooks and tennis.

That was why Paul Quiront still weighed heavy on her mind, and that meeting they'd had before the Handon Open final. He drank, he ate fast food, and he didn't train with anything like the same intensity as she did; yet somehow he was still ranked in the top twenty. What’s more, had he not been banned for his comments at the AOpen, he would probably even have had a chance of making the top ten. She had been denying it, even to herself, but she had gone to pieces during the Handon Open final. Was it some sort of hatred, jealousy, envy, a mixture of all three? How could she lose to someone like that? She woke up at four thirty every morning and worked her ass off, while he was probably in bed nursing a hangover. The weight that had been lifted off her mind when the Neu Engollian received his ban from the NSTT had been massive.

Cathy got up and stretched off, running on the spot, taking a few imaginary fresh-air shots. Ever since she had been any age, she had been told that the only way to get to the top was through total dedication - her father, her coaches, they had all said the same... So why were players like Quiront, and Luke Pool for that matter, arguably doing just as well as her? Why did it not seem to make much of a difference? These people hadn't given up their lives the same way she had. Would it make any blind bit of difference if she drank, went out and stayed out late?

She stopped what she was doing and had a look in through the glass door of mini-bar. She wouldn't even know where to start when it came to drinking. She hadn't consumed a drop of alcohol in her entire life.

'No, absolutely not.' She said out loud, speaking directly to herself. 'You can do this Cath. One hundred percent total dedication.'

When she was a multiple times grand slam winner, when she was number one in the world, she would be the one who was laughing - while Quiront was lying in the gutter, it would be the best place for him.

by **Electrum** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 6:26 am

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Kimiko Shigaraki

Routine of a tennis player (pt. 2)

Yesterday, the Centralis Herald wrote an article about the routine of Greg Meares, a veteran Electrumite singles and doubles player. This is part two of this article.

11am: Call-up and first match
Play at typical tournaments such as the Ethanian Open usually starts at 10 or 11am -- it's only in tournaments such as the Hamilton International (where because of excessive heat conditions) play starts well into the afternoon and into the night. Anyways, we tail Greg Meares for his first match of the day -- against Krytenia's Andrew Baumgartner. Being in the qualifying rounds, we're on the outside courts -- which means that there is not a lot of distance between the players and the coaches and the crowd (who are sitting in stands). In most tournaments and even in some Grand Slams, a ground pass gets you up close to the action instead of being in an arena. The players might not be as good, but the matches are more competitive, and sometimes it really is a better experience than seeing two top-tens slug it out in the finals. Anyways, back to the match. It's a close two-setter with a break of serve late in each set for Meares which sees him with his first victory in the group stage on the very first day. It's a two hour match punctuated with many drink breaks -- more so than you realise at home. They shake hands and we tail him back to the players lounge.

1.40pm: Recovery
It's off to some recovery with a session to his physiotherapist once again and an ice bath. There isn't that much time to recover however, as he is due to play his doubles match in a few hours. After the short recovery, he goes for his belated lunch. Meares eats a leafy green salad and some muesli bars, then he slips on some headphones as he prepares for his next match. You never quite know when they call you up for your next match in the players lounge because unlike other sports, tennis matches vary wildly from an hour or so to nearly three hours. Doubles matches are thankfully scheduled by organisers with the players in mind. If they have a doubles player playing singles in the morning, they'll make the match in the afternoon, and vice versa. This makes it fair to all athletes, but as Meares tells me, it's one of the pitfalls in the pursuit of more prize money! It really is a balancing act. Samuel Gates saunters in during lunch and they discuss tactics with their manager in private whilst I have some soup.

3.30pm: Second match
Thankfully it's a doubles match, so theoretically only half the court needs to be covered by Meares, easing the strain on his body. It's another very tight two-setter against another pair of Krytenians, Simmons and Walsh. The Krytenians are defeat 7-5 7-5 and Meares is undefeated in the first day of the round-robin phase. It's a tough slog, especially right after the singles match but this time it's one and a half hours due to the shorter rallies in doubles and the faster ball (it is of course later on in the day where its hotter, and therefore the ball travels faster).

