3.5 Singles
Molina get the number one seed and he better win or I will feel bad for losing to him last week. GO ENRIQUE!!! Getz, Reitzer. Two other favs meet in the first round Wisdom v. Koziol. The bottom half of this draw is tough though with Ballestreros, Prather and Lookabough as well as the two previous mentioned who hit each other on day one. This is one of the better 3.5 draws of the year from what I can remember.
Doubles
Aranda/Prather and Kinson/LeClair are the two top seeds and will be tough to beat but I do seem some other team members of the FW sectionals 3.5 team looking to get some quality matches in before August 8-10.
4.0 Singles
This draw is massive, I can only imagine next year when most of the 3.5ers will be still rated 4.0 by this time next year. Ansari got the #1 seed let’s see what he can do with it. Feuille is the #5 seed and has to be a fav to make it far. He could hit Nguyen in the semis which would be a good matchup. The very bottom of this draw much like the 3.5 draw is tough, Blackwell, Gonzalez, Blackwell, Khaning, Carter and Dreskin and I didn’t even mention Trey Mckinney v. Dutchover in the 1st ROUND. That really sucks, that could be a final. I will go out on a limb and say the loser of this match will win consolation.
Doubles
Newman/Voss have #1 seed but had a bad weekend at the DCC so maybe this tourney can get them back on track. Brouer/Robinson are at the bottom of the draw as the #2 seed again. Let’s see if they can make it to Sunday together. Dutchover/Nguyen might do well if not worn out from doing so well in singles like they have been lately. Morrison/Nishsaki could be a good combo and Hai Nguyen is missing a partner but whomever it is should be solid. Mckinney/Russell also look strong.
4.5 Singles
Another strong draw with Zheng, Kern, Kallus, Noel, Bigam, Wise, Champagne, Warren, Viktorin, Jelev. I see Don Buford and Trey Berry playing up. Not sure if this was the tourney to play up in but best of luck to you guys. Hard to pick a winner in this bracket, I will leave that up to Corey or Jason who know more about this pack of 4.5ers.
For 4.5, the doubles tourney looks as strong I've seen. A lot of good teams in that draw.
ReplyDeleteWonder how many "new" 4.0s for Spring rating will test the water at the FW Major or will all being riding it as long as they can?
ReplyDeleteJean 'Hollywood' Nguyen/Phynomenon will make it to the finals in the 4.5 Dubs draw!
ReplyDeleteI'll post more later on my picks but just glanced at my quarter of singles. WHAT!!!! Looks like I'll have plenty of time to keep everyone updated on the weekend's activity as I sit and watch. If I get by Hopper then I get JD and if I get past him I get Vik. That's just going by seeds and not even mentioning my dark horse Rainwater who may be the one who makes it out to the semis.
ReplyDeleteThat sandbagger Ratana however has a cake walk in comparison(as usual). Just tell me where the cooler is Ken and I'll be rooting you on from the sideline. I might as well have played 5.0 and gotten my butt kicked there. At least it would have been at TCU.
For Trey McKinney in 4.0 singles, it looks like Waco all over again with the possible same two rounds of single opponents and THREE rounds of singles on Sat. I wouldn't want to be Trey's doubles partner again. This could cure Trey of tournaments for good.
ReplyDeleteJason, I expect you to be in the draw longer than me and please, I prefer "sandbagger" with a capital s.
ReplyDeleteI predict the winner of 4.5 singles will NOT be a seeded player. Top quarter and bottom quarter are stacked.
ReplyDeleteJason, I was going to try to hit with you this week, but instead let's just play on saturday.
Watch out for Stephen Newberry in the 4.0 draw. If he is healthy he could easily win the tournament. Also, Andrew Kinson could make some noise if his serve is going in and he plays with patience.
ReplyDeletefew new bump ups will test the waters at FW because they didn't find out they were bumped up until after the deadline. Some may finish out the tournament season since they already have earned so many points at their current level.
ReplyDeleteKen, I'll take that bet.
ReplyDeleteVik, I'd love to be playing you on Saturday. If not let's hit next week.
Last poster, I totally agree. Andrew can be very good if he forgets that he's early 20s and plays mentally like he's early 40s. About Hollywood and Phynomenom (well done by the way), you know Ludtke and Rivera couldn't have been happy when they saw the draw.
