Tournament - Day 15

[Picture will be updated soon...]

While most people were out playing Whirlyball, a different game was being played at the Brighton court in Wheeling. Rockers Vs. AoP.

The final game before the final and the final game of the super 6 (phew! too many finals) was not the one sided affairs seen as yet with the Rockers dominating the game. AoP played with spirit and clinched the first set 7-5 creating history in the tournament and breaking the 'no-set lost' run for the Rockers. The Rockers came back though, and with panache. They beat AoP 6-4 and 7-5 in the next two sets to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
This ended the dead rubber match (result did not impact who would go into the finals). "At least this time we didn't go down without a fight" said Guru for AoP. While Mahesh for Rockers mentioned, "It's good to go into finals with practice for a 3 setter. This is the first time we have had to sweat for the win yet."
Just thought I'll help out with this report and keep the blog complete.

by Talat

Tournament - Day 14

“Rain Rain go away, Come again another day
Little Johnny wants to play !! “
…was the chant in UL Infy room all through the day and why not, when two of the most anticipated deciders were scheduled for the day. Weather.com presented a bleak picture all through the day & there seemed no hope for any match to happen. Having spent a better part of day, permuting the finalists, the possibility of splitting points & ties started occurring through everyone’s mind. But seems like Zeus saw the passion we held for the game & put his flushing on hold …

Match 1 (Rockers v/s KIKO)
Eat your heart out for this one.. In the most thrilling upset of the tournament, super charged KIKO came from nowhere & beat the champions Rockers 6-0, 6-0

Are you shocked?? Then don’t be. This is a fake news !!
Actually a gluttonous-guilty-me typed this before the match, expecting some twist in KIKO’s tale, that they might bring in some change to their match report. So thought will put it anyway :)

Well the truth & the irrefutable fact is Rockers were too good for KIKO, as they made short work of the game beating KIKO 6-0, 6-1. Rockers thus stays unbeaten & enters the finals (or semis whichever) convincingly. Incidentally, KIKO ended super 6 with a clean sheet (5 matches, 5 loss). Nevertheless, the sportsmanship they displayed in every match was superb. Take a bow !!

“We are great touch & hope we keep this till the very end. We will not lose the focus & hope to win the tournament” Said Mahesh for Rockers.
“We tried our best, gave our best in every match. This was a disappointing tournament for us. We hope to come back much stronger next season” promised Prasad

Match 2 (Glam Bros v/s Ace of Pace)

Pre-Match: Do or die for AoP, after losing unexpectedly from SK, a must win situation to stay afloat. For Glam Bros its avoiding getting into any number games & entering straight to finals. AoP confident of the win they had at group stage, Glam Bros confident of the form they have been maintaining for last couple of matches.
At-Match: It was like AoP saved their worst for this day as they were mercilessly mauled over by Glam Bros. 6-0, 6-2 was the score of second outing of the two teams, who ironically provided one of best match of the tournament in that thrilling tournament opener.Today Glam Bros were in their bullish best and AoP simply had no answers. There were moments for AoP but were scarce & far apart for even calling it a fight.
Post-Match: “This was one of our worst outing. I know telling that we are not in our physical best is not an excuse for the loss, nevertheless we would’ve given better fight had we been in healthier shape.” Said Talat for AoP
“We are in good form & we want to win the tournament. We know there are really good teams to beat to win this, but we will be giving our best in final or semis which ever it is” Said Subin for Glam Bros.

Match 3 (Super Kings v/s Altimate Viking)
Although if no semifinals, this match had no relevance in the context of tournament, but for AV & SK fans, this was a decider. Same number of wins, same number of loss, win against same teams (KIKO & AoP), loss against same teams (Rockers & Glam Bros), almost same set win%. Going into a match, what more similarity can we ask for from two teams, who have played their heart out in this whole tournament?

But then match did not end up proving who was best, did not end up showing the better of the best, infact it did not end up itself :)
Result: Match abandoned due to rain
Rumored to be a tie & split points. Committee will confirm.

Well, for all the romanticism it possible entailed, there was never a better end than to finish this in a tie !!
Win or Lose, you both teams have already won the hearts & soul of friends & foes alike.

“We were in momentum, when rain interrupted the game. Would’ve loved to end this tournament on a high note. But never mind, cause being an underdogs, we have ended far higher than we expected” Said Anna for SK (& yeah if considered set % win they end up third in the super.)
“We were looking good in second set & would’ve been nice contest had we got a chance to complete the match. Cant do much about rain though” Said Vanshi (for a change) for AV.

That’s all for me folks.
This Journey is about to end in couple of days, but not before we have a grand finale (& Semis if any) & of course not before revealing the blogger in the last blog of the tournament tomorrow :)

Tournament - Day 13

Busy bee today !! So quick update on yesterday’s match

Group E of super 8 ICC World T20 cup is so close, that there is no clue of who goes into semis unless the last ball is balled when India take on SL & WI take on mighty Aussies today. Even a win or lose cant predict anything !!

UL Infy tennis season 1 is nothing different.. When tournament enters its final chapter, and hardly a handful of matches left, the permutations are mind-boggling. Its an anybody’s game (except KIKO’s).