5.20pm: Full Recovery and Dinner
Back to the players area once again for a full recovery. There is a full ice bath and a full session with the physiotherapist. Coach Kirner comes in with a few bits of advice during dinner, and not before long we are travelling back to the hotel. Even as a bystander it was just exhausting -- being in the sun for half of the day, moving back and forth between locations, constant exercise, training and recovery... I don't quite know how these athletes do it but I have a renewed appreciation for them.

7.30pm: Back at the hotel and farewells
We come back to the hotel and Meares farewells us. He tells us that he's going to watch some television, look up his opponents for tomorrow, have some alone time with his wife and son, then go straight to bed at 9 on the dot. Sleep, of course, aids in muscle recovery and is essential for all athletes. I bade him farewell as I sat back down to write this piece...

As you can see it's a lot of work being a professional athlete! Who knew, right? Again, the Centralis Herald would like to thank the Meares family (for inviting us into a day of their lives) and the Electrum Lawn Tennis Association (for giving us access to press accreditation) for their co-operation in helping this article being written.

by **Mattijana** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 2:54 pm

Pulnik Academy-Pre Tournament Part 2

Maria Julenič rubbed at her neck as she quietly re-entered her English class after the meeting with Alex Dimitrov. A recent growth spurt would probably be her last, but had rendered most of her school shirts too small and actually having to look presentable for twenty minutes had felt like a gradual throttling. It might have been down to nerves as well however. She didn't know how her boyfriend, Sami Dominikanov, was going to react to her recieving a place in the squad for the Ethanian open without him. She wasn't looking forward to breaking the news either.

Maria's teacher finished off her run-through of the translation she and her class had had as homework that week and let them go. It was the last lesson of Maria's day and she trudged briskly back to her boarding house (As Pulnik is practically in the middle of nowhere and most student's actual homes are dotted around different parts of Mattijana, all students board for each term). Sami was sitting on a sofa in the centre talking to a few friends and Maria changed direction sharply, almost body-checking an unfortuanate Rugby player, who was fortuantely used to it.

She gave him a quick hug as she arrived, before stuffing her blazer into her bag.
"How was English?"
"Same as always" replied Maria. "LarjaBirjke got pissed off because Stefanović took me out before we could go through that newspaper translation we had to do. Turns out there's a new tournament coming up in Ethane."
Maria kicked herself. She had wanted to get it out there, but she felt she had got it out a bit too quickly.
"What's that all about" said Sami, perking up slightly as the chance of a new tournament got slightly closer.
"It's a Tier 2 event. There's only 4 places though."

"Did you get a place?"

"Yeah. Alex Dimitrov turned up to offer me the place. I think he said you can come too."

"To play?"

"I don't think so, sorry. Mattias and Aljaž need more ranking points apparently." There was definately something sheepish in her voice.
Sami sighed. "That sucks." He was trying to be cheerful about it, but Maria knew he was disappointed.
"I know. I was hoping we'd both get a spot. Are you still going to come?"

"Maybe. I want to support you and everything, but I'm not going just to have forehand after forehand smashed past me on a training court."

"It's all part of the learning curve I guess..." Maria thought that was probably a good thing to say, but instantly regretted it when she saw the look on her boyfriend's face.

"That's easy for you to say. You've already got a place. You've finished with the learning curve. I'm still stuck here waiting."

"I can't help it if Alex likes me. What can I do?"

"You could be a bit more nice about it..." Now it was Sami's turn to regret his words.

