December 11, 2009 at 11:47 pm
· Filed under Tennis ·Tagged tennis, usta
Before the start of each season the League would host a meeting for the captains. My first meeting falls on a weekday night in middle of December.
The 2009 holiday season was not a merry one in New York. Although the 76 ft tall Norway spruce tree from Easton, CT at the Rockefeller Center and the major shoppers meccas were all lighted in the city, the mood was anxious and cautious. Wall Street has gone through a bear market and a bull market Seles’ bell ringing. We were in the renewed bear market since last summer (2008). The fourth-largest investment bank in the US Lehman Brothers went belly up [At 1:45am on September 15, 2008 filed Chapter 11.] last autumn, triggering the $700 billion bailout to save the American financial system. A friend of mine who has been working at Lehman Bro for the past 25 years. Over night, she was not only jobless but saw her retirement account dried up. The dire circumstance was befell on almost everyone. Even Larry Flynt chipped in to ask for a piece of sweet American pie for his porn industry. The Dow would close at 6,547.05, on March 9, 2009, a 12-year low.
The Queens USTA mixed doubles captains‘ meeting was held at Jackson Steakhouse in Long Island City. That Wednesday started out lousy, rainy, yucky and depressy. Hmmmm.. actually when I have had more time, I really enjoyed rain once in a while. Have a cup of tea or glass of wine, sit by the window, counting the rain drops. Another era and another life time. But by the time I dragged myself out of the house, the weather has turned nice, the temperature was hovering above 50 and sun even made appearances. I went to swim. The pool was uncrowded. But I didn’t feel very light. Perhaps haven’t swum often enough. Felt like a Titanic – there were often times when I feel like a speed boat. I only managed 30 laps. After 20 straight in free, I began breaststrokes, then saw the beautiful sunset through the glass bubble. The top of the sky was bright and followed by light brown, a cup of latte or eggnog 🙂 and tree tops … very pretty. It made me almost regret being in the water. Swimming pool is always a safe heaven for me, perhaps for everyone else too: no matter it’s scrounging summer day or blistering winter storm, the temperature remains comfortable, a 世外桃源 xanadu.
I was late for my first ever meeting (hello Irene!!). There were about 50+ players: volunteers, coordinators and captains. The Local League Coordinator for Metro was a lady who is unpaid volunteer with a 60-hour per week full time job. She went over the dos, don’ts and rules, new and old. Don’t know where she works and what she does but if were she the head of the – SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, would we be in this mess right now? Probably NOT! Ok, the likelihood of her running the SEC was as much as Larry Flynt is asking for a bailout, but the seriousness of the League took me by surprise.
One of don’ts was be nice to a new comer. Many teams need more player and there are in fact many players looking for a team – that’s how I was being placed on a team and played once many years ago.
“Don’t tell a self claimed 4.5 he’s only 2.5.” The bigger the number indicates a higher playing skill. Serena and Roger are all ranked 7+. A person just starts out to learn to play with the skill that could push the ball over the net is likely to be at 2.0 level.
There was round of laugh.
“Be nice and tell him that your team isn’t right for him. I don’t want him going around and bad mouth us.” Even tennis league is recruiting.
The restaurant looks pretty neat for LIC standard. Pam ordered some wings and calamari with drinks. The waiter brought my glass of Chianti that filled to the brim like soda – my theory is that the fuller the wine is in a glass the lower the restaurant is in ranking. No dinner was followed; finger food and drinks were on USTA or Metro Tennis.
After the meeting, LLC stayed for nearly an hour tutored the six of us, the newbies. There was a pair who heads 6.0, and two cute Asian men we might face: they head 7.0. They said the league’s average age is 48. I knew why: we have to wait till our kids grow up – not that I was around much when mine were younger. ..
Over all, I’m glad to know the League is being well managed – although there are improvements (which organization doesn’t need?) .. . The girls who ran it were professional and able. Clearly they have passion for it, trying to make the game fair. Not sure why USTA doesn’t pay them. Perhaps we’re all nuts about the game, so they [USTA] knew they could get freebies.
