tennis, life and a few things in between

Last Saturday we played at a little friendly tourney at the Nation Tennis Center, 7-11pm. Three and half pairs of my team had joined. And we were assigned in the same court. Wondering why would we want to do that since we play each other all the time? Two courts were reserved for mixed and the tourney mixed all the mixed pairs to play, the couples’ rating ranging from 6.5 to 8.0. And they gave out trophies at the end.
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The designated photographer Charlie took many pictures. Look at the blue hue, very sharp cerulean came to mind.
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Our 7th match went smoothly. The opponent came prepared, two 6.5 combo and one 7.0. They stacked the game, putting the strongest – at least on paper – the 7.0 pair at third doubles. They like something different, out of ordinary: last time the team put out an ineligible pair. The players were all very nice and polite. Stephanie used to be on my team but this time (the Queens league) we couldn’t really afford her since we only have one 4.0. She is, as usually, talkative and was questioning my partner’s acumen of the game, asking him if he knew how to warm up, :). I really enjoy having her around; glad she found a new team to play on. She served very well and her forehand worked well too.
The match scores and team standings in our Division I. The Queens League has only two divisions for 7.0. The 8.0 has two divisions and 6.0 has one only. We are 9 points behind the first team but we’re one match less.
加油
大家加油
The end is near
加油
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Slight different blues
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Our 6th match was played yesterday at NTC on clay. Crisis, Crisis, and more Crisis. The first crisis was, I’m having mid life crisis! The second crisis: I forgot to send out the lineup .. the third crisis was forgot to bring balls. It’s totally my fault: the opposing team even mentioned it in the confirmation email – thank you Doug, it’s really nice for you to do so. The third doubles players from both side (two couples: not sure about the opponents but they have the same last name .. ) each offered me a can of balls: thank you all! And Kai went to the Pro shop to get the third can. I’m brain dead and contracting Alzheimer’s disease…

Ricky and I played the second string. We were pretty tight in the first four games, everyone held own serve. Then I didn’t know what happened but Ricky took the set at 2.
The second set began with my partner served first again. Some how we were leading 4:1.
The guy served and held.
4:2.
Irene served and lost
4:3.
The lady served and held
4:4.
Holy smoke.
Then everyone held his/her own, tie break followed. I tried hard to focus and to pull myself together.
Guess we were less nervous or the Lord was moved by my sincerity, we won the tie break 7:4. Phew.

As soon as we shocked hands at the net, our first doubles team who had finished before us on court 3, said to us,

“打毛波 .. they cheat.”

My teammates referred to a point we hit to the corner of the ad court. The man was at the baseline. (Our first doubles mates were at their baseline too and saw the shot was well inside of the court.) He hesitated. The lady was near the net and she went to baseline. They had a discussion about it.
Then our opponents rendered their verdict:
It was out.
The guy even came to the net to demonstrated how far out it was and where it landed.
I remembered joking to Ricky,
“Gee .. they to have a meeting to decide a shot .. ” Some elaborated operation.

I said nothing, what’s the point?

1. It’s their call – no need to argue. Like I said, so far I haven’t encounter anyone intentional cheat on line calls.
2. The rule said IF the player is unsure of a shot, then the opponent gets the point – we should been have awarded the point but we didn’t.

I wasn’t going to enforce the rule because I don’t like confrontation. Both Ricky and I noticed our first point was ended with a shot that sailed long. The guy took it behind the baseline without letting it to bounce. We took it as 0:15. But really, we could have it as 15:0. I personally experienced this before, when I played elsewhere (for the yellow glove lady). I stopped a very long shot without letting it bounce. It was a tight singles match and my opponent and her teammates jumped on me ..

There are rules and there are people.. ..

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This afternoon Dan and I lost to Irene and her honey 0:4! 4 bagels, 4 eggs at NTC Court 5 where I lost my playoffs match on Saturday. I was so tired, I hardly could move by third set. I found myself wondering off all the time. Kai said to me on Saturday
“Please, we have a match to play .. ” when he saw me watching the matches on both sides.
Today, Wah finally had it, said ..
“Have you finished watching?” ..

