"Titan, if you'd take two steps to the ball rather than the one you usually do you might have won a few more games." Such was the advice given by fellow tennis blogger Stuart 'Santa Ana' Gourd at net at the conclusion of a modern day Alamo. Stu will report this match rather perfunctorily at http://stutennis.blogspot.com but let me assure you dear Titan followers it was "asses up" as they said in the school yards of New York City in my day. 'Santa Ana' was gracious enough to play shortly after he had returned from a day at work at Northwest Park in Austin. The conditions were similar to this afternoon, just not the opposition. 'Santa Ana' is a more seasoned and conditioned player, and he is attempting to play 365 sets in a calendar year! Stu broke down my game quite easily as Titan was thrashed ( 1-6, 2-6) in 80 sweltering minutes. Titan is going to take solace in some delicious barbecue and cold beer with his son Russell post match. So Titan comes out a winner anyway! Jeez, if only Stu was a little less talented and more giving on the court. I would have called him 'Santa Claus.' But like they said in Brooklyn in the early '50's Stuart: "Wait'l next year." Or to quote the Terminator, "I'll be back."
"Dude, you can be arrested for things like that in Texas" was Spence's comment. Your TennisTitan had just completed a drive-by crime in the tennis code of ethics book. TT, checking out the venue for a match scheduled later this date, came upon three unsuspecting tennis players in a canadian set up, and picked off one of them for a set of singles at Northwest Park in Austin, Tx. The Titan, without racquet or sneakers, but with 'BALLS,' queried from his car, "If you got an extra racquet I'd gladly make it a doubles game." Next thing Titan knew there were two singles contests being played in the 92 degree temperature, 90% humidity. Titan drew Spence, a 36 year old journey man, who had recently returned to the game. With neither player having held serve through the first four games Titan fell into a precarious position as he served at 2-4 to try and get back into the match. Spence was much quicker than TT and had an affinity for hitting winners on balls that had seemingly gone past him. The 'bloated behemoth' had no chance to run balls down without sneakers. Fortunately Spence could not figure out the importance of hitting short to the 'bombastic bloviator'. TT cut down his unforced errors and crept back into the match. Hence, Titan turned the tide, breaking Spence at love in the 9th game and holding similarly in game 10 to close it out (6-4). As the crew met at net for the picture that TT had requested before play began, Neal espoused, "Now I've seen everything. New York has its own special breed of predators, not the least of which is the TennisTitan!"
"And I wore an orange shirt with my white shorts today because you promised me an ice cream if I carried you again - A creamcicle!
"Titan, you can call me 'Big Bird' but you can't call me cheap. I always have fresh batteries in my camera. I can't say the same about you."
"Titan, what did you expect!? I didn't fly in from Chicago to lose." The words of Bob 'Kraut' Kluge at net after he completed a second set victory (6-2) pairing with TT against Frank 'Slats' Slattery and George 'Chemist' Hauss. Titan quickly reminded 'Der Klugemeister' that he had lost earlier in the morning when TT/'Slats' laid a (6-2) thumping on the teutonic duo of 'Kraut'/'Chemist' Hauss. Indeed, your Titan had it all working this morning, that is all but his camera. Again, Titan was caught on the cheap side of life having installed fully charged batteries in his Canon that malfunctioned. But that is all that perfomed badly for the 'bloated behemoth.' TT's return game was strong, and although Titan did not have pop on his serve, his placement offerings got the job done effectively. Your 'bombastic blowhard' paired with Sab 'Koide Kid' in a first set blowout (2-6) against 'Big Al' DioDati and the 'Chemist.' TT's fortunes turned suddenly in his second set of the morning when the 'boisterous bloviator' first teamed with the 'Kraut' in a rousing come from behind (6-5) victory over 'Rockin Rick' Ricci and Joe 'Gimpy Knees Cruz who had to retire early. Earlier matches saw 'Slats'/'Spindley Legs' hold off 'Kraut'/'RRR' (6-4) and 'GK' Cruz/'Koide Kid' get mauled (6-2) by 'Chemist'/'Big Al.' "RRR'/Mike (not so) Stella were served a late morning bagel by 'Spindley Legs'/'Big Al.'
"Titan, even though I wasn't feeling 100% today, I didn't want to disappoint you and cancel. But my game didn't show up."