Match 9 (Glam Bros v/s Altimate Vikings)
The lackluster fever caught AV this time. When Glam Bros took on AV, everyone expected a close match. Going into match, & when both teams has same win-lose margin, this was supposed to be a virtual decider. Alas, the hype was entirely superficial and match staggeringly dull one-sided affair, Glam Bros winning it hands down 6-1, 6-4, replacing AV from the top of super 6 table.
“We played not-so-good today. Still the table is open & we will make the best of it” Said Ameya wearing his characteristic smile J
“We were on top of our game today & I think we made fewer mistakes than any game. I hope this touch keeps going” Said Menon for glam Bros.

Match 10 (Ace Of pace v/s Super Kings)
The cornered tigers roars.. & Super Kings were literally kings today. In a typical tollywood masala movie like match, our anna (err… Saravana) & Mukku came back from one set behind to take home an exhilarating win against Ace Of Pace. Placed in a must win situation to stay alive in the competition Super Kings showed the world who is the boss. Here is how it went..
First set - AP wins 7-5 (Duh tough one.. )
Second set – Super Kings comes back strongly 6-3
Third Set – AP leads 4-1, & then 5-2 & reached match point.. Super king breaks the match point to make it 3-5. Super kings get one more to make it 4-5. Next game AP reaches match point gain. Yet again Super Kings breaks & makes it 5-5. Then there was no looking back for super kings as Anna was everywhere, hitting, smashing, jumping, punching, dhamm-dishum..  on anything & everything(including net)... and they win 7-5 - the third set :)

“aa.. hhoo. Giiii.gooo.. hhqwty.. sdbfsjhgf… “ This is only what I understood from an overly excited Saravana's comment after the match. By the way, Wheeling police is looking for the person who destroyed the tennis court wired fence. I am not saying who was jumping on the fence in excitement :P

“Tough to lose such a match.. We tried our best, but today was their day” Said Talat for AP. and yes it was, you guys played really well, giving the tournament one of its best matches so far :)

"I would rate this match somewhere on same level as Padayappa movie" Said cheerleader Aldo after the match.

ps: Super kings is taking me to treat for this wonderful write-up.. So am off to a meaty treat.. catch you folks with final match stories soon !!

Tournament - Day 12

Warning: Nothing is working.. so for a change today, its a yuck report!
[skip the blog if corny humor is not your cup of tea. ]

SS match 6 (Glam Bros v/s Super Kings)

Mukku & Sarru, went up the hill,
To fetch a set from glamour..
Scores were tied, at second set,
But SK came trembling after
.
.
Says it all, the final scores,
Winners were, the glamour Bros.

Saranava Says..
“Might be their day, might be our day,
All we say, is Chalo teek hai”

Subin Comments
“Win was good, we are happy..
But loosing a set, was for sure crappy”

ps: GB won 6-4, 4-6, 6-0

SS Match 7 (KIKO v/s Ace of Pace)

Bah Bah KIKO have you any wins,
No sir no sir, 3 big loss.
One from the APs,
One from the kings,
And one from Glamour Bros,
Who lives in their dreams.
.
.
Tiny-winy, shots they might play,
But APs won the match of the day.

Dheeraj Says
“We fight with will, play for wins,
All we get is, safety pins”

Guru Says
“We are here, to take the cup,
Rest of you, please wake up”

ps: AP won 6-4, 6-2

SS Match 8 (Rockers v/s Altimate Vikings)

Twinkle Twinkle, mighty shots,
How I wonder, do they stop,
Up above the points table,
Fighting for a leader's label.
.
.
When Rockers hit those tweaky winners,
Ameya wished atleast a leaky dinner.
Five-Seven did A-Viking stand,
But Rockers today were, almighty brand.

Ameya Says
“Bad it was, to lose a thriller,
but good I dint throw away yesterday’s dinner”
Anbu Says
“Lost the grip at start, only to find it
We are still at top, everyone just mind it !!"

ps: Rockers won 7-5, 6-1

Please excuse me if you are feeling sick after reading this. Else before we end here we go folks...
Humpty dumpty sat on a wall,
News for day, that is all ;)

Tournament - Day 9

SS Match 2 (Altimate Vikings v/s Ace of Pace)

I always tell my girlfriend to play it safe… I try explaining to her the dangers & the consequences… she never listened…& never understood until….
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
…. until she saw the highlights of AV v/s AP super six match.
(ugh.. ugh..[clearing throat] we are talking tennis here)

On a day when safe game, level handedness & cool thinking won over aggression, pace and power, AV went home smiling, making one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, beating AP 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. When weather, wind (averaging 130 mph) & light played a major role for the evening, teams were left with no choice but to change venue mid way through the match, playing half game in Arlington heights court & remaining at mallard lake. Cant stop adoring the simplicity yet the effectiveness of AV’s game (Been saying this umpteenth time.. yet again.. teams, pluck a leaf from their game).
Ok.. now this stops the winning run APs had in the tournament & AV still remains unbeaten topping the super 6 tables.
“Its hard to play in such conditions & even harder to lose in such condition. This is just a start & we will correct our mistakes n come back strongly” Said Talat after the captain left the court in hurry.
“It’s a fantastic journey & I am loving it.. err.. WE are loving it.. We had our preparations & just wanted to give our best. Win is a bonus” said a jubilant Vanshi [with a wink] for AV.