P.S. I would find out later that the volunteers are paid ..
After seeing the my fellow 3.5 boys had gone to the National in 2009 and myself won an impossible match that boast my confident considerably, I decided to join an USTA team myself.
I quietly (yes .. I did worry if I was good enough to make a team .. so told no one) sent an email to the Long Island coordinator and when she had enough players she formed a team. Our team captain is a veteran who works at a tennis club, which would be our home base.
One day Simon asked me what do I do this winter. I told him that I joined a team.
“Sign me up.” He said, without asking where what, who and when.
Surely partner. Our team was looking for players. Actually every team is perpetually looking for good players.
A few days later, another friend heard from Simon and asked to join with her husband.
Yes ma’am, why not. I was about to run to shout to my captain.
Then they asked who else were on the team.
“I don’t know anyone.” I said.
They were surprised. “You don’t know anyone? Why did you join??”
Cause I wanted to play ..
Then the voice grew louder: why don’t we form a team?
OMG, that’s a GREAT idea. Count me PLEASEY.
The timing was great. The playing circle I was in, was mostly boys. After nearly a decade playing, or better yet, trained by them, I grew more confident and could hit the ball over the net.
Who’s captain I asked.
Oh no, everyone was looking at me.
You’re kidding right?
They said they were NOT.
When electing the leader, we Chinese would threw in the worst candidate first, like a court jester to warm up the crowds, to entertain and to shame the better qualified man or woman to step forward. The position would go round two, more nominations and polite refusals, sometimes even round three. Irene being a simpleton, and against my best judgment, I accepted. Eagerly nodded her head the first time. It must have surprised them as much as myself.
At the recruiting time, Ping the well respected champion whom I thought would be the captain, word to word fed me the following line:
“Irene, please do not say I want him to join .. just tell him that I already signed up.”
It worked like magic. We’ve a full and strong squad in no time.
November 24, 2009 at 10:40 pm
· Filed under Football, Tennis
Wang Zhaojun Departs the Frontier. The title isn’t quite fit but for some reason it’s the first thing came to my mind. You get it, you got it.
My first match on the USTA league was last Sunday at World Gym at Setauket. 42 miles. As #2 Doubles my partner and I were routed 1 and 2. We were out played from the beginning. The opponents, the guy could tumble, scramble, double and can Michael Jordan too – like flying. The girl is a seasoned league player who wore a pretty top. That’s distracting too :). I wasn’t nervous but just don’t have the tools to handle them. I held only one game and had one double fault. On a first serve, the guy called it out then immediately revert it by telling me to take another first serve. He apologized at the change over too, which wasn’t necessary. (But later I learned that it should have been our point .. .. oh well, newbie ..)
As a team, we were 1:2. Our #1 Doubles lost too, the #3 Doubles won in third set. They played the captain of the team who’s little heavy. Ok, that’s a distortion, he should be here. On the way home – I car pooled with two teammates, one of them snapped ..
“They’re just better players .. ” when my partner and I were saying that we had too many unforced errors. Was I trying to discredit my opponents? Absolutely not.
It occurred to me that I’ve been taken care of on court all the time. So when it requires my fair share of contribution, I’m just not up to it. Shame shame shame. This is the more whimsical portrait of Zhaojun chusai.
Out of nowhere, in the deep end of island (and in spite of its name – World Gym), I would think the courts are airy, spacious and the people are friendlier – there isn’t any worldliness. Wrong. The courts at the World Gym suck (cost us $20 each for 2 hours of doubles game) and the front desk isn’t exactly nice. One of my buddies in the morning (I played with them for early two sets – lost 1st set) gave me his version of direction for getting there after learning why I had to leave early. It differed from mine so for safety I called to verify. The girl haughtily replied:
“I only know our address.” and hung up.
Maybe she doesn’t like my accent -:) or GPS too prevalent ..