"Titan, how do you always manage to do this to me?" The words of 'Rockin Rick' Ricci upon completion of his two set marathon match against TT this afternoon at Andrus Park in Yonkers. 'Rockin Rick' had forewarned TT that playing at Andrus would be less than idyllic. "Andrus is noisy, not well maintained by the city, and heavily impacted by the bus and car fumes of the nearby traffic on Central Av." Boy, did 'RRR' ace me with his commentary! He was so right. But your leg weary, back-brace wearing 'bloated behemoth' had enough answers to turn back 'RRR's late-set charges to come away smiling in his (6-4, 6-4) victory. The match was played with fire engines, ambulances, police cars racing up Central Av. with sirens and horns blaring for at least 20 minutes. When that din ended a News 12 helicopter hovered nearby for 45 minutes keeping tabs on whatever the initial commotion was about, and making sure that we couldn't hear ourselves think or give the score verbally. Worse still was the incessant noxious odor of recently paved asphalt on the adjoining basketball court that soured the atmosphere throughout play. Did I mention the gusting winds of 20mph that made ball control for two old geezers near impossible. 'RRR' ever gracious, win or loose, quietly smiled as Titan apologized for not having fresh batteries in his camera as TT chirped, "Rick, the way we played the emergency services should have come for us. I pretended the helicopter was the Good Year blimp over Arthur Ashe Stadium, and that stink - it was your game, more than mine!"
Your Titan got right back at it this morning at Kinsley. Yes the 'bositerous behemoth' joined eight of his mates for some fun doubles on this sultry Saturday morning in Yonkers. TT was the last arriving player and got to watch Frank 'Slats' Slattery team with 'Happy Jack' Carey in their (7-5) victory over 'Big Al' Dio Dati and Carl 'Spindly Leg's' Gessman on court 1. Concurrently Sab 'Koide Kid' and 'Rockin' Rick Ricci dropped a (6-4) decision to George 'Chemist' Hause and Mike 'Not so Stellar' Stella on the challenge court. Your Titan stepped in for a tired (but Happy) Jack Carey to face 'Big Al' and Spindly Legs who were clamoring for another shot at 'Slats' knowing that Frank would once again be asked to carry the 'bloated behemoth' now sporting a back brace. My ass! Titan contributed mightily with his relaible placement service and deep returns to the backhand side that consistently set 'Slats' up for a feast at net in their come from behind (6-4) triumph. 'Slats'/TT then relished the opportunity to square off against the 'Chemist'/'RRR in what was to be a battle to "the last man standing" as the heat and humidity soared. But TT's game rose even higher and his aching back loosened well enough to opine at net "Boys, perhaps relish would be good on your bagel (6-0), but I prefer cream cheese with chives."
"But Prez, I already had the blog mapped out and written in my head when I served at 5-2 in the third set." 'El Prezidente' was now doubly pissed at the Titan. Prez had just captured his third game of the final set (seventh of the three set match) by breaking TT and now he had to hear about the 'bloated behemoth's' favorite drama program of the 1960's as they met at net. Titan whined that he forgot to bring his camera and would have to improvise writing his blog. "You 'Bloviating Bastard' the series was Room '2-2-2' not '2-2-3.' I want credit for every damn game I beat you!" Yes Titan fans, Prez had to flash that American Express card at Squires today as he again failed to hold off the 'bombastic blowhard' on the Briarcliff clay (6-2, 6-2, 6-3) under the revised who-pays format. No longer would TT push his wallet further into his tennis bag by simply denying Prez even one set in their 3 set matches in this affluent suburb. Titan had agreed to a total-games-won formula to make the contest more competitive. "Prez, you win 12 games, lunch is on me; win 9 games, dutch treat." As TT gobbled down his Rueben sandwich chasing it with a couple of Bud Lites, he challenged Prez (and his readers). "At 23 years old I had the hots for the female star of Room 222. Can you tell me the name of this former tv star who has long since flamed out?" You'd be cheating if you know the male lead's name.