Irene and Honey are on a roll, they just called for a match tomorrow at 11am. Sigh. I resign. I surrender. I give up.

Leagues with 8 or more teams with 3 divisions: the 1st place team in each division, and the 2nd place team with the most points (amongst all the divisions) will advance to playoffs

The first place team from each division make playoffs (3 spots). The 4th playoff spot is determined by the team having the most points amongst all 3 divisions.

As we were approaching the exit 9P on the Grand Central Parkway from the East to the National Tennis Center, there was a parked car. I kid you not. It’s dark and we were dumbfounded. It’s not the highway shoulder for Pete’s sake. What’s more? The male driver opened his door without the slightest regard to the traffic and fellow drivers. And he got out. By then, we were exited already so I didn’t know what happened. Hopefully all was right.

It’s first round of playoffs for the Manhattan League 3 divisions. We faced the strongest team in the 7.0 mixed doubles flight: they won 122.5 points out of possible 130. The matches were scheduled at 7pm but we were advised to get there 30 minutes prior. In fact, our first and second doubles teams were called to work at around 6:45 as the courts became available. Kai and I was the third doubles, didn’t get on court till 7.

The USTA roving umpire came over performing the coin toss with a nickle. Not a quarter? Guess the economic downturn has severely affect the game as well. He’s new or I haven’t been playing the league long enough to know everyone. He asked each of us where do we live: the farthest got to call head or tail. Although I’m only 10 miles away from the NTC but I got to call because the ump deemed the Bronx where our opponents live is farther. I called head and the head it was. We decided to receive.
The guy looked very neat and composed, Rafa Nadal’s neat. He wore a short that’s more office than court. The trousers has two darker strips lined the inside of the thighs – adductors. For a moment I thought he wet himself. Then his 100+ mile per hour second serve took my mind off his pants. He has the best serve I’ve played so far on the league. Some male players would soften his serve when poor me was on the receiving end, so I didn’t get to experience or handle the real forceful men power .. until this Saturday. I wasn’t intimidated but I just couldn’t get to it -:). He aced me left and right. (AT this writing, the new world record of serving is set by Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic: 251 kmph or 156mph.)

Then couple of shots later when I finally managed to return his serve .. no .. actually it’s when I finally was able to barely get my racket on his serve. My return landed in the mid court. He rushed in for a deadly kill with a loud grunt, and felt on to the ground. The ball went out with a menacing speed, hitting the blue panel with a deafening thud. However, his grunt was very eerie, like a wounded cub or toddler whose favored toy was being taken away; almost girlie. Very contradicting from his tranquil facade.

I have always disgusted by my ugly grunt and wishing if I could trade any stokes for it. I think I’m ok with it now -:) He certainly made me feel my grunt isn’t as ugly as I thought before. SO .. thanks a ton!

Throughout the match, he aimed at Kai all the time, which was often since lovely Irene knows how to set up her partner up. Sight. I did ask Kai if there were marks left from the battle. He just laughed it off.

I were to serve the second and surprisingly held my serve till I was serving for the first set at 5:4, and at 40:love. You’d think Irene can rise to the occasion.

Think again -:(

We lost first set at 7:5. We got swept. Totally.

My Big Bro was there too and he offered similar observation on our opponent. He’s going to go back to Beijing in about three months, permanently. Happy relocating Big Bro!

I took a shower and came out finding my chauffeur and his wife were waiting, to whisk me to dinner. Guess they weren’t too mad at me for losing the match as to abandon me. They even tipped me! Being captain does have it perks. Oh well, hope the league isn’t going to find out about this. I didn’t ask for it !!!

So… we are done with Manhattan.

So I’m happy: being chauffeur to the matches in lux; having good time playing with my kids mates..

So life is good.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the team, for your consideration, cooperation and tolerance (of me). I really appreciated your support. We’re a team and we had good time.

The End.