"Being nice never won anyone anything Sami. Hard work did. If you want to sit around on your ass doing nothing, then don't let me stop you, but don't whine to me when I'm off doing something with my life and you're not."
Sami didn't say anything as Maria got up and went to talk to some of the local Hockey girls, who had recently arrived from their last lesson. She loved Sami most of the time, but didn't know he was going to be this annoyed.
She rubbed at her neck a little more.

by **House of Judah** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 4:32 pm

Ofra bat Dekel made sure to shake hands with Alice Curson after the match. It wasn’t even a close thing, but she always made it a point to maintain good sportsmanship after a match. She smiled as she took the Ethanians hand and encouraged her to keep up her playing.

Simcha turned around and saw her teammate, Simcha bat Dor, and her girlfriend Liorit in the stands cheering for her and she gave a quick wave. She looked across the crowd and saw a few scowls. She supposed that the locals would be disappointed by the loss of one of their own. Still, the presence of that bloody cross tattoo on some of their arms left all too unnerving a feel to the crowd. She made her way off the court and to the locker room where she got a quick shower before meeting up with the others.

“Well done, babe,” Liorit greeted outside the tennis-centre.

“Thanks,” Ofra responded. Curson has some work to do, but I think she has a bright future.” They made their way to the bus and got on with the other Judeans waiting to head back to the hotel. The full complement present, the bus pulled out of the centre and made its way to the hotel. “My English isn’t the best, but does that billboard actually say ‘Pray away the gay’?”

“Ugh,” responded Simcha. “I swear, I think the Ethanian Tennis Union picked the most backward place they could for this tournament.”

“With that level of thinking,” Hadar ben Ofer interjected from his seat, “I’m a little surprised and impressed that the makers of that billboard successfully spelled ‘gay’.” The other Judeans chuckled at the sentiment.

by **Ethane** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 4:44 pm

The Beginning of De-Liberalisation?

Ethane has always prided itself on being an open, tolerant nation, accepting to those of all skin colours, beliefs, races, sexual orientation and other factors. It's always been part of the Ethanese identity, something we celebrate, that we're proud of. We've always known this and been there with open arms, accepting of all, ready and willing to help all those that may reach danger. We've stood by minorities, stood for the rights of the underrepresented, aided the poor. Yet this election seems to be going against everything we stand for. We are turning away from our liberal roots, moving to the extremes, becoming a bitter, divided nation once again.

There are two factors to this de-liberalisation of Ethanese society. The people are fed up with the continuous liberalisation of society, with many changes angering the conservatives. The recent proposals of the GreenerEthane! party - who are currently in coalition government with the Union of Socialists after an anti-establishment wave last election cycle which seems to have increased this election - to legalise gay marriage and legalise paedophilia have deeply offended and upset many people who believe in family values and decent morals in the nation, who see the increased liberalisation a degradation of the morals of Ethane, hence why the MoralEthane! party, promising to reinstate true family morals in Ethane, have achieved so much success so far. Not only this but more so the second proposal to legalise paedophilia has led to outcries from across the political spectrum, accusing the GreenerEthane! party of 'going too far', that their policy is 'possibly the single most stupid pledge ever', and 'the shortest suicide note in history' - although the polls will argue differently about it being a suicide note, with the polls having tightened after that disastrous manifesto release back in January of this year.

The other factor which can explain this 'de-liberalisation' of Ethanese society is the anti-establishment sentiment which has taken root in Ethanese politics. People are fed up with the establishment 'looking after their own needs... without thinking about the ordinary people.' The increased disillusionment with establishment politics is especially true this election cycle when a massive scandal of collaboration with foreign powers to interfere in the election was discovered, destroying both establishment parties - the Liberal Democratic Party and the Christian Conservative Party - in the polls. This anti-establishment sentiment began to take root about 4 years ago at the last election, when the GreenerEthane! party received a decent share of the vote and were able to form a coalition with the Union of Socialists. However, being in government can destroy your 'anti-establishment' reputation, and GreenerEthane!'s attempts to maintain this anti-establishment reputation through their policies has fallen flat on its face, with their policies attracting ridicule. A recent poll released by ENTV Polls showed that 72% were 'fed up with establishment politics', and 43% who said they would 'vote based on their anti-establishment feelings' - bad news for any parties seen as establishment. However, in warnings to GreenerEthane!, a poll released just yesterday by the same polling company showed that 61% of people viewed GreenerEthane! as 'a part of the establishment', which only 5% viewed them as an 'anti-establishment party'. Furthermore, 92% saw many of the policies included in the GreenerEthane! party manifesto were 'stupid and ridiculous', while 71% of people said they would 'consider not voting for GreenerEthane! because of the policies outlined in their manifesto.' However, 65% of this group 'would be willing to change their mind if the party backtracked on some of its proposals or show themselves to be better that their policies in the debates.'