"Titan, I always said you were a pain in the ass." So commented Frank 'Slats' Slattery upon completion of the second set at Kinsley this morning. "And it's my back that should be hurting, not yours, Tubby Tommy." 'Slats' was riled because he and TT had just dropped a set (4-6) to Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz and Carl 'Spindly Legs' Gessman. TT/'Slats' had opened up a comfortable 4-1 advantage before 'Slats' started thinking of his afternoon barbecue at Amackassin and that he was also commited to tournament play at the club. Your Titan had strained his back lifting a rowboat the other day and continues to pay a price for his stupidity. Stay home and miss tennis? No way Jose Cruz. Titan had absolutely no pop on the serve or jump to the ball but managed to place his serves and returns sufficiently well for he and 'Slats' to somehow upset George 'Chemist' Hauss and 'Big Al' Dio Dati in TT's first set of the day (6-4). If it were not so pathetic it would be absolutely laughable watching the 'Geriatric Jerk' tap balls to his partner so that 'Slats' could pick them up and bounce them to Mr. Buffoon so that the "bombastic blowhard' wouldn't have to bend. 'Happy Jack' Carey, who had dropped the opening set with 'GK' to 'Slats'/'Chemist' delighted the crowd with, "Titan, I think you need a walker for your 61st bithday. I'll bring some 'Johnny Walker Red' next week!"
"Prez, I hope your American Express card is handy." So intoned TennisTitan at net upon completion of yet another dismemberment (6-0, 6-2, 6-1) of Rich 'El Presidente' Prezioso on the clay courts of Briarcliff Manor this morning. In what has become a spring ritual your Titan dined at the tony 'Squires Pub', courtesy of 'Prez,' who continues to believe that he has the game to force the 'bombastic blowhard' into taking out his moth-filled wallet. TT had the timerity to ask the waitress if "bagels were on the luncheon menu" but settled for food that epitomized today's dominance, "I'll have a smothered burger, with a couple of Coor's light." Prez assured the 'bovine bloviator' that his objective today was to shake off the rust of tennis inactivity and make the Titan over confident. As the two off-court friends, on-court foes parted until their next meeting, Titan chortled to his fellow conservative, "Just like George Bush said, 'mission accomplished'!"
Your TennisTitan accepted the invitation of Gene 'once a King' Slattery to participate in some round robbin mini sets at the Amackassin Tennis Club this evening. TT knew that this would be excellent preparation for his Tuesday match with 'El Presidente' on the BriarCliff Manor clay. Titan paired with Frank 'Slats' Slattery in the first two mini sets, winning the first easily against 'Happy Jack' Carey and Rich 'RC Cola' Condon before dropping the second in a cliff hanger to David 'Crafty Lefty' Jenkins and Brian 'Hit it Right' Wright. What your Titan didn't know was that his final mamby-pamby mini set would turn into a bloggable affair. With no other opponents available Titan and his partner 'The Imperial Caesar' would go the distance (6-4) to hand 'Crafty Lefty' Jenkins and 'Hit it Right' Wright their only defeat of the evening. Before the traditional photo opp could be arranged at net the 'Crafty Lefty' had slithered away and the 'Imperial Caesar' was heard mumbling "Et tu Brute" as he hastened to the locker room. 'Hit it Right' said "You've got to be kidding. You're a TennisTitan, like I built the first airplane!"
"My dad ACTUALLY beat me, or should I say ACCIDENTALLY beat me." This is what the TennisTitan heard upon the conclusion of his stunning (6-2) thrashing of 'Big Daddy' Jeff Briscoe as the upset victim responded to his wife when the weary combatants returned home from a one-setter played at the Dallas White tennis court in Northport Fl. this morning. Your Titan, only a few short hours from departing for NY, had been chomping at the bit to get 'some road work in' before returning to the friendly confines of Kinsley Park. Two scheduled matches with 'Big Daddy' earlier in the tour were rained out to the disappointment of Titan and his many fans. 'Big Daddy' had become accustomed to 'rolling over' TT, what with afternoon playing times and post-fishing trips being the norm, and heavily favoring the junior Briscoe. 'Big Daddy' was unprepared for the 'coffee effect.' Titan's regular opponents know that he is 'pumped' on java every Saturday at Kinsley. Forty (40!) ounces of 'joe' gets that motor-mouth going and puts some pop in the serve and (limited) jump to the ball. The savy Titan made very good use of today's wind, dropping a slew of balls out of reach of his more mobile opponent. The 'bloated behemoth' was mentally tough in dismissing with ease 'BD's' six aces against TT with the wind at his back. As Titan packed his bags into the car heading for the airport he opined to his elder son, "My new grandson, Joseph, may not be the most important joe in my tennis game now, but wait until he gets old enough to hit with his PopPa. Then we'll see. And Jimmy, PopPa's victory over daddy was another birthday gift from me."
