Wednesday, May 13, 2015

WHY I HATE MIXED EVEN MORE


Somewhere towards the end of my failed mixed doubles experiment we were in a very tight match with another 4.5/3.5 team.  After our male opponent took a pretty hard shot at my partner when she was at the net, my partner walked back to me for a mid-match conference and said “you need to take her head off.”  Huh? I responded rather eloquently.  “Take her head off.  He nearly took off mine.”  I considered this advice for a minute and replied, “Then shouldn’t I try and take HIS head off instead.”  No, I was sternly advised, that’s not the way it’s done.

As you may have figure out by now, I wasn’t one to drill ground strokes at female 3.5 opponents when they were at the net.  Somehow it just didn’t seem sporting, or very nice.  But I did run into guys a couple of times that did just that and seemed to have no problem with it.  What was I supposed to do at that point?  In baseball it was pretty clear.  You bean my guy and we’re gonna come back and hit your next batter.  We didn’t actually wait for their pitcher to bat, you just hit the next guy at bat and everyone got on with the game.  Of course when I played high school baseball the next batter wasn’t a junior high girl that was getting dusted with high heat.

Where’s the middle ground?  Is it the old ‘he started it’ defense?  Yeah I bruised your partner but you bruised mine first?  And why did these women show little to no concern when their partner was doing it but were indignant when it happened to them? 

‘Sorry but your partner has been killing my girl at the net’ was met with ‘you could have hurt me hitting it that hard’.  Probably not difficult to see why all this remains a mystery to me.

98 comments:

  1. And that ends my sevens days of descent into the hell that is mixed doubles.

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  2. With my experience at mixed, most guys don't try to take the girls heads off. You may get close, but most guys don't hit the girl on purpose. I've missed by a foot or so, but never drilled one on purpose. If my male opponent goes after my partner, I usually try to take him out off her second serve or one of the many short lobs they hit.

    I think most people realize that mixed is a different kind of tennis. Some people love it and some people hate it. I compare it to links golf. It's not for everyone.
    But played with the right partner, you can have a lot of fun.
    Alan

    Again, Murray call me and we will play some fun mixed doubles. I will show you how you can have a great time and enjoy the part of tennis that most people hate or don't understand.

    972-675-1272
    Springpark

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    Replies
    1. While I appreciate the offer I'm not sure it would get any easier. Playing as Murray is awfully tough with that bag on my head.

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    2. I've seen your face, I think you should wear another just in case that one rips.

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  3. I don't play mixed tennis, it's not my game but I will say if my men's doubles matches if you attack my teammate or try and tag me on purpose be prepared to get owned. I have hit 3 people this year in my matches after they hit one of my teammates in a dubs match. I wont mentioned the teams that I not only left a bruise with a nice wilson imprint on them but a memory that you will think twice about firing at me or my teammate again.
    Accident's happen in doubles but there are also some people who are head hunters and some dubs players are just stupid and need to understand that if you come close to the net, you are open season.
    You have to love dubs.

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  4. Murray and I have had he exact same experience with mixed.

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  5. No posts in 24 hours. Mixed killed the blog. How can we kick start it.

    Rumor has it Le's cheaters will be bumped soon.

    It just shows you, if you want to illegally self rate, don't win open level matches.

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    Replies
    1. I didn't need this to show me.

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  6. Yes the will get bump..
    The Aguilar brothers and Ryan McClanahan.
    Also Thanh Tran will get bump...
    Cheaters..
    Victor Tran should too!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. We'll see if it sticks. In spite of his tanking, they bumped Kelly up too - but they backed down when pressed. If they're going to allow Kelly to do it, why not the Aguilars?

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    2. This is all just a bunch of speculation. In the end Todd Reed will hem and haw around and do nothing. It always happens.

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    3. You may hate the Mike, but he tanks smart. He didn't win men's matches. Those idiots played and won open level matches after getting killed at 4.0. That's the difference. If your going to tank, at least do it correctly.

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    4. The point is that either the USTA sticks with the ratings generated by the computer or they change it at their discretion. Kelly is evidence that they've seen the need to change it before, but acted like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar when called on it.