4.5 Doubles:
ReplyDeleteWatch out for Kern/Leija, Romerhaus/Hopper are always tough.
Phy/Jean takes me back to H.S. days, that is a tough first round for #1 Seeds, at least I can brag I beat Jean in our last match, even though it was 12 years ago. ;)
Feldman/Stein will also be a sleeper team.
4.5 Singles:
I see Steve Howard coming out of Top Half over Kern. Take Noel or Zheng winner from the bottom half and have Howard winning the whole tournament.
I'm taking a Zheng/Viktorin final. I have been playing well but I don't have any easy matches. If I could play like this past weekend I might pick myself to make the finals like new ar hacker but I don't know that I can carry that momentum over. I don't know that Steven Howard has been playing that well. His results this season were not stellar.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the weakest tournament in terms of the seeded players all year. I couldn't believe I was seeded since I've only played two tournaments all year. I agree with Vik that an unseeded player could make some noise.
DQs usually occur later in the week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the call out Cary. I'd prefer to think of our DCC weekend as securing our well deserved spot at the 4.0 level for some time to come :)
ReplyDeleteFt. Worth looks like a loaded draw at 4.0 doubles with some unseeded teams lying in wait....
no problem. Whatever I can do to help. I am going to show up at your warm up this weekend with inspirational tunes like Eye of the Tiger, etc. any other requests?
ReplyDeletesorry I ignored the 4.5 dubs, I totally overlooked them, oops.
ReplyDeleteI will go with Nguyen/Pham to do well, but finals, hmmm. not so sure but I like the brash prediction.
Voss was nursing a bad hammy during the DCC so they should be fine in Ft. Worth if he is at full strength.
ReplyDeleteJust like Waco I think this is poor tournament design for the 4.0's. They should have set up for THREE singles matches on Friday (but only for the few that didn't get a 1st round bye.) Now you have guys playing only 1 singles match on Friday and then 3 on Saturday, whereas it could have been two singles each day. They should also change the name of the tournament to the MetroPlex West Major Zone. You have people strung across the area from Arlington to Ft. Worth and up to Richland. Feel for the guys that went against the tournament request and are playing 4.5 singles and 4.0 doubles - alot of driving.
ReplyDeleteToo bad for Trey and Ismal in the first round again. I see Trey winning again in 3 long sets, but it will take too much out of him for him to win the tournament, let alone get through 3 matches on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteIF (BIG IF) somehow, Ismal can escape with a win on Friday, Saturday looks good for him, as it seems like he can go forever and I dont see anyone being able to match his conditioning and be fresh enough on Saturday to put him away easily.
Either way, should be a good 1st round match. Good luck to both!
This time it's going to be lights out for Trae Bowmen. I know he wrote his first meeting with me off with an excuss of "first tourney jitters" in Waco, but this time it's going to worse for him with "no way out" then what will the excuss be? Trae will be praying for 6-4, 6-4 to look good in Fort Worth. I can't wait for "mouth" to walk on the court!!
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does Corey use "I", I've" and "Me" liberally when talking about himself or doing well and "we" and/or the "team" when not doing well? Is'nt that normally a sign of a VERY SELF CENTERED PERSON???? Just asking!!!
ReplyDeleteYes we know Trae. He talks a better game than he plays. The only good tennis player I know Is Kyle Bowman.
ReplyDeleteThat 9:29 comment was very relevant to this thread. Maybe I should speak in the third person from now on, or the non-existent person like you.
ReplyDeleteI like Trey's chances in Fort Worth based on the way he has been playing in practice.
Third person would be nice. At least for a little bit. Thanks for not being so self absorbed.
ReplyDelete"I have been playing well but I don't have any easy matches. If I could play like this past weekend I might pick myself to make the finals like new ar hacker but I don't know that I can carry that momentum over."
ReplyDeleteand followed by:
"I couldn't believe I was seeded since I've only played two tournaments all year."
Shocking stuff to post about oneself, but you have to remember he's a young dude. I'm beating the Christmas rush and hating him now though. Like I always say, if you have to toot your own horn, you're pretty insecure about your game.
Mr Anonymous/Cory Hater - are you playing in the tournament this weekend? One poster makes some 4.5 picks and says he likes Cory's odds - Cory throws out a rebuttal - plain and simple. If you are in the tournament and are just irritated no one is talking about you, then give us your name and we will be happy to discuss your odds of winning any matches.