The home team provided beer, pizza and foot long hero. There wasn’t a bottle opener. Remember to bring one when we’re hosting.
Giants was playing that afternoon as we were driving home. The driver turned the radio to the game and began talking about da little giants. Without the moving images on the tube, I couldn’t follow the game. I promptly felt asleep, began drooling and snoring. Ms Manner indeed. Giants has a wonderful start then felt apart. They just don’t have the defense.
Irene sucks. Not feeling nervous doesn’t translate into winning a game or two.
Ok, the funny part was .. As my partner pulling into a parking spot, I asked him about Giants ..
“Third inning?” Thinking I could catch the last quarter. Then felt … hmmm .. inning isn’t right .. that’s summer term ., for the baseball boys. But I just couldn’t get the quarter out.
“You mean quarter?” My partner supplied the right word.
“Oh yes ,,” My senior moment strikes often now .. 🙂
“It’s the third quarter.”
Another teammate turned around, incredulously asked
“You like football?”
“Yes I do.”
“Football?” He asked again in disbelieve.
“Ya.” I was dumbfounded. So Chinese chick can’t like football?
Monday I was summoned to court at 6:30am. I hardly could get up. Plus traffic I was 31 minutes late. Sorry guys.. .. The organizer just called to remind me, to be there tomorrow on time, 6:30am. I need a life. Real life.
In 2003, all USTA sections implemented the Dynamic NTRP. Dynamic NTRP will allow for ease of entry and ease of administration while maintaining the integrity of USTA League Tennis, but without the requirements of current National NTRP Verification Procedures (visual verification).
Overview
The use of a dynamic rating system is predicated on having the ability to get the match results into the national database quickly and easily with the help of team captains to report scores. The USTA’s automated data management system, TennisLink, integrates the national database and the NTRP program to provide a seamless flow of information.
TennisLink provides:
Significantly improved team registration, membership and eligibility management
Increased efficiency in match scorecard entry
Automated standings and a Championship module
Dynamic NTRP ratings will be used to:
Produce better year-end NTRP rating based on all previous match results and the use of national benchmark NTRP rat
Determine “clearly above level” players
Produce Dynamic ratings at any point in time to establish ratings for players that begin prior to January 1st of the championship year
Information for NEW USTA League Tennis players
If you’re a New player to USTA League, you will benefit from ease of entry and the elimination of on-court verification and its associated costs and time. New players enter the program by rating themselves using the NTRP General and Specific Characteristics of Various Playing Levels, located in “National Tennis Rating Program” on the USTA League web page and in various USTA publications. The NTRP characteristics have not changed. Many of you should be able to self-rate accurately…do you play with league players who currently have computer ratings. Knowing their ratings, where would you place yourself?
TennisLink will provide a self-rating declaration box for new players at the time of registration.
New players will begin to generate a dynamic NTRP rating after their first match against a player who has an NTRP computer rating.
Information for RETURNING USTA League players
If you’re a returning USTA League player you will begin your league season with your current NTRP computer rating. If you are under 60 years of age and received your computer rating before the 2006 league year, you may self-rate to enter the program. Computer ratings will stay in the system for 3 years or until replaced with a new computer rating. If you are 60 years of age and older and received your computer rating before the 2007 league year, you may self-rate to enter the program for you computer rating is only valid for 2 years unless replace with a new computer rating.
Disqualification
Dynamic NTRP ratings will be run by the computer to determine if any players are “clearly above level” using the current Disqualification Procedure Guidelines. Players will be disqualified if they achieve the currently established “clearly above level” status three times based on all matches reported in the national database for Adult and Senior Divisions. This includes all match play in Adult and Senior divisions in all sections. Remember, you must reach this disqualification level three times during the championship league year in order to be disqualified.
November 13, 2009 at 3:45 pm
· Filed under Tennis ·Tagged tennis, usta
There are more rules and regulations with main street weekend hackers than Wall Street professionals. So many that I have to take notes and post it here so it wouldn’t get lost or eaten by a dog. More to follow as I’m plowing further.