by **Ethane** » Mon Nov 28, 2016 5:14 pm

Who is going to make it? Oh, and if you've already made it, shut up tryhard!

Singles

Group A
Halaeo DiGaldi (QAD)                     2   6   6
Daniel Pearce (HUM)                      6   4   2

Stephen Perez (KRY)                      4   6   8
Fi Richardson (KWP)                      6   4   6


  Group A                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Stephen Perez                          3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Daniel Pearce                          3   1  2    4   4   0    7
3 Halaeo DiGaldi                         3   1  2    3   5  −2    7
4 Fi Richardson                          3   1  2    3   5  −2    7

Group B
Nik au Ignaa (REV)                       0   6   7
Maria Julenic (MTJ)                      6   3   5

Tyler Mills (HUM)                        6   6   5
Georgia Bassett (KRY)                    7   4   7


  Group B                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nik au Ignaa                           3   3  0    6   3  +3   21
2 Maria Julenic                          3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
3 Tyler Mills                            3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
4 Georgia Bassett                        3   1  2    4   5  −1    7

Group C
Jon Swanston (KWP)                       6   7
AlcIdes Ferrera (SRB)                    2   5

Andrew Lamar (NGD)       1   3
Malcolm Press (ETM)      6   6


  Group C                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Malcolm Press                          3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Andrew Lamar                           3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
3 Jon Swanston                           3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 AlcIdes Ferrera                        3   1  2    2   5  −3    7

Group D
Jaxton Monty (QAD)                       1   6   4
Alice Curson (ETN)                       6   1   6

Ofra bat Dekel (JUD)                     4   6   4
Estela Fenton-Millington (EFL)           6   3   6


  Group D                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ofra bat Dekel                         3   2  1    5   2  +3   14
2 Alice Curson                           3   2  1    4   3  +1   14  LL
3 Jaxton Monty                           3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Estela Fenton-Millington               3   1  2    2   5  −3    7

Group E
Hadar ben Ofer (JUD)                     6   6  13
Andrea au Jara (REV)                     7   3  11

Filippo N'Dragheta (MHZ)                 2   2
Dominika Lisicki (MTJ)                   6   6


  Group E                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hadar ben Ofer                         3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Dominika Lisicki                       3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Andrea au Jara                         3   1  2    4   4   0    7
4 Filippo N'Dragheta                     3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Group F
Ofir bat Paz (JUD)                       4   3
Andrew Baumgartner (KRY)                 6   6

Tommy West (NGD)                         7   0   1
Greg Meares (ETM)                        5   6   6


  Group F                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Greg Meares                            3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Andrew Baumgartner                     3   2  1    4   2  +2   14  LL
3 Tommy West                             3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Ofir bat Paz                           3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Group G
Aljaz Corluka (MTJ)                      6   6   6
Mattias Doerwald (NEG)                   3   7   4

Con Towers (KWP)                         6   6   8
Jaimy Leger (EFL)                        3   7   6


  Group G                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Aljaz Corluka                          3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Mattias Doerwald                       3   2  1    5   4  +1   14  LL
3 Con Towers                             3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
4 Jaimy Leger                            3   0  3    2   6  −4    0

Group H
John Muir (SCH)                          3   1
Frankie Webb (HUM)                       6   6