"Titan, this was our fifth set today, what did you expect?" These words emanated from Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz at the conclusion of play at Kinsley today. 'GK' and partner George 'Chemist' Hauss had gone from the White House to the outhouse in their doubles play over the three hours they were on the court together. While TennisTitan and 'Big Al' Dio Dati cemented their first set victory over Sab 'Koide Kid' and Gene (once a)'King' Slattery (6-4) on the challenge court, 'GK'/Chemist authored consecutive doubles beatings (6-3, 6-3) to the new 'Blues' Brothers, Frank 'Slats' Slattery and 'Happy Jack' Carey. The trend continued when, with 'Slats'/HJ relegated to the challenge court, they dropped another (3-6) set to a revivified 'once a King'/'KK.' Your 'bloated behemoth' fared as poorly on the premier court when he and 'Big Al' tasted defeat at the hands 'Gimpy Knees'/'Chemist' - you guessed it- (3-6). The first chink was put in the armor of 'GK'/'Chemist' in their fourth set when the cousins Slattery, Frank and Gene, put on a near flawless exhibition of doubles teamwork to win convincingly (6-2). Your TennisTitan continued that mastery over the tiring duo of 'GK'/'Chemist,' when subbing for the departed 'Slats,' TT/once a 'King' pounded away to another (6-2) victory. As the boys met at net, Titan opined, "Joe, being the only Hispanic here, are you going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by having a 'fifth' of rum at home or will it be 3, 6 packs of cervesa Corona given today's stats!?
As Jimmy Durante would say each week at the closing of his 1950's television variety show.
"Goodnight Mrs. Kalabash, wherever you are."
"Hey boys, we turned the tables on you in that second set."
Titan completed the '06-'07 indoor season this afternoon at the Yonkers Tennis Center in fine fashion. TennisTitan was again paired with Roy 'Mr Spin' Marzullo against Bill 'Energizer Bunny Legs' Tully and 'Big Al' Dio Dati. Although this is the best pairing of the four participants it is a difficult one for TT to succeed with. The record indicates that TT/'Mr Spin' had never beaten 'EBL'/'Big Al' previously this season. 'Mr Spin's game does not compliment TT's because he is strictly a baseline player whose game is one of finesse and guile. 'Mr Spin' does not use pace from the backcourt and is a craftsman in the art of lobbing deep to the forehand followed by short cross court cutters to the backhand. His game is not enriched by the 'immobile minotaur.' Titan's power game is negated by the absence of a poacher at net and by a player whose limited hearing makes communication during a point impossible. That being said, it was especially sweet for TT/'Mr Spin' to come away with a split of the two sets played to completion today (1-6, 6-1, 1-3 partial). Titan had some jump to the ball and placement on his serves in both sets. 'EBL' making his first appearance on the court in the past month showed no ill effects of his layoff as he covered the baseline and forecourt in his usual ubiquitous fashion. Indeed, 'Big Al's inability to support as well at net during set two was a significant factor in reversing the scores. As the foursome met at net for their pictures and final goodbyes two club pros and a dozen children receiving instruction shouted in unison as they raised their racquets, "Titan, remember it can be a blessing to be hard of hearing. See you next year!"
"Titan, you selected from column A, B, and C. And you lost 'em all. You must have eaten a misFortune cookie today!"
Titan traveled to tony Chappaqua to develop some new tennis contacts this date. TennisTitan, a member of the Westchester Tennis Meetup Group this past year, had recently made email contact with Leo "the Lion" Leung through the group. The 'Lion' arranged a doubles game pitting Titan with two of Leo's regulars - Phil 'Patrician' Paris and Bobby 'Chessmaster' Fisher at the Old Farms Condo tennis complex. TennisTitan got skunked - dropping all four sets ( 4-6, 0-6, 3-6, 4-6) as he rotated through the players. Titan seemed to bring out the worse in each of his partners, as each' level dropped when called upon to carry the 'bloated behemoth' this date. All sets, save the second, were competitive with the winning team breaking through in the penultimate game to serve for the set. TT did nothing to distinguish himself amid these players of comparable ability. Truth be told, the tennis was significantly affected by the windy conditions that played havoc on serves and returns that were more than one foot above the net. As the foursome met at net 'Patrician' opined, "Titan, we'd invite you back, but Bill Clinton already brings too much riprap into our upscale neighborhood." Our host at the Old Farms condo, the 'Chessmaster' quipped, "Yeah, Titan, Hillary even dresses better than you. And you have the same legs!" My new buddy, 'Lion' Leung gave me pause entering my car when he said "Titan, you're lucky that I am Chinese. Here it is only a few minutes after I beat you three times, and I already want to beat you again!"