2011 Metro USTA League
Manhattan Mixed Doubles Playoff Regulations

Congratulations on a successful season and reaching the playoffs. Captains and players should review the following regulations PRIOR to their first playoff match.

Venue: Matches will be played indoors at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For directions, visit here.

Playoff Format: This is a single elimination tournament. Each court is worth 1 point. The team that wins the most points in each match is awarded the win. The team that wins each level will advance to the Regional playoff.

All match times are approximate except for the first match of the day. Matches will be called as the courts become available. The default time (15 minutes) starts when the court is called.

Eligibility: Players must have 2 local matches recorded. Only 1 default may count towards eligibility. Each team must have a minimum of 6 players available in order to participate in the playoff’s.

Once a player participates in this tournament, they may not participate in a playoff match in another region until their Metro team has been eliminated. (Please see Eastern Rule IIIG for additional details).

All players must have government issued photo ID. Random checks will be done throughout the tournament.

Check-in and Scorecards:
Captains are required to check in at the tournament desk upon arrival. Captains must present their lineup 30 minutes prior to their scheduled match time. If a player is late, the captain must put the missing player in the 3rd doubles position before the lineup is submitted.

All players must be present and ready to play 30 minutes prior to the start of their match. When the court is called, all players must report to the tournament desk, introduce themselves to their opponent and then proceed immediately to their court. Players who delay the start of a match will have a penalty point accessed.

IMPORTANT: Players will receive a 30 minute rest period between matches at the same level. Players who elect to play at 2 levels are NOT entitled to a rest period.

Officials:
USTA roving umpires will be present during the matches to maintain warm-up and rest periods, resolve disputes and enforce the rules of tennis. Officials will call foot-faults and penalize code violations. A referee will also be present to answer questions about tennis rules.

Match details:
Warm up: 10 minutes, including serves.

Games are regular scoring, with a set tie-break (first to 7 pts) when 6-6 in games is reached during the first 2 sets. If you split sets, a 10-point tiebreak will be played in lieu of the 3rd set. In doubles, order of serve and receiving order can be changed after each set.

Coman tie-break procedure is used for all tie-breaks: players change ends after the 1st point and after every 4 points thereafter.

Breaks: A 2 minute break is permitted between the 1st and 2nd set. Play is continuous between the 2nd set and 3rd set tiebreak unless there is a changeover. A maximum of 90 seconds is allowed on changeovers, 20 seconds between points.

All matches are played to completion.

All players (winners and losers) are required to turn in the balls and report their scores to the tournament desk IMMEDIATELY after their match finishes.

Captains must sign the scorecards after all courts are completed.

Player Etiquette:
Players must follow the USTA Code of Conduct at all times.

The server must call the score loudly and clearly before each serve. Players are responsible for ensuring they have heard and understood the score. If all players on a court forget the score, go back to the point that everyone agrees on.

Make all line calls clearly and immediately on your side of the court. If there is doubt, the ball is good. (A ball that is 99% out is still 100% in). Officials will overrule bad line calls.

All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off during matches.

Bathroom breaks may be taken, but should be on a changeover and with the official’s knowledge. Players may not talk to their teammates, coaches or spectators during a bathroom break.

Spectator Etiquette
Spectators, family and team members are encouraged to attend our playoffs, as long as they abide by the following:

• May not talk to players on the court. Coaching is not allowed, and talking to players will be treated as coaching.
• May not comment or make visual signals on line calls.
• May not cause any distractions to the players.
• May not engage in any form of verbal abuse against players, spectators, or tournament staff.
• Must limit clapping and cheering as it disrupts play on adjacent courts.
• MUST turn off all cell phones and electronic devices.
• May not approach the officials to discuss matters relating to play or the players. They may, upon the request of a player, alert the official that a court needs assistance.
• May not use flash photography nor videotape matches.
• May not enter a tournament court without the permission of the tournament staff.

Spectators who violate these rules will be asked to leave.

A warning and/or a penalty may apply as a result of any player, captain or spectator interfering with match play and abusing the code of conduct. This includes disruptive behavior on or off the court.

Spectators who violate these rules will be asked to leave.