ReplyDeleteThe fact is every good tennis player is a little cocky - it comes with the sport. Cory is pretty mild compared to the majority that are out there. He is confident in his game - thats it.
I'm not cocky. I'm surprised everytime I win.
ReplyDeleteWell - I did clarify by saying every GOOD player is a little cocky.
ReplyDeleteI'll stand by the fact that it is bad form to toot one's own horn on here. Plain and simple. Just know that it makes you look like a dick, and it rubs most people the wrong way. Trust me. If you're a quality player, other people will say so. Like the praise for Mitch, Gene, Kern, etc. They don't need to wow us with their own praise, unlike young Flanigan Noel.
ReplyDeleteI'll predict a Kern/Zheng final in 4.5 and hope that I'm wrong :).
ReplyDeleteCorey/Jason - either of you want to hit tomorrow evening? My normal practice people are all out this week.
^
ReplyDelete|
Oops, that was me.
Lighten up Francis!
ReplyDeleteHe didn't come on here and say "I'm the sh!t - I am going to walk all over you. He gave his opinion of his draw and picked someone else other than himself in the final. He even said he was shocked he was seeded - basically asking where all the point getters are for this tourney.
When people post using their real names it opens themselves up for attack. People like you are the problem pal - spend less time worrying about Cory and more on your own game.
How can something be a "Fact" when it is just your opinion???
ReplyDeleteLighten up, will you? Next thing you will be telling me that the Cowboys are cocky, for expecting to be in the Super Bowl.
I doubt seriously that he could manage to win one game at the 4.5 level, probably some 3.0/3.5 player who makes a living out of competing in the consolation rounds. :-)
ReplyDeleteMr Anonymous/Cory Hater,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, you do come across as just a jerk. I did not see anything wrong with what he said either. If someone addresses you, I would think you have to address them back in the 1st person????!!!!
Seems like you are being overly sensitive. (insert joke here. there are 1,000 to choose from).
This is a conversation blog. It was not self absorbed at all.
signed,
first time poster about this THREAD. (which used to be "FW Major Zone Draw Posted"... but is now... "How can that be construed as being self absorbed? Is my period getting ready to start? I feel so emotional right now.")
I agree . . . Corey "Nancy" Noel is a real piece of work!
ReplyDeleteOk so back to the tournament - how good are these facilities? Anyone ever been to Arlington Tennis Center - do they have a locker room with showers by any chance?
ReplyDeleteAsk Nancy. He knows every men's locker room in the city! LOL. Just kidding...I don't even know the guy.
ReplyDeleteTrae Bowman here:
ReplyDeleteI love that someone, under the anonymous tag, is calling me out for comments that I made in playing my first tourney in 17yrs. I am sorry if everyone else is above "1st tourney jitters," I guess I am but a mere tennis mortal that needs to bow down in the face of you tennis gods! I know the message was not written by Thomas Lowe, my 1st round opponent in Waco and now in Ft Worth, who is a class guy that I enjoyed playing in Waco and talking to at every tourney we've both played this summer.
I talk a much better game than I play right now is a very true statement. What true athlete can't tell you what they should have done but couldn't when they don't perform to expectations? I have not been able to re-capture my pre-shoulder injury status and probably never will but I am happy to be competitive and play the game that I love and who knows, I maybe able to sneak up on a few guys and win some matches in the main draw for a change?!
I look forward to seeing everyone down in Ft Worth and I am rooting for Dallas to represent strong at OUR major zone.
you all bore me. I'm going back to looking at porn.
ReplyDeleteATC is supposed to be much nicer then RTC. No idea about locker room showers, would love to know myself. Anything with the letters TCU in it I would think HAS to be nice.
ReplyDeleteLast time I was at RTC, I tried to take a shower but no soap or warm water. ATC has both in cramped quarters. TCU has want you want except maybe soap--shampoo. McLeland has a shower but bring your own soap etc.
ReplyDeleteLOL- soap? I'm just looking for a quick cool down - I'm not planning a date afterwords.
ReplyDeleteYes I'm quite arrogant. I'm so arrogant I expect myself to lose early in the tournament and was surprised to be seeded.