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  7. Because Toni willingly put them up to it, does he get suspended for a year as well?

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    1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    2. I see you took this down Murray. I guess you are one of Toni's fanboys or players.

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  8. Is this about match results or fibbing on your self rate form? From what I've read I'm not sure.

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  9. It's fibbing on self rate.

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  10. Dq in mixed. Wow

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  11. Zakary beat 3-0 in 7.0 mixed? He said he dumped the match to strike the self rate

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    Replies
    1. I think the joke is on Zackary if that's the case. Pretty sure mixed doesn't count much towards your rating, unless that's all you play and have an "M" rating.

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    2. Zakry thinks he is the mike kelley of mixed. Big difference, kelley will guarantee you a win and zakry not so much.

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    3. The greatest 4.0 on the planet got beat by a 3.0 rated man?

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    4. He wasn't even the greatest 4.0 at canyon creek.

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    5. While Zacry is a good 4,0 the major difference is Kelley has the ability to play the level he needs to when pressed. For some reason he is loyal to Alan and can be counted on as a lock. I don't see the seriousness anywhere else in any other capacity. Zacry will either tank a match he can't win or not show up at all. Greg ohl knew what he was getting into like Alzero.

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    6. Putting me with Kelly is a honor.. But I'm no Kelly not even close..
      Mike Zackary

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  12. He didn't dump. He got beat by a decent team. Nothing more, nothing less.

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  13. Jerk head Kelley wins another match 0 and 0. I am going to join a mixed team just to beat him and shut his ass up. No way in hell be beats me or anyone I know and insults me or my partner without retaliation by not letting us win one game. JERKOFF!

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  14. my friends team played Mike k. yesterday and we all went to eat afterward. i do not know mike well neither did his opponents but they stated he was polite and did not insult or hit at the woman and at times took it easy. Basically he was just at another level and that too be expected considering his experience in mixed. The match was a lot closer than 0 and 0 he said.

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  15. Already made it to 9.0 nationals.

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  16. When people call out other people, at least have the balks to sign your name. This way maybe the challenge will be excepted.

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  17. to 4:28

    READ MY POST!

    I SAID HE "WOULD NEVER MAKE IT TO 9.0 NATIONALS". THAT WOULD BE IN THE FUTURE. WHO CARES WHAT HE HAS DONE IN THE PAST. NOBODY DOES. I DID NOT SAY HE HAS "NOT BEEN TO 9.0 NATIONALS"!!!....maybe READ before posting!

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  18. Challenge excepted. I will put together 9.0 next year and see what happens.

    Alan

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  19. You just made a lot of 8.0 teams very happy Alan.

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  20. i didn't say we wouldn't do both.

    AA

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    Replies
    1. Alan question for you: When do you think a player should be obligated to move up to the next NTRP level?

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    2. Great question.

      I think if you qualify for a national event, in ANY league, you should get bumped up. The problem is USTA doesn't count all matches as equal tennis. Everything should count the same. Leagues, mixed, tournaments, combo, tri level, should all be equal. I know people get mad because my mixed teams win dallas a lot, but almost every team has out of level players. And I know I say this a lot, but we practice a ton. We have 3 days a week of practice this year. Our ladies take lessons in mixed where I just hit balls as hard as I can at them until they don't even flinch anymore at the net. I teach them how to return a big serve and we work on shot selection and how to handle the pace of the mans ball. We put in a lot of hard work. I know having Mike K helps, but my other teams win as well. And its not like we win nationals every year. We have been 3 times out of 12 chances. And we have won 1 time. The time we won, we lost matches at the city, section, and national level. Including Mike. Will we win this year? I dont know. Our sectional flight came out for 40's and there are some great teams with 5.0 men on them. And I don't know if we win 8.0 18's dallas. This is the toughest year I've seen in a long time.

      Alan

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    3. So based on that answer, how can you justify having Mike and Gene on your 8.0 team? They aren't 4.5s.