Noah Damaris (CEN)                       6   7   4
Hunter Roberts (ETM)                     7   6   6


  Group H                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hunter Roberts                         3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Frankie Webb                           3   2  1    4   3  +1   14  LL
3 Noah Damaris                           3   1  2    4   4   0    7
4 John Muir                              3   0  3    0   6  −6    0

Group I
Giorgio Irani (EFL)                      6   6
Joe Mantella (MHZ)                       4   0

Jakub au Ignaa (REV)                     0   7   1
Mattias Burges (MTJ)                     6   6   6


  Group I                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Giorgio Irani                          3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
2 Mattias Burges                         3   2  1    5   4  +1   14  LL
3 Joe Mantella                           3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Jakub au Ignaa                         3   1  2    3   4  −1    7

Group J
Laura Roshik (MRC)                       6   3   3
Jade Oreskovic (SRB)                     3   6   6

Renee Richardson (KWP)                   6   4   6
Ty Kanelious (QAD)                       4   6   4


  Group J                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Renee Richardson                       3   3  0    6   3  +3   21
2 Laura Roshik                           3   1  2    4   4   0    7  LL
3 Ty Kanelious                           3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Jade Oreskovic                         3   1  2    3   5  −2    7

Group K
Maya Cassington (ETM)                    2   6   6
Stephanie Brown (NGD)                    6   2   1

Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura (NTN)     6   2   6
Alexander Linip (MRC)                    3   6   4


  Group K                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Maya Cassington                        3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Alexander Linip                        3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
3 Stephanie Brown                        3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
4 Iohanna Márcia Enderssen-Moura         3   1  2    2   5  −3    7

Group L
Feyrord Poniac (QAD)                     6   6   3
Mei Jokek (MRC)                          3   7   6

Prince Simon (MHZ)                       6   5   6
Felice Mareaux (NEG)                     3   7   2


  Group L                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Felice Mareaux                         3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
2 Mei Jokek                              3   2  1    5   3  +2   14
3 Feyrord Poniac                         3   1  2    3   5  −2    7
4 Prince Simon                           3   1  2    3   5  −2    7

Group M
Ion Victor Amúlio (NTN)                  3   6   6
Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell (MHZ)     6   3   3

Olivia Murphy (HUM)                      6   3   6
Jessica Moreaux (KRY)                    3   6   3


  Group M                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Olivia Murphy                          3   3  0    6   2  +4   21
2 Ion Victor Amúlio                      3   2  1    5   4  +1   14  LL
3 Jessica Moreaux                        3   1  2    4   5  −1    7
4 Maurizio The Iron Fist Tortell         3   0  3    2   6  −4    0

Group N
Mihaela Ioana Prisco (NTN)               1   6   6
Eliza Reusmann (SCH)                     6   4   3

Thomas Hutchon (ETN)                     6   7
Liam Penderyn (NGD)                      3   6


  Group N                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Thomas Hutchon                         3   3  0    6   0  +6   21
2 Eliza Reusmann                         3   1  2    3   4  −1    7
3 Mihaela Ioana Prisco                   3   1  2    3   5  −2    7
4 Liam Penderyn                          3   1  2    2   5  −3    7

Group O
Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)                  2   4
Cracik Almeronovic (MRC)                 6   6

Rog Ion Tralito (NTN)                    3   6   8
Nico Angelo (ETN)                        6   1   6


  Group O                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Cracik Almeronovic                     3   3  0    6   1  +5   21
2 Nico Angelo                            3   1  2    3   4  −1    7  LL
3 Gisela Stefanovic                      3   1  2    2   4  −2    7
4 Rog Ion Tralito                        3   1  2    3   5  −2    7

Group P
Marisa Celeste FrIeri (SRB)              4   6   5
Gyda au Jara (REV)                       6   2   7

Hollie Gratton (ETN)                     6   6
Bradyn Burn (EFL)                        4   4


