PointeWest Heavy-weights battle for love!

PointeWest 09-23-07. Only the natural beauty of the scenery surpassed the pleasant bouquet of bodywash wafting through PointeWest stadium. As JT faced his greatest challenge to date. Accompanied by his love-interest Erin... JT was forced to either elevate his game, or lose face in front of his sweetie. 
JT's early lead dissolves as BR's serve begins to dominate. With both power and spin even the Champ had difficulty returning the cannonballs BR was firing his way. The champ frequently was forced to recoil at the shear power BR hurled at him.  
Serving to level the match at 4-4 --- BR double faults giving JT a 5-3 lead. This was truly the pivotal point of the match, and although denied by BR... fatigue was surely a factor. Now serving for the set --- the champ loses his cool as BR saves two set-points with monster slams. JT slams his racket to the ground, while profanities echo throughout PointeWest Stadium. To the champs credit, he quickly adjust his tactics. Hitting deeper and running BR, the champ starts to pull ahead --- winning the set 6-4.  
As with most TowerTennis matches. He/she who wins the first set... most often takes the wind out of their opponent's sails. JT goes on to dominate the second set winning 6-1. With this victory... JT is in excellent position to win an unprecedented fourth Championship. If his status as "Dynasty Champion" was ever in doubt... such a conquest should forever silence any detractors. 

KI survives DH 7-5, 6-1!

PointeWest 09-22-07. Details unavailable.
File Photo from 2006 Tournament

DK checks BY's chance for glory!

Harmon Park 09-20-07. Frustrated by his seeding in previous years --- BY was beautifully positioned for a trip to the finals. Although no match is a given... BY felt confident in his chances if he could get by DK. DK and BY had difficulty in scheduling their match. DK had even offered BY a forfeit. BY preferring the battle, declined his kind offer. Unbeknownst to BY --- DK's dormant competitive spirit had recently awakened! This proved fatal for BY, as DK's youth, size, and vigor are formidable assets.
Implementing a sneak attack --- BY is surprised by DK's unorthodox underhand serve. Questioning whether this was legal, BY is assured by SV that indeed it is. The only applicable rule in serving is that the ball must not touch the ground before being struck by the racket.  
The deciding battle was the first set! A close struggle where both players fought for each point. Numerous rallies including multiple volley exchanges, were quite entertaining. In the end DK edged by BY, taking the first set 7-5. Now exhausted and fighting off nausea... BY is easy pickings for his younger opponent. BY even seemed confused, mistaking his opponent for LD by stating: "Thank you Lord" after winning a hard fought point. DK takes the match in straight sets: 7-5, 6-1. DK advances, while BY's best chance ever is checked by a fellow hockey player.  

Serve and Volley battle ends well for BR!

Harmon Park 09-20-07. Meeting a stronger challenge in his second match, BR is tested by DNR. Tied 3-3, it looked as if BR's quest for dominance would be cut short. With limited success side to side, BR decides to play DNR front to back, drawing DNR to the net then lobbing over or drilling into him. Coupled with passing shots, BR takes advantage and wins the 1st set 6-4. Followed by a 6-2 2nd set victory, BR advances to the 3rd round for a chance to knock off the champ.  

Champ staggered by 1st set loss... but toll too much for LD.

Harmon Park 09-19-07. In a rematch of last year's championship finals. LD was primed to take JT down. Spending hours pounding buckets of balls, LD came to the court ready to play. Perhaps overconfident, JT spent little time preparing for today's match --- almost paying a price for it.
Both player's were noticeably improved from last year. LD's overall game, and JT's new backhand. Many baseline battles were a joy to watch. LD concentrated on JT's backhand, while JT ran the Lord from side to side. Ultimately, it was this strategy which took the Lord out of the match.