"Titan, no partner wants to play two consecutive sets with you unless they have supplemental medical insurance, medicare is not enough" was the taunt hurled by Frank 'Slats' Slattery as he jocularly entered his car. TennisTitan was witnessing the meltdown in the second set of the 'Pistol' who had supported TT in their first set (6-2) victory over George 'Chemist' Hauss and 'Big Al' Diodati. 'Rockin' Rick stepped in for 'Big Al' with the 'Chemist' for set 2 (TT's 4th of the day) and they came off the ropes to flatten the 'lethargic loudmouth' (2-6) and a tired 'Pistol' to cap a wonderful day of tennis at Kinsley Park in ideal conditions. 'Rockin' Rick's "You see, 'bombastic blowhard,' it's not me, it's YOU" snickered 'RRR' as he put away set point. Titan had pled his case unsuccessfully earlier in the morning when he paired with 'RRR' against 'Chemist'/'Big Al' in their opening set victory (6-4) before dropping their second set together (4-6) to Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz and Sab 'Koide Kid'. 'RRR' would have none of TT's "Rick rhymes with brick" nonsense that the Titan insisted was the cause of their upset loss. With a total of 10 players on hand there was continuous doubles action on two courts. 'GK'/'KK' (5-7, 6-4, 7-6) were an effective pairing. 'Slats'/'Happy Jack' justified their poor results (7-5, 3-6, 6-7) with "we didn't get a chance to fatten our record against the 'Tortuous Tortoise!' 'Spindly Legs' claimed "I played one set and won(6-3 with 'Pistol'). Titan how come you don't know when to quit!?"
"Titan, do you think this sweatshirt had anything to do with my (girlish) play today?
"Titan, you didn't expect him to abdicate did you?" said Frank 'Slats' Slattery after he and TennisTitan had withstood the late second set charge made by Gene 'King' Slattery and Carl 'Spindly Legs' Gessman. Nonetheless, it was an overthrow of a head of state. TT and 'Slats' had opened up a 5-0 lead with TT serving at 40-15 when the roof sprung a leak, so to speak. Just like last weekend's nor'easter that brought monsoon rains into Titan's center hall foyer, 'my liege' poured it on in an effort to retain his kingship at Kinsley. Thirty minutes later Titan was exalting for all in the neighborhood to hear, "Nobody denies Titan 13 set points and lives to brag about it" (12? maybe) as TT/'Slats' completed their 2 set sweep (6-3, 7-6). It was even sweeter breaking the 'King's service (no tie breaker) to close it out. Titan had stopped the hemorrhaging to draw even at 6-6. Titan and 'Slats' - a once formidable doubles combo- during the mid and late '90's, were once again a force to be reckoned with. On lookers from the vaunted Amackassin Tennis Club were left agape as they witnessed one of their club's top dogs succumb to the 'boisterous blowhard.' Titan and 'Slats' completed their day's work together by outlasting George 'Chemist' Hauss and Joe 'Gimpy Knees' Cruz in a third set (6-4). As the group gathered at net for the bloviator's picture taking, 'Chemist' remarked, "Wasn't it King George who abdicated the throne of Great Britain to marry a divorcee in the '30's?" Titan remarked, "George, you were divorced - but that' it - you are the 'Chemist' as chants of "Please join our club" redounded in the Titan's ears.
"Ahem, ah...Titan I believe I just took the Pepsi Challenge - and passed! Why are you trying to foist a can of coke on me now," a cheerful Bob 'Kraut' Kluge announced as he met TT at net at the conclusion of a resounding ( 6-1) thumping of 'Happy Jack' Carey and the downtrodden 'Chemist,' George Hauss. Indeed, Der Klugemeister was in Yonkers for the weekend to see his children and ventured over to Kinsley to get some games in. The Teutonic Pepsi Truck Driver, when pairing with Frank 'Slats' Slattery, had earlier taken out TT/'Chemist (3-6) and felt he owed the 'bloated blowhard' his best effort. It was almost a hat trick for the transplanted 'strudel man' from Evanston Il. who saw his opening set 3-1 lead that he had held (with 'Slats') dissipate against 'HJ'/'Gimpy Knees' Joe Cruz (6-7 [4]) in what was the best set of the day. 'Happy Jack' was indeed jacked-up with great play at crunch time in the first set. 'Chemist' concluded that 'HJ' was jacked-off in their finale against 'Kraut'/TT. As 'HJ' bid farewell to the 'Kraut' he queried, "Mein Herr, doesn't Pepsi market a product called "Pepsi Zero"... shouldn't YOU have to play with Der Chemiker next time?" To wit 'Kraut' responded, "Doesn't matter who I play with: I DELIVER for a living! Right, Titan?!"