The Tournament is on fire. Hoping for a good weekend weather & some exciting matches. That’s all for today folks. Happy Friday !!

PS: i-Bet is open now :) See the details below

Tournament Day 6

[pictures to come soon -- Unfortunately camera man was not available for the thriller matches]

On a windy evening today, when Vincent Gomez, a middle aged lawyer, driving his 2000 model Honda sedan, took a left turn on N Prindle ave, for a moment he thought there was some emergency in his locality, for he has never seen so many cars parked in the driveway, so many people in the tennis court opposite to his apartment, so much of excitement, so much buzz !!
Well.. cant blame him.. cos in his entire life, leave alone an IPL match he might’ve never watched a Indian gully cricket Istyles :)

What else can we expect when 3 most anticipated matches happen at same venue, when weather-trodden, delay-addicted, big-mouthed, tardy-beginners teams, all of it come together.. The party just begins!!!

Match 5 (I90 vs Ace of Pace)
Blue was the color of the match.. or was it black??

Finally weather took a days off on I 90 match day & the sky tuned blue,. Guru wore black t-shirt (as usual..) & for a change Joyan wore blue t-shirt.. But more importantly I 90 Cops were beaten black and blue :)

AP juggernaut continue to roll, into the super 6 with a convincing victory 6-2, 6-3.
“Well .. being in a tough group is always tough.. Never mind, there is always a season 2” quipped Joyan before quickly leaving the ground with Aldo to Arlington lake to cry out his defeat.
“We have arrived…” said a boisterous Talat (“well.. where do you think you were Talat?” we ask)

Match 6 (Kabhi In Kabhi Out v/s Daring Strikers)
Call it The Return Saga… Return of KIKO to the court.. Return of Arthi, from injury (on which by the way has a commission setup, to enquire on whose quotation did Ajay injure Arthi in basketball court). Anyway the new-bees has to wait a little more for super 6, as veteran KIKO beat them convincingly 6-2, 6-0.
KIKO did not show any signs of clumsiness of the long break and was by-far the better team today. Dheeraj shined in the victory for KIKO with some outstanding shots (standing outside the court). Ofcourse DS replied back with some wonderful outgoing shots as well :P
"The break was so refreshing & we are back 'In' now.." said Dheeraj for the winning side.
"This was just a warm up match.. there is so much more in our game that we just could not bring out today" Arthi commented for DS.

Match 7 (Altimate Vikings v/s Drunken Monks)
Bingo !!! Going into their first match, DM had everything against them. Jetlag of star player Kalesh. Deba’s unfamiliarity with his new accessories (sponsored by Nike). AVs family sentiments, for which a family-returned Kalesh had already fallen (read pre-match report) and the late start of the match (of course we know long-lived guys have trouble seeing in dark).

Up against the wall, DM was supposed to come up with the match of their life, & so they did, to just lose on a edge of seat thriller 6-2, 6-4 (did you smell a sarcasm here?). Not to take away any credit from dinner-paranoid AV, they did well & yet again stuck to basics of tennis. Other teams should definitely pluck a leaf from their neat game :P
"Its a nice feeling to be keep winning.. I just cant express the feeling of this wholesomeness." Said Ameya slowly patting his stomach.
"When & where is our next match??" asked Deba before quickly leaving the ground. Was it a hurry to finish off a losing cause or was it a challenge for upcoming match?

well.. we will know shortly. That was all for a loooong day...Another long day coming up..

But more importantly.. a reminder.. Controversies, quotes, online poll, match fixings.. all coming up soon. Stay tuned folks !!

Tournament - Day 1

Day 1:
Tournament off to a hot start !!

Match 1 (Ace of Pace v/s Glamour Bros)
When the final shot was hit in near darkness of Arlington Heights center court, the scorecard read AP beat GB 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(8-6).
In a marathon tournament opener, AP & GB battled nearly 2 hrs, fighting tooth & nail to produce one of the finest matches in history of UL Infy Tennis Tournament (Not that it has a long history). For 3 sets, where both teams fought for every single point, braving fading lights, unattentive umpires & distracted scorers, AP held on to their nerves, to clinch a crucial victory.
"Its impossible to explain how I felt after the match." Guru said after the match. "Probably my hardest loss ever since I took tennis racket" said losing captain Subin.

Match 2 (Rockers v/s Kabhi In Kabhie Out)
In a much contrasting one-sided affair, Rockers bulldozed through KIKO 6-2, 6-0, to register their first win of the tournament. Mahesh & Anbu Playing for Rockers put together their experience & innovation to bring home a straight set cynical victory.
"The start was a little rusty. We are not yet 'OUT' & will be 'IN' with next game" commented Prasad, the losing captain.
"Well.. its good to start off with a win, but there are still few areas of improvement which we will work on before the more important super 6 stage" a jubilant Mahesh said after the match.

Thats all for today Folks !! Thanks for tuning in :)