Refreshments
The tournament staff will provide snacks (i.e. bananas, granola bars) for the players. Please make sure your players bring their own water and any other dietary requirements.

The City View Tennis Club is near the LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, inside of a warehouse with large and slow elevator. The surrounding area is very crabby and dirty, and the parking is difficult. The club itself is pretty new, nicely done but somehow, I felt the craftsmanship (bathroom, etc.) is sub par. The little wooden chests that hold hand towels, tissue boxes, etc. between courts are comical. Why don’t they invest more in the chair/seating instead? The white plastic lawn chairs were out of place there.

Unless invited by the opposing team, players may not cross to their opponent’s side of the court to check a mark.

My partner and I finished our match quickly (against two 3.0s) and were playing on court #5 against our own mates. The first doubles on court #4 was still being played out. During a game, I saw our pairs were on their opponents’ side of the court, they were all standing around the net near the middle. I briefly thoughts, oh no, dispute.
After that game, my pair were still there.
How serious could it be?
I wondered and walked over.
No dispute but the young guy had a painful cramp, and he couldn’t move. So the three other players were standing there with him. Good news was that after a prolonged period of time, he was able to move and play, and played well.

I looked over at the opposing captain who was playing with his teammates. This is the third time that an opposing team has injury time out. All three times were cramp and I was there all three times, including my very first league match.

As for the injury time out. At this level of play the rule is that an injured player has a reasonable amount of time to try and recover and continue play. The only circumstance the time out is timed is when an official is present.

Good thing is my team or I had always waited for the player to come out of the cramp. Good sportsmanship should come first.

This morning when I update the scores did I realize that our (last night) opponents were both 3.0. We didn’t feel good at winning such a match and now .. feeling cheated.. .. in light of time we committed and fee paid, we or everyone would want some competitive games for all to enjoy – at least on paper if not in reality.

Only the following pairings are allowed:
6.0 = 3.0/3.0 or 3.5/2.5 or 3.0/2.5
7.0 = 3.5/3.5 or 4.0/3.0 or 3.5/3.0
8.0 = 4.0/4.0 or 4.5/3.5 or 4.0/3.5
9.0 = 4.5/4.5 or 5.0/4.0 or 4.5/4.0

This is not a nice thing to do to my team or any team. If a team doesn’t have the appropriated combo, they should forfeit the court. Dragging us out there to play a such ill fitted match is inconsiderate.

The Manhattan League regular season has concluded and we made the playoffs with the lowest points among the three divisions. The three first place teams/2nd in terms of points:

Div I: 92/82.5
Div II: 95.5/89
Div III: 122.5/83

The wild card belongs to Div II Bricker/Ford. DIII Team 17-Dawes scored an eye popping 122.5 out of possible 130 points (10 matches). My goodness gracious. My 2010 Queens team raked in 122 out of 11 matches (143 possible pts).

Last night our Queens team did poorly, lost first and second doubles. One of the pairs had bagel in the first set and was leading 3-0 in the second but ultimately lost the match. The mates didn’t have a good evening. The opponents played well.

Last night’s match was very enjoyable. The opposing captain was late so I didn’t get to meet him afterward. We filed into court #1, #3 and #5 (bit odd .. oh well..) without exchanging the lineup sheet.
The vibe on the court was positively joyful and we played with great enthusiasm. I served really well but one double fault, made all my overheads (odd too bec I’m lousy at it), and didn’t miss too much volley.
The opposing team’s girl was bit nervous at the match who played well during the subsequent sets when the match was over. She has a pair of endless long legs and made good overheads smashes. For some reason, Kai lost control and accidentally hit her couple of times. We, I felt bad but she was very gracious about it. I knew the feeling when I hit some one. It’s always unintentional but due to my skill that I don’t really have a good control of the ball. In any case, she showed cheerfulness and joked about getting even.
I need to learn how to win a closely contested matches!!
Mental!