"So Titan, this was the set you were looking forward to? I can't understand why, off your play this afternoon." Your Titan was being upbraided by his 'Tutor,' Max Tuchman after the tandem of TT/'Tutor' were thoroughly outplayed in their second set loss (1-6) to Roy 'Mr Spin' Marzullo and Jim Addiss 'Abada.' Indeed, TennisTitan had acquitted himself well in the first set defeat (3-6) at the hands of the septuagenerians from his beloved Inwood, in NYC. TT had pop on the serve and some hustle to the ball but did not effectively solve the deep lefty returns of 'Abada' or the reverse rotations of 'Mr Spin.' To make matters even worse, the once reliable put-away volleys at net, that were often there for the taking today, were marked "ABSENT" by the former educator, prompting TT to comment, "Max, did you co-author Pink Floyds '70's hit "Another Brick in the Wall?" TennisTitan paired with 'Mr Spin' for a third set (4-1 partial) to regain the little dignity left in his game. 'Mr Spin' and 'Abada' accorded Titan their highest accolade as they left the YTC court. "Titan, now we believe that you were born and raised in Inwood. How else could you talk such a big game, and have so little ability to back it up!" Ouch!
"Okay, Okay, dear readers, I know I shouldn't have done it, but you know the Titan... so I decided to get a couple of sets in today before Thursday's (more important to me) indoor contests. John 'The Neck' Manzi induced me to join him and two of his regulars for some late afternoon action at Kinsley. What I didn't count on from his phone call was for Mamby-Pamby Tennis, ala 'Slats' or 'Chemist's in recent outings. I just don't get 'no ad' tennis or truncated sets when time is not a factor. A true set demands physical conditioning and mental toughness to grit out both long points and multi-deuce games. Don't invite me if you are looking for a mamby-pamby type guy. Anyhow, TT paired with Bill 'Electrolux' Ching against the 'Neck' and 'Lil Pappy.' After playing a meaningless and uninspired 'no ad' first set Titan threw down the gauntlet. "I'll keep my commitment and play a second set as promised, but if you want me back on the courts in the future 'Neck,' I suggest we play a genuine set now." And so it was. Titan and 'Electrolux' kicked it up a notch (can you say "Emeril") and scored a hard fought, well played (6-3) victory. 'Neck' played particularly well, adapting a more aggressive game and Pappy is a very consistent and persistent defender. TT was most surprised by 'Electrolux' less argumentative court demeanor which is too often an element in his play. TT is happy that 'Electrolux' is back on the court after a 6 month hiatus to address coronary issues without his Type A personality. "You were SuperBillieBoy! true to your email handle."
This morning your TennisTitan joined last week's crew for a rematch at blustery Kinsley Park. With temperatures in the mid-thirties Titan again paired with the ancient, diminutive, sumo warrior, Sab 'Koide Kid.' 'Big Al' DioDati and George 'Chemist' Hauss were on their way to overwhelming your 'immobile motor-mouth' and his partner as they had last week when the spirit of the season intervened. Titan/'KK' rose from the dead by rallying from a double break, 2-4 deficit to take the first set (6-4) in most satisfying fashion. You might say that set 2 had the events of recorded Christendom in reverse order as your 'bloated behemoth' and the Japanese doctor were 'buried' (0-6) by their avenging antagonists. 'Happy Jack" Carey jumped in as TT partner for a third set that was not played to conclusion (5-4 on serve). The 'Chemist' proclaimed making a hasty exit, "Titan, I'm not a sissy because of the gloves, but I am afraid of my wife if I'm not home on time this morning." An incredulous 'Happy Jack' interjected, "Titan, who was that masked man who served silver bullets in the first set?" "Hi Ho, Silver," shouted the 'boisterous blowhard' as he trundled off to his grey camry.