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    4. The one and only reason people have a problem with Mike is that he loses matches on purpose. Winning cities or sectionals is not a problem. But then go take your lumps at 5.0 (which wouldn't happen if he actually tried) and then if you happen to get moved back down, go back to 4.5 or 8.0 and win again. Instead by losing on purpose you're 1. screwing up other people's ratings 2. Making people waste their time in a team tennis match 3. Defeating the whole purpose of competitive athletics which is playing to win. The fact that he and your team are winning is not the issue.

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    5. Agree with Corey. Mike is a solid 5.0 when giving 100 percent. He just never does that. He has an uncanny knack to play just good enuff to win when needed.

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    6. Kelly 4.5 .. period...

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    7. You don't do what he has done in various leagues as a 4.5. There are 5.0's that can't do that consistently year after year.

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  21. Challenge accepted. Plenty of time to manage scores and losses for my ragtag group of tankers and cheats to put together 9.0 next year.

    Alan

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  22. You did not answer the question? Simply put do you think Mike Kelly should be at the level he is? And by the way I bet you don't make him practice. He is too lazy and prob thinks he doesn't need it.

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    1. Actually he comes out every Wednesday at noon and either Saturday at 8:00am or Monday night at 7:00. He is a great team player. He practices to give our ladies practice and he works with his partner to make sure she is ready for matches. He practices more for me then any guy on the teams. And I think mike would be a good 5.0 at 40+. But, I don't know how he would do at 18's.

      And the question was when do you think a player should move up. I did answer that. It's when the usta tells them to.

      When you have self rate 3.0's winning matches at open and 4.5, that seems to be the bigger issue. I expect people a half point out of level, but 2 points is getting a little crazy.

      Alan

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  23. I seriously doubt "mr primadonna" is out practicing 3 times a week and playing on Sunday as well. And why? IF thats the case (but pribably not) no wonder his mixed results are so gawdy.

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  24. TO ALAN:

    So Kelly has won a tri level nationals, he has won a mixed nationals (been to many others) and he has won as far as you could go in combo. In your words :

    "I think if you qualify for a national event, in ANY league, you should get bumped up. The problem is USTA doesn't count all matches as equal tennis. Everything should count the same. Leagues, mixed, tournaments, combo, tri level, should all be equal".

    So should he be playing as a 4.5? yes or no

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    Replies
    1. No disrespect to Mike but from what I saw at 4.5 sectionals last year he gets beat by both the kids playing singles for Amarillo.

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  25. Not sure why so much hate. Mike K evidently practices and he has played and dominated for years. Alan teaches the ladies to volley and is a great captain. They are the Bill Belechik and Tom Brady of mixed. Well, on second thought, maybe not the best analogy. Anyway, they put in the time and the results show it. I don"t understand the hatred and ugliness spewed their way. Winning definitely brings out the haters I guess. Oh well.

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  26. First, I can't control what mike does in men's. If you feel he is tanking, then retire. He will win.

    If you want to win a national title, you get the best players you can. I'd be a fool not to take Mike, if he wants to play with my teams. Gene was out of tennis for years and is just getting back into playing. He won't be a 4.5 for long. And Mike does practice with us 2 days a week and then plays on Sunday's. If you don't believe me, just come to Springpark on Wednesday at noon or Saturday at 8:00am. He will be here, most times. And when I stop doing teams, there will be a lot of captains calling Mike.

    And until he is bumped to 5.0, he is a 4.5 and the usta needs to make all matches count the same.

    Alan

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    Replies
    1. I do agree that all matches should count the system. The USTA rules are way too easy to manipulate in the current system. But with Mike's men's results he would still be a 4.5. He loses to 4.0 players in men's.

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    2. Corey, he beat your 4.5 player and was the only one to win a line on Sunday. What do you want him to do, win all 5 lines?

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    3. Ha he beat a recent 4.0 bumpup, the number 5 singles player on my B 4.5 team in third set tiebreak.

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    4. At least he won.

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  27. I have news for you Alan when you stop doing teams. Nobody will be calling Mike K to play. Why would you put up with his antics and "play me" attitude?

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    1. I hated him on teams for years. I have never had a problem with Mike. He plays when I need him and doesn't complain if I sit him. He's a great teammate, just a crap opponent.