There are moments during a match that you could rise to the occasion, meet the challenge. And there are moments that one couldn’t, no matter what. I had that second moment in life last night at Queens first match. After winning the first set at 3, I lost all my mind and will. I was so disgusted … and disappointed; feeling very sorry to have let my partner down, who worked and drove us there .. Over all, the matches were well played and I enjoyed our opponents. (At least someone was happy .. wink .. wink .. wink ..)

It wasn’t the best time for traveling/driving due to the icy condition last night. But the road was rather empty at around 7pm, normally would be crowded with rush hour traffic.

It ain’t over until the fat lady sings ..
I’ll mull this over and over for a while.
Second string for our 9th match of the season. Our opponents were he 4.0/she 3.0 combo. During the warm up, he hit so hard that I called him to the net and joked begged for my little dear life:
“Please don’t kill me.” ha ha ha .. very funny.
Somehow we played well and won the first set at 6-4. Then she was severing at 2-4. I played aggressive, hit a smart backhand and .. .. we suddenly put ourselves in a pretty secure position: they were 0:40.
What happened next?
Lord knew.
We lost that game.
Change over.
I was severing.
For the first time, I couldn’t hold.
4-4.
The 4.0 killer took next game pretty easily.
At change over, Kai said … “.. oh .. I have to hold .. ” because it’s 10:21. Only 4 minutes remained before the cut off time.
For some reasons unbeknown to me, my mind wasn’t at the court.
We watched a point being played at Court 6. The girl hit a deep shot to the ad court. It’s a very close and my girl called it out. Court 6 change over ensured. Our opponents disagreed on the call and the 4.0 Killer went on to their court telling them the ball landed on line; and he even questioned my guy at water fountain as he was getting a drink.
Hmmmm .. .. not a good right thing to do. I said nothing because the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly last night. Thanks to all players. On our court, no bad calls on my part (great). Oh, wait, actually there were two out calls I didn’t yell out when Kai was expecting me to shout (not good) .. and he constantly had to save me from behind (when I was too lazy to even try .. .. super bad).
It was an enjoyable match but .. we lost the second set at 4-6. Time was up.
I felt yucky and kicked myself well into the wee hours. I’m speed dialing my shrink now.

Missed opportunity. It’s ours match to lose and we lost it.

Does everyone grab the opportunity by the neck whenever, as in life? It’s the mental part of it separates the good and the better, from time to time. The great has it together all the time.

• Register Online using your USTA membership # and 10 digit team code
• Registration deadline: March 1, 2011
• Team Match Fees ($29 per player per match) – all fees must be paid in full by February 21, 2011. Failure to pay team fees by the deadline will result in match cancellation and/or players being excluded from future Metrotennis CTA league play.  NOTE: Matches played prior to the deadline must be paid for by 3pm the day prior to the match date.
• Match fees are paid online: USTA League Tennis -> Queens League -> Pay for matches.
• Rescheduling Courts: Each team may request to re-schedule a maximum of 3 courts per season. NOTE: You can only re-schedule one court per match — 3rd doubles. All re-schedule requests must be submitted no later than February 10, 2011. One date will be given for the re-schedule. If either team can not make the re-schedule date, the requesting team must forfeit.
• Warm ups may take no more than fifteen minutes, including service practice. If a player arrives on court prior to the default time, they are only entitled to a 5 minute warm-up. Under no circumstances may a match start more than 20 minutes past the match start time.
• FIVE MINUTE RULE: if 5 minutes or more remain before the end of the match, you MUST start and attempt to complete the next game. If less than 5 minutes remain, do NOT start a new game.
• Tentative Playoff Dates
  The playoff schedule is determined at the sole discretion of the league coordinator and may be altered. All teams will be notified of the exact dates once they are finalized.
  1. District playoffs: tbd (National Tennis Center)
  2. Regional Playoffs: May 14 & 15, 2011 (National Tennis Center)
  3. Eastern Section Championships : June 3 – 5, 2012 in Schenectady
  4. National Mixed Doubles – Tucson AZ. : 6.0, 8.0, 10.0 – November 18-20; 7.0 & 9.0 – November 11-13

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Queens 2011