No Candles to Blow Out on this Birthday

TennisTitan joined the outdoor wars at Kinsley less than 24 hours after yesterday's matches at the YTC... with predictable results. Titan was ineffective in his play with partner John "The Neck" Manzi (celebrating his 50th birthday) against Poppi (The Conquistador from Quito, Ecuador) and Gil "Manila Mauler" Bugayong. TT/"Neck" were overmatched in fire power and finesse by the consistent play of the tandem of the Conquistador and Mauler. 'MM' demonstrated ample agility at net and sufficient top spin on both his first and second serves to easily take the first two sets at 3 and 2. Indeed, the only lead TT enjoyed on this gray, mild, winter day was at 3-2 in the third set. Although the lead was short lived, TT/'Neck' managed to draw even at 5-5 before the "Neck" was broken in the 11th game and Poppi served it out (6-3, 6-2, 7-5). TT takes some solace in the 5/7 service holds he had today. A tip of the hat is due the 70 year old "Conquistador" who is not short on hustle or ability, and "Manila Mauler" who's 'heavy ball' was all the more potent in today's wet-grounds playing conditions. Titan looks forward to future matches with this dynamic duo.