Wednesday, December 27, 2006

On the Comeback Trail? - Maybe

Your TennisTitan punctuated the week between Christmas and New Years with some excellent tennis at the Y.T.C. Titan paired with erstwhile partner Frank 'Slats' Slattery for 3 scintillating sets against Amackassin tournament partners Rich 'RC Cola' Condon and My Liege, Gene 'King' Slattery. Each of the three sets exceded the prior set in level of play and in drama of its outcome. TT/'Slats' wilted in set one. After rebounding from a 1-3 deficit to square it at three, the boys dropped two multi-deuce games before bowing out at (3-6). Set two was a roller coaster from start to finish. TT/'Slats' ran off the opening four games only to see 'King'/'Cola' level it at four games a piece. Titan came up with the goods in the ninth game to stave off the hemmorage and retake the lead, 5-4. Back and forth it went. TT/'Slats' hung tough and eked out a (9-7) victory. TT had a nice mix of booming serves amid a bevy of spinning floaters to keep 'Cola'/'King' off balance. 'Slats' was like dog shit in New York City, i.e. "all over the court" defending like crazy and coming up with some great digs. Your Titan showed occasional prowess at net with his volleys but continues to blow easy overheads. Set three was a donnybrook, with all four players dragging somewhat from their earlier efforts but all showing incredible heart. Neither side had margin for error or the ability to open up a two game lead. The set went to an exciting tie breaker with 'King' securing the rubber (6-7 [5]). As 'RC Cola' came to net he saw his partner smile broadly as 'King' aced TT with, "Titan, you played much better today, but at Amackassin you'd still be classified as a "C+ group" player."

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