As F16's scream overhead distracting the Lord. The first set could have gone either way. Tied at 4-4, 30-all... LD calls a second serve out. Although challenged by JT, the Lord upholds his call taking a 30-40 lead. Now agitated, the Champ double faults... giving LD a 5-4 advantage. Serving for the set, the Lord's serves are relatively weak, giving JT an edge. Despite this disadvantage LD manages to reach set point. Now do-or-die, a phenomenal point results where both players fight for their tournament lives. JT survives one set point, but soon goes down in controversy. Losing track of the score --- LD calls deuce when JT thought it was his advantage. Unhappily, JT yields the point, then soon finds himself setpoint down again. The Lord then makes a disputed call (ON SET POINT) taking the first set 6-4.

Angered by his loss, and the controversial nature of his demise. JT comes out swinging in the 2nd. Meanwhile, LD has been showing signs of back trouble since late in the 1st. LD's pain was evident, and JT punished him for this incapacity. The second and third sets were all JT. Barely able to play, and seeing the inevitable, LD retires giving JT the victory. Champ tested, but prevails again: 4-6, 6-1, 4-1 (retired).

MM takes KN to first set tie-breaker.

Crossroads Park WDM 09-14-07. With a fall-like chill in the morning air. KN and MM engage each other in a close contest. Playing after his midnight shift MM puts KN to the test by tying the first set at 6-6. Now forced into a tie-breaker... this first battle could go either way. Pressed for time; KN musters the energy needed to elevate his game. KN takes the tie-breaker 7-2.

Now showing signs of fatigue and over-heated. MM starts to falter, as KN seems to improve. In a much easier set than the first --- KN takes the second 6-2.

KN defeats MM 7-6 (7-2), 6-2

Like a Phoenix emerging from the ashes... BR is reborn!

Valley High School 09-13-07. A once powerful force on the courts of Minnesota, now unshackled, and free. The true talent held in check for years is now unleashed! In an unprecedented rout... BR has little difficulty shutting out SV: 6-0, 6-0.

Serve, shot placement, and slice were major weapons... each forcing SV into defensive position. Even BR's overhead lob was executed flawlessly.

BR advances to play DNR, while SV will take on JR.

Champ tested, but prevails!

Harmon Park 09-13-07. With swirling, chaotic winds and incoming darkening clouds, JT and JM
squared off at the Henry Gadd Harmon tennis court complex. Things started off even enough, but then things fared worse for JM. While many hoped for an upset to 'Mr. 3-Peat', JT's booming forehand was soon having its way. Missile after missile sent JM's way had him on the ropes and his returns in the net. JM didn't go easily, however. He fought valiently and exposed some weaknesses in JT's game. At one point JT was even overheard muttering, "This guy can play!". A final score of 6-2, 6-4 could well mean that JT is enroute to an unprecedented 4th title. We'll have to see what LD, DNR, BR, the winner of the consolation bracket and others have to say about that.

KI meets little resistance from LR.

PointeWest 09-09-07. With more experience, and better equipment --- KI meets little resistance against his younger opponent. In his inaugural appearance in a TowerTennis Championship. LR faces a more experienced player, and makes a fatal equipment choice.

With a big, powerful stroke LR needed a racket which could hold up to the stress. Although outmatched, LR's poor racket choice sealed his fate when he pops a string early in the second set. KI routs LR 6-0, 6-1.

Farewell Poker Party for KB a success!

PointeWest 09-08-07. Well known as a man of few words --- long time buddies from Kansas City remark: "We've never seen Kevin talk so much!" When presented with a plaque and acknowledged for his contributions to the Des Moines Tower. KB became free- flowing with his words.
Poker was the game of choice... but Kevin was the reason for the season! During intermission at a monthly poker tournament --- all proceedings were halted to present KB with a plaque for his service to the Des Moines Tower. With a packed house... tower personnel and non-tower people alike, honored KB with a plaque suitable for hanging in his future den. Kevin gave a speech, then resumed his poker conquest. Kevin finished in the money, taking some profit home.

We all wish Kevin the best... and hope he'll return from time to time for poker!