USTA Adult leagues are divided into layers of organization
National
Sectional (Eastern)
Regional (Metro; Long Island; NJ)
District (Manhattan, Queens & Brooklyn)
Divisions
There are something ..
The Dos
Validate your availability on MTG and make update as needed
November 5, 2009 at 8:34 pm
· Filed under Musing, Tennis
One weekend I was playing with seven handsomes at Whitney. A stocky man in his 40s or maybe 50s (hard to gauge his age because his weathered face) came empty handed except a lone tennis racket. He dressed in jeans and street sneakers. He watched us play and on the next change over, he came into our court and said with thick Hispanic accent,
“Can I play?”
“Sure. I’ll take a break.” I offered. All boys game, perfect.
“No, no, I want to play with you.” He pointed his index finger at me. He’s about my height. I could see the determination in his eyes.
We were bit surprised. Two boys graciously tried to vacant their spot, saying wanted to take a water break anyway. One remained and one sat down to watch.
We all harbored the same thought that he was either a tennis ace or …
As it turned out, he didn’t know how to play tennis but probably was very athletic during his younger days, or may still playing soccer.
We were all bit amused. I was struck at his gut. We were clearly not his group of people and playing the sport that he didn’t know how to play. Yet he asked to join the fun. We agreed to give him a chance.
How many people is willing to go out side of their comfort zone, risking rejection, trying something new? You would be surprised how many people are willing to give you an opportunity.
We saw him a few more times but he did not ask to play with us again.
Dear All,
By now I suppose you all know the ground rule of our club but I would like to remind you all of one very important issue: please bring your shuttlecocks.
We all know that feather shuttlecocks are expensive and they don’t last. For a 15 minute session, we probably use one to two shuttlecocks, or three at the most. With four players in each round of play on a court, it is not exactly necessary we need four shuttlecocks per session. However, no one can argue that it is fair that everyone contribute to the game. We are well aware that some of our members never bring a shuttlecock to the court and this has to stop.
From now on, everyone sign in and come to play on a court must provide a brand new feather shuttlecock. Anyone else on the court has the right to ask any other player on the court to show his/her new shuttlecock. One who fail to show his contribution of new feather shuttlecock may be asked to leave the court and his/her round of play will be skipped.
We always have had this practice but most of the time it has not been enforced and recently I heard a few complaints about members not contributing, causing some others to keep buying new shuttlecocks while other keep playing for free. We must enforce the one-birdie-one-person rule so everyone enjoy the game fair and square…
Not finding a place to buy feather shuttlecocks is not a valid excuse. We understand that badminton is not a very popular sport in the US therefore a few of our members buy shuttlecocks from China by bulk to share with other members, charging only a bear minimum to cover their cost. Anyone needs new shuttlecocks please contact Alex Cuan or Jing He. You may also go to any badminton clubs in NY to buy from them as well. Otherwise, if anyone has shuttlecocks for sale please also let me know…
If anyone do no believe this is fair, please come to me in person in any club evening.
Best Regards,
Sam
Petty? Yes. But to ensure the longevity of any social/grass root group we need someone like Sam. Set rules that apply to everyone, and follow through with it. Put the group first and I the last.
I’ve witnessed him wrestling with court sign up process – too many players with too few courts. He openly invited everyone to voice his/her concern/suggestion/solution and finally came up with the current system. Now I guess it’s the shuttlecocks time.
A little sideline: it’s amusing to see some tennis players whom I’ve been playing with for years, never once opened a can of balls. Don’t have balls? Hmmmmmmm.. They must be the firm believers that there is free lunch.
Anyway, I have been playing with Sam for years but we don’t invite each other to our own BBQs. Once I dared to nag him to stop smoking – it bothered me. There were many his friends around, he retorted in his booming voice, well .. little woman, pls mind your own business. He wasn’t joking.