      Trust me, I do ha e some attitudes on my team, but that Mike is not one of them.

      Alan

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    2. I play for a rival 8.0 team. Trust me, if he was available my captain would be clamoring all over to sign him up. If it meant us getting to sectionals and possibly nationals I would sit every week.

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    3. Any other a Mike with an attitude?

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  28. to 3:22

    It's ok to bash Mike if you don't like him but to say no one would be calling him to play is absolutely ridiculous and foolish. As a captain you don't have to like him but trot him out to play and you are now leading the match 1-0.

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  29. Nope. I already have my 40 and over 9.0 team.

    Alan

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  30. I have looked at all the posts and all the accusations. What is missing here is the real issue going on w other teams in mixed and mens. I agree Mike is a 5.0 and can compete w damn near anyone especially in 40's at 5.0. Question is the haters seem to pile on Mike to deter the real scam with 5.0's playing 3.5. Everyone keeps saying these guys will get dq'd but so far NOTHING. What is funny is everytime it is brought up people rip Kelley a new one. Coincedence...nah

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  31. The Le thing is a non story. USTA will do nothing. Ripping Kelley at least fun and makes for good bathroom reading.

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    Replies
    1. It is a story, It goes to show you that you can get away with anything.

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  32. I had a very similar situation with a rating on one of my players a few years ago. It will take Todd a month or so to make a decision. If anything happens, it will be right before playoffs.

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  33. I see Sam Hyunh still losing 0 and 1 again. Guess his defeat to Somabit drained his confidence. He has won 3 games in 3 matches.

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    Replies
    1. Is he going for 3.5? I guess Tony is building for next year.

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  34. I'm sure Pickett and other captains who he has played for will agree. Kelly is the ultra team player and teammate, always willing to play whenever and with whoever. Always leads the charge in travel, never an issue. It's the inferior players that have all the drama with playing time, partners, availability, and travel. Flora, Corcoran, Clark, Gauvin, Caceres,Defeo and others over the years have been stellar! Doesn't get any better than these guys!! Maybe as good, but not better!

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  35. I checked out the records of the High Point team:
    Tony Le - Fall (0-2) 40’s (7-0) Spring (3-0)
    Shawn Arcaria - Fall (0-4) 40’s (6-0) Spring (4-0)
    Ryan DelaPaz - Fall (0-2) 40’s (7-0) Spring (3-0)
    Tim Newman - Fall (0-4) 40’s (3-1) Spring (2-0)
    Doug Voss - Fall (0-3), 40’s (4-0), Spring (4-0)
    Stephen W. Bennett - Fall (0-2), 40’s (1-1), Spring (1-0)
    Owen Wilson - Fall (0-5) Spring (1-0)
    Victor Tran - Fall (0-3) Spring (4-0)
    Ryan McClanahan - Fall (0-4), Spring (1-0)
    William Scott - Fall (1-3), Spring (4-0)
    Mo Mahmoud - Fall (0-7), Spring (6-0, 1/2 at 3.5)

    Andrew Alarid - Spring (3-0)
    Ajay Srrinivas Krishnamoorthy - Spring (1-0)
    Hai Nguyen - Spring (1-0)
    Brian Gilson - Spring (2-0)
    Carlos Aguilar - Spring (1-0)
    Jorge Aguilar - Spring (2-0)
    Matthew Lenz - Spring (1-0)

    Steve Kemp - Fall (4-0 at 4.0, 0-3 at 4.5), 40’s (4-0), Spring (3-0)
    Jarad Kemp - Fall (0-2 at 4.5), Spring (4.0)
    Andrew Kinson - Fall (0-1 FW), Spring (1-2 FW)
    Paul To - 40’s (0-7)

    Interesting that in the top group of 11 guys, they were a combined (1-39) in the Fall, (28-2) in 40’s, and (33-0) in the Spring. Apparently they all got some new racquets for Christmas, or maybe started taking lessons, because their games really improved.

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    Replies
    1. Nothing to see here. A lot of guys have a complete turnaround. It is a little strange to have it all occur on one team. I must say Tiny has the best collection of 3.5s on the planet.