  Group P                              Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Hollie Gratton                         3   3  0    6   0  +6   21
2 Bradyn Burn                            3   2  1    4   3  +1   14
3 Gyda au Jara                           3   1  2    3   5  −2    7
4 Marisa Celeste FrIeri                  3   0  3    1   6  −5    0

Doubles

Group A
Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic (SRB)              6   6
Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl (MTJ)                        4   3


  Group A                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic                  2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Dominika Lisicki/Rikard Kampl                            2   1  1    2   3  −1    7  LL
3 Emmerich au Fuse/Conrad au Fuse                          2   0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group B
Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala (NEG)                      6   2
Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon (NGD)                           7   6


  Group B                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Andrew Lamar/Jack Algernon                               2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Dominic Ripaldi/Thierry Garzala                          2   1  1    2   3  −1    7  LL
3 Livnat bat Avram/Arieh ben Daniyyel                      2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group C
Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood (NGD)                        6   4   8
Jordan Bennet/Lucy Hockers (ETN)                           4   6   6


  Group C                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Liam Penderyn/Harry Blackwood                            2   2  0    4   2  +2   14
2 Jordan Bennet/Lucy Hockers                               2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
3 Laura Roshik/Wendy Noyek                                 2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group D
Peter McLeod/Anna Jones (SCH)                              3   6   6
Blair Forest/Donny Knight (QAD)                            6   1   1


  Group D                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Anat ben Yonah/Hadar ben Ofer                            2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Peter McLeod/Anna Jones                                  2   1  1    2   3  −1    7
3 Blair Forest/Donny Knight                                2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group E
Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse (REV)                            5   0
Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates (SCH)                               7   6


  Group E                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Rob Westfelt/Ken Gates                                   2   2  0    4   1  +3   14
2 Ioana au Fuse/Ela au Fuse                                2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Kiersten Bullock/Reina Jaber                             2   0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group F
Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz (KRY)                           6   4   6
Jack Booth/Nicholas Burns (HUM)                            2   6   4


  Group F                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Jack Booth/Nicholas Burns                                2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
2 Michael Legrand/Juan Ortiz                               2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Renee Richardson/Fi Richardson                           2   1  1    2   3  −1    7

Group G
Eric Parry/Phoenix Moore (HUM)                             4   6   9
Márcus Gabriel Alencastro/Mihai Caeso Mihailescu (NTN)     6   3   7


  Group G                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Terry Rèben/Icy Mellows                                  2   1  1    3   3   0    7 
2 Eric Parry/Phoenix Moore                                 2   1  1    3   3   0    7
3 Márcus Gabriel Alencastro/Mihai Caeso Mihailescu         2   1  1    3   3   0    7 
  

Group H
Owen Simmons/Perry Walsh (KRY)                             7   7
Phoebe Harvey/Berat Latif (EFL)                            5   6


  Group H                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Samuel Gates/Greg Meares                                 2   2  0    4   0  +4   14
2 Owen Simmons/Perry Walsh                                 2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Phoebe Harvey/Berat Latif                                2   0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group I
Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic (NEG)                         3   2
Tariq Salmat/Vera di Santos (KWP)                          6   6


  Group I                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Goran Petrovic/Ria Valentia                              2   1  1    2   2   0    7 
2 Marco Vrient/Danjiella Zovic                             2   1  1    2   2   0    7 
3 Tariq Salmat/Vera di Santos                              2   1  1    2   2   0    7 

Group J
Lara Basic/Julian Slazic (MTJ)                             7   3   7
Túlius Tarquínio da Silva/Ápio Rog dos Santos (NTN)        6   6   5


  Group J                                                Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Túlius Tarquínio da Silva/Ápio Rog dos Santos            2   1  1    3   2  +1    7
2 Jack Parminus/Adam Stratesimov                           2   1  1    2   2   0    7
3 Lara Basic/Julian Slazic                                 2   1  1    2   3  −1    7

Doubles Tournament
Singles Tournament

Ethanian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

Ethanian Open [NSTT] - IC Thread

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