Sam volunteers to run the badminton group in lower Manhattan in an effective manner, for years. He does a lot to make it fair and interesting, between setting/enforcing rules and soothe disputes. At year-end, he would collect money for the staff at the recreation center where they call it home. He has been at it for a long time, 4 years by now. He is well respected by his constituents so no one challenges him for this prestigious position because it’s a lot of hard work and painful headache, not to mention time consuming .. unless you have real love for it. The only reward is seeing this group has good time each time.
Any one who aspires to run a group should learn a thing or two from Sam. First put your personal agenda or benefit aside, do a string unattached job. When everyone sees your effort, unselfish effort, they will come, and reciprocate with respect and support.
Last week, Sam’s group started the second round of their league tournament (dreamed up by Sam, with inputs from everyone .. ) and from the scores, the three matches were very intensive, great time and games by all.
Match A1: 4 vs 15, ..
Game 1: 4, 21-18, 15
Game 2: 4, 21-23, 15
Game 3: 4, 23-21, 15
Match B1: 3 vs 5, ..
Game 1: 3, 21-13, 5
Game 2: 3, 16-21, 5
Game 3: 3, 21-13, 5
Match B2: 1 vs 8, ..
Game 1: 1, 21-14, 8
Game 2: 1, 10-21, 8
Game 2: 1, 24-22, 8
Last September he got 20 tickets to the WNBA game at the MSG, Madison Sq Garden. It was given to the group as whole. He announced it on the web and allotted them to the first 20 repliers.
During his reign so far, I could only recall one whiner who perhaps in desperate need of some attention. The trouble maker complained about something that’s neither made sense or out of line. After few polite e-mail exchanges, Sammy finally told the person .. be quiet. (No, Sam didn’t fine the person $1,500 as Roger was fined by USTA .. ) Players lined up behind him, because they could see Sam in it is NOT for himself.
Our group picture with Chaoyang at the end of a friendly game in New York.
The same could not be said for other groups.
It’s just happened, during the US Open, Chaoyang had extra 12 tickets and they gave to catsny since we entertained them for a friendly game on Sunday. I knew nothing about the tickets till an unhappy camper told me. To find out for myself, I asked the organizer who replied:
I received 6 day’s ans [sic .. and] 6 night’s tickets from Jennifer. I gave out to whomever wanted to go and kept 1 night ticket for myself.
How come I was never offered one?? Thought we’re friends 🙂
In all honesty, I don’t believe friends should get any priority or preferential treatment in a group setting. Fairness is the key. I added that just being factious. After all, I was part of the group, and I was indeed unaware of the tickets.
The organizer replied:
many said the sane [same] thing. Tickets came and go in no time. Just couldn’t keep everyone happy
Meanwhile, those few heading a group with clear mission statement, incurred many complains are wondering why they put in time and effort but were not appreciated.
Well, my suggestion is:
Stick to your mission statement, and review it often, and carry it out
Make it open and transparent, no back door dealings
Put the G – group first, I second if not last.
I’ve always felt a bit ambivalent about the motives of the xx organization. It seems they’re not aware of their own mission statement.
September 2, 2009 at 3:54 pm
· Filed under Tennis ·Tagged tennis
Not just me who loves carpentry, Larry loves it too.
Look closer at his creation, it’s obviously a finely done piece.
I’ve never done chair because it isn’t easy. Too many smaller pieces and joins. I don’t have the tools. His lounging chair is just simply sublime.
August 11, 2009 at 1:15 pm
· Filed under Tennis ·Tagged usta
Sitting pretty, very pretty, the crystal ball. .
The USTA League’s Eastern Section Championship was held at Syracuse, August 7-9, with six teams:
Metro (us)
New Jersey
Long Island
Northern
Southern
Western
We’re the champions. I told the boys with a poker face, that without the groupies, they won’t win.. .. ha ha ha ha .. .. My partner Tom Liu seconded that. Good partner.