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    2. With his 3.5s, he could win nationals. Aguilars at singles and Mahmoud and McClanahan at 1 doubles. Doesn't matter about the other two lines.

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  36. I'm guessing 95% of this team got their asses whipped in high school.. enjoy the bus ride to Nationals

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    Replies
    1. Todd Reed going to getem....

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    2. Which are the 5% that didn't routinely have their lunch money taken?

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  37. No one cares about the Fall. You want to stop tanking then have the Fall not count towards ratings. The DTA needs to change that. Why would someone win in the Fall when you play for nothing? All it does is get you bumped up before you had a chance to play sectionals, trilevel, etc. If the DTA eliminates the Fall towards ratings then there is only one time for people to tank and that is the Spring. Less people want to tank in the Spring and for those that do it will take them 2 years until they play back at their old desired level.

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    Replies
    1. "Why would someone win in the Fall when you play for nothing?” "old desired level?" That says it all.

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  38. You guys say Tony's players suffer from micro penis and got beat up in high school yet you are all the ones complaining and bitching all the time on this blog. You are obviously the ones who were picked on and when tattling to the teacher all the time. Grow a pair and quit complaining. Whether Tony has a team of tankers or not, none of you would win shit anyways.

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    Replies
    1. Why don't you tell us what you have won?

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    2. 5:00, they haven't won anything either. That is why they have to get a bunch of cheaters to drag them to winning something.

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  39. spoken like a true sportsman

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  40. Truanh Tran will be DQ . played and won open matches and Tony Le self rated him at 3.0...

    Is Tony Le stupid ????

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    Replies
    1. Let me consult my Magic 8 Ball... I tried three times and I got the following:

      1) Yes
      2) It is certain
      3) It is likely

      Never question the Magic 8 Ball!

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    2. No U.S. tennis history. Unless you can track down his history in Asia, good luck dq'ing him

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    3. There are a lot of Thanh Trans in the world. Good luck with that! Bwahahahaha....

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  41. 4.0 play-off update:
    Flight A
    Oasis 6-0 23-7
    Oak Creek/Lai 6-0 2 1-7
    HP/Gardner 5-1 20-10
    Fretz/Noel 4-1 16-9
    Prediction: Winner of Oasis/Oak Creek to cities, loser and Fretz to QT

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  42. Flight B
    HP/Le 6-0 30-0
    GH/Ohl 5-1 23-7
    CC/Jenison 4-2 18-12
    McKinney/Parrish 4-1 15-10
    Prediction: HP/Le to cities and GH/Ohl and McKinney/Parrish to QT
    Real question is when/if any HP/Le players get DQ'd

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  43. Flight C
    BH/Bartlett 5-1 21-9
    McKinney/Bazan 5-1 21-9
    Oak Creek/Ramasami 5-1 17-13
    Prediction: Winner of BH and McKinney to cities, loser and Oak Creek to QT
    Oak Creek will likely finish 8-1, but only have three strong lines so won't win any tiebreakers

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    Replies
    1. If McKinney beats Brookhaven, then they and and oak creek both finish 8-1. Won't oak creek win the group due to beating McKinney? Is it head to head or total lines won?

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    2. It is total lines won before head to head

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    3. You better check this. Pretty sure the two team tiebreaker was changed recently to make head-to-head the first in line.

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  44. Flight D
    Garland/Sisk 6-0 22-8
    Huffhines/Ratcliffe 4-2 19-11
    Oak Creek/Head 4-1 18-7
    Royal Oaks 4-2 18-12
    Prediction: Garland to cities, Oak Creek and winner of Huffhines and Royal Oaks to QT

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  45. You have 8 teams going to QT, but DTA informed the captains this week that the QT is only 6 teams. 4 2nd place and best 2 3rd place unless Corey's team needs the WC which would bump one of the 3rd place teams.

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    Replies
    1. Tony the USTA coming to get you..

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  46. The Usta is a bunch of gutless wonders who just don't care. If they did, they wouldn't have let it get this bad. Guys going 0-whatever in fall and then 20-0 in spring. It's obvious they don't care. It's just shut up and pay your league fees.

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