They played with lots of hearts and souls, with drama queen and king during the two play offs. It’s a virgin voyage for most players.
Match 1: Friday 8am, against the the Jersey Boys. Result: 3:2
First singles: Peter Zhuang, 1:6, 5:7 (opponent Michael W. Alexander got DQ’d)
Second singles: Jim Wang, 3:6, 6:3, tiebreak ?:10
First doubles: Charles Zhang/Henry Tian, 2:6, 6:3, tiebreak ?:10
Second doubles: Don Wang /Tom Tseng, 7:6, 5:7, tiebreak 10:?
Third doubles: Louis Chan/Ken Zhang, 7:5, 6:1
Peter is a great player and team player; down to earth, earnest and always helpful. His family vacation to Florida was August 8-15, but he stayed and went up north to play, sending his wife alone with the kids down south.
“I negotiated with her.” He said.
“What did you promise her your arm or leg, or a 5-carat diamond?” Irene should stop making sick jokes.
His wife is a 4.0 player and very nice and down to earth.
“I spent 2 hours clean the house.” He confessed.
See, I told you his wife is nice. We’re all very grateful Yan!
Peter has few nice words to say about Capital One. During its promotion, the credit card is giving 4 points for each dollar one spends. So he suggests that to raise 8 free tickets to the National isn’t a dream if we spend $50,000 between now and end of December. Jonathan raised his hand to say that’s easy, because he’s renovating his new house. The tennis court alone would cost $60k or so.
William Chan is well known among our boys (he called to congratulate the team upon hearing the news at the end). The boys know how he plays, his strength and weakness. He and Jimmy were deadly even after one set each. Unfortunately in the tiebreak, Jimmy suffer cramp, lost to him in tiebreak.
John was initially asked to play the second singles. But Sir John decided to hold on to his dear pillow, refused to get up in the morning.
Match 2: Friday 2pm, against Northern; Result: 3:2
First singles: Peter, 6:0, 6:2
Second singles: Charlie 6:3, 5:7, tiebreak ?:10
First doubles: Jimmy/John Jiang, 6:4, 6:4
Second doubles: Don/Tom, 7:6, 6:4
Third doubles: Louis/Ken, 6:2, 3:6, tiebreak ?:10
At 2 PM meet, John Jiang woke up and team up with Jimmy who suffered from a cramp in morning meet. They won but at a cost the Jimmy’s cramping recurred. He had to call trainer in between match to work on his foot. The same scene you saw Nadal receiving treatment at court.
With shortage of players, Charlie Zhang had to take up 1st single position so Peter can enhance his chance to win 2nd single. The strategy worked. Peter won and Charlie, yes Charlie put up an unbelievable fight against his opponent in a match that lasted 3 hours. Yes, 3 hours my friend. He ended up losing in tie-breaker.
Everyone was moved by his resilience, fighting spirit and stamina.
Match 3: Saturday 8am, against Southern, Result: 3:2
First singles: Steve Hu, 3:6, 5:7
Second singles: Peter, 6:4, 6:1
First doubles: Jimmy/John, 0:6, 6:4, tiebreak ?:10
Second doubles: Don/Tom, 2:6, 6:4, tiebreak 10:?
Third doubles: Andy Lin/Louis, 6:2, 3:6, tiebreak 10:?
I woke up at 4:05am, from a dream that I was running away from something or someone. The gang of four set out in the dark. Except for the driver Simon who’s bit late – needing time to put on his make up, all girls were on time. I volunteered to drive, thinking once past GW bridge, it’s all highway, 80 to 81. But DQ used her GPS, going local. No local local, but secondary highway, route 17. I gave up. It’s too early to have to deal with instructions. We got there smoothly. As we were looking for the courts, we came up on some nice courts. Mary who’s veteran told us,
“Keep looking. Those aren’t.”
She’s right.
USTA runs their leagues on less desirable facilities, at Lois Good Tennis Pavilion at the Syracuse University campus. The staff is paid but the courts might be free. They do men and women 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 at one weekend, and 3.0,4.0 and 5.0 at other time. Every player is registered on their system with detailed scores and his/her opponents.
Few teams set up their canopies or tents with coolers of drinks andfood, making it grand and united. John Dowling, the photographer was there to capture some shots and hoping to sell them.
P.S. .. DQ downloaded his pictures anyway. How did you do it??? Geeeeee.. going out with her is really nice, she takes care of everything. I meant eeeeeeverything. I call her when I need/want to change my phone, I call when I need direction, I call when my computer acts funny … I won’t go to bathroom without consulting her.
This girl’s skirt looks like an apron, she a French maid or what? The girl to the left in the picture on the right (in dark pink or purple with black skirt with white trimming), although out of shape, but boy can she play. Those are 4.5 girls. No joking. They mean business.
When we arrived, found our team staking out on the hilly grass with a hole on the slop. They were about to finish the first match, waiting for the second one to start in 50 minutes.
Match 4: Saturday 11am, against Islanders. Result: 4:1
First singles: Steve 6:4, 6:4
Second singles: Peter 6:1, 6:1
First doubles: Louis/Ken 7:6, 5:7, tiebreak 10:8
Second doubles: Jimmy/John, 6:3, 2:6, tiebreak 10:??
Third doubles: Don/Tom 2:6, 2:6
The Islanders are the strongest among 6 teams.
The first singles, Bobby Callaghan and Steve were generous on line calls with each other. Bob’s serve was good but he didn’t have the goods to back them up.
The first doubles, Lou and Ken played Luis Javier Osorio and Martin Marmorale. Osorio is the first singles player but he’s tired and assigned to play doubles. His serve was lethal.
Ken and I were assigned to play 1st double by guessing that L.I. team would do the same.
We ended up with their 1st double leaded by Ossario, their 1st single player.
Guess what, we won 1st set tie-breaker. Then lost 5-7 the second set. We won against with 10-3 tie-breaker in a 3 hours marathon match. I still have no idea how we pulled through with the win.
Our team spirit is high and trying to recopperate from 2 long competition the same day.
We are looking forward to another victory tomorrow.
When all four matches were done, the tally was 3:1. The mood of the team was light and giddy. Someone wanted to go to tell the pair just fold it to save energy. As the game dragged on, teammates began to good-natured wondering out loud,
“Smoke, I think they really believe they are the first doubles.”
It’s a gutsy fight. Lou was under the gun to serve at tiebreak 8:9.
The tiebreak plays at the league is first to reach 10 points by leading 2, super tiebreak as they call it. At 9:9, Lou bang out his first serve.
“Foot fault.” The referee called out. Some were happy and some were not. Bang, Lou dished out a shaky second serve.
The opponent reacted even shakier: he netted the return.
The price for this agonizing but ultimately exhilarating experience had pushed Ken to the brink of serious cramp. He sat on the court for a long time. Lou waited then came off. Byron and Don went in trying to retrieve our cap, first tried to be his Crutches. When that failed after few steps, Don piggy bag the cap. Ken was In the Mood for Love TLC.. .. JK .. .. we all love you!
Later when we gathered for a group picture, Ken was still sitting on the grass. Don went back and carried him over again. So Captain Skipper is sitting pretty, with us in the picture. All thanks to Don.
IF this wasn’t the winning touch – the team spirit and unity – then I don’t what else would or could carry a team.
Dad Jimbo said he plans to play doubles with his little princess in about few years. Guess poor me has to look for a new partner.
Simon and DQ left early for their golf.
We high-fived and took group pictures. There were lots talking, about the games, arrangements and plays, and also talks if they had won. I felt the team spirit, the unity and the drive to win.
We went to buffet. $7.99.
The sour and spicy soup was way too sweet.
The clams were ok, but tasted like over cooked or reheated, not fresh.
Once we checked into hotel at 4:30, did we realize there wasn’t a plan to go anywhere or do anything. Few who had car asked me if I wanted to go play tennis. Sure I replied.
But they probably had second thought, left with 5 players and took turn to play.
They’re Just Not That Into You, Irene 🙂
We all car pooled up and sole there for the team. No one deserved to be taken for granted.
After swimming – the pool is small and water is too hot (not complaining, it’s well within my expectation), Mary and I watched Cleaners on A&E. Good lord that I don’t watch TV, so it’s a new episode for me. We both were deflected by the long lonely night ahead, in a 3-star hotel.
Steve and Emily thanked me repeatedly for agreeing to be standby. His handshake was firm. There wasn’t any awkward moment and it’s amusing to see they fitted in with the rest well, on the surface. My earlier assessments were on target and fair.
The pair golfers came back and we decided to go out, even not knowing where to go. In the hallway, we saw Peter. Without hesitation, we invited him and he accepted. In the parking lot, Don saw us from his room and ran down to join us. Then we called Lou.
As the gang of four continuously collecting warm bodies, I suddenly thought about playing baifen. Immediately found 2 willing partners.
“Supermarket please.” I forgot to bring a deck of cards, thinking it’s only one brief night.
The buffet was so bad, few didn’t eat much, anticipating a nice dinner. So our group broke up, few went for noodles, few sat drinking and I went to shopping at Marshalls. Ya, the same store we have at home too.
We came back with a cake for two birthdays. Sat in the lobby and began to drink. Simon had a case of red wines. There was a wedding going on. It ended before we broke off for the night.
DQ and I shared a bed. She asked for extra blanket fearing it’s too small for us. She ended up feeling cold and constantly moving. I was hot and couldn’t sleep 🙂
Match 5: Sunday 8am, against Western; Result: 3:2
First singles: Peter 6:2, 6:2
Second singles: Steve 6:4, 6:4
First doubles: Don/Tom 5:7, 3:6
Second doubles: Jimmy/John, 6:2, 6:3
Third doubles: Louis/Ken, 2:6, 5:7
It rained, so we moved to Eastside Racquet Club at Manlius, a pretty classy one. The Northern team came out in force to cheer on the Western team because they believed that if the Westerners defeat us, the Northerners would go to Tucson Arizona this October instead.
In fact, this last match was really a formality. Had the boys lost on Sunday, there could have been a two-way tie on paper with the top two teams deadlocked at 4-1 a piece. According to the USTA rules, the next tie break protocol would have been the head-to-head result between the two teams in question. (L.I. and our dragons). Our boys automatically became the winners because they had beaten L.I. on Saturday afternoon (Match 4).
Because the Islanders were fully aware of this, they packed up their A team and departed on Sat night (no point in staying on). On Sunday the tournament director, Darcy Cobb, got PO’d and DQ’d the entire Islander team for not having a full squad left to play. Their tournament records, along with NJ’s Paglia team were totally erased.
Better luck next year I told them.
It’s really a bittersweet victory for this group of boys. Most of them are newbies. USTA might put them on the lousy courts to play, but the rules are pretty stringent and clear. The director has no problem to disqualify a player or a team should they chance it, or challenge the system.
Having the above in mind, in introspect they could have won without Mr. First. But no one could discount the confidence teammates feel with an ace on the team, and our groupies’ cheering.
When the last match was over, the gregarious couple locked in the verb exchange again. The wife insisted (an understatement) him to do some toning in the gym and he wanted to shower. Don and I looked at each other just laughed. He was thinking
“Man .. .. I’ll never get married.”
Irene was thinking,
“Woman .. .. some luck wife.”
Don’t cry for me China. I got what I deserve just like anyone else :). I don’t presume everyone enjoy as much coaching on court as I do, so many might found Simon to be overly talkative. Got the picture?
Ok, got to go to have some real life. See you in Tucson Arizona in October.
I played at Cunningham this AM, and actually saw few old buddies.
~ .. ~
Girls at the tourney .. some outfits are really nice and neat. .