ReplyDeleteI would love to play a practice match but I'm on the court teaching 5-6 hours a day which is more than enough court time for me.
The real reason is I'm just so much better than everybody on this blog I don't even need to practice. I shouldn't even be playing 4.5 I should start playing challenger events. Maybe then I would get some competition since I think I'm so amazing. Just kidding.
Come by and say hi if you see me in Fort Worth since I only know most of you by name. I met Jason in Waco and I'd like to meet some more of you guys (Dustin, Mark, etc.). I will be the guy hitting 100 percent slice backhands.
By the way Jacques, you know John would never take Cary on his team. He only takes 4.5+ superstars. :)
ReplyDeleteVik, unfortunately I'm already getting my butt kicked tomorrow by someone else but let's hit next week. I'm confident ur prediction will be wrong so don't worry.
ReplyDeleteCory, isn't it great getting ripped by people who won't sign their name :) see you at the next challenger. At least Doug gets ripped with a signature, well done Cary. Oh and Cary don't get out of the house this weekend its going to be hot!
I'm not ready to make my predictions yet. I'm sure you can't wait! Yes Im soooooo cocky about my predictions, rip away but please don't sign your name :)
My ratings for this weekends courts
ReplyDelete1. TCU (probably my favorite public courts in Texas)
2. RTC (hope you don't play next to the highway)
3. McLeland
4. ATC
I can't believe that you would put McLeland above ATC, maybe I've just had too many bad experiences there. I agree that TCU have the best courts around, just wish I got the opportunity to shank balls there more often.
ReplyDeleteFor the all the draws the heat will definitely become a factor. I assume that the heat rule will be in affect, so that might help some folks.
For the 4.5s I have to think that whoever can stand the heat and conserves some energy has a nice shot. Of course talent never hurt either. I like Howard, but his defensive strategy might lead to being on the court too long. Vik has a good game to win in the heat, and he impressed me with his ability to bounce back in Tyler. Kern has a tough draw but I can see him making it through. The bottom half seems more open, I would expect Zheng to make it out unless Hanson has a breakthrough tournament.
The Cherry/Howard 2nd round possibility looks like a good match as does Rivera/Zheng.
If anybody is due it is Hanson. If I was getting ripped by a real person I might take it more seriously but how can I take someone seriously who won't even stand by their own opinions?
ReplyDeleteWhat's this about a heat index rule? Just another way to make it easy on the ones running the tournament.
ReplyDeleteThat rule is lame and should not be used in tournaments - especially not in Major Zones. Can't take the heat - stay on your couch at home. Please tell me that would apply for singles only.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteYou seem a little rattled. Is it a bad time of the month???
I'm hoping they are playing best of five sets for every match. I agree with the 4:59 poster. I don't want my tournament life to come down to a third-set tiebreak.
ReplyDeleteWith Royal Oaks in pool I with Corpus Christi, do you think they will protest the Maingot kid?
ReplyDeleteProtest him on what grounds? He hasn't played a match for them yet, and probably won't - they plan to redshirt him this year.
ReplyDeleteI agree that he hasn't played a match and will redshirt next year. However, the grid says "committed to, playing or played", if he has committed than he cannot rate lower than 6.0. If he didn't sign because he is redshirting then technically he has not committed and I agree probably couldn't be protested.
ReplyDeleteHe signed a(n) LOI and therefore is committed. Strictly according to the letter of the law, it should be case closed (by the barest of margins since TAMU-CC is ranked 75). The coach's redshirt intentions are irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteGD
If you red-shrit you are still on scholarship. There is a freaking article on the TAMU-CC Athletics website saying he signed a letter of intent. Why have guidelines in place if you're just going to ignore them.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly had no problems DQing Clayton Morgan and Sahal Tawell to 5.5, 2 years ago even though they had graduated from ACU, which is weaker than TAMU-CC
Allen Torres should be banned from league tennis for ten years.
ReplyDeleteand this is relevant to Ft. Worth MZ how?
ReplyDeletetourney players are sooo touchy. I will put a 4.0-Open sectional posting soon but don't want to put it up too early or we could get burned out before next Friday.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime we can just jack this crappy tourney thread.
Just saw Federer lose to Giles Simon on the Tennis Channel. What a sandbagger. No way that loss is legit. You gotta know Federer was just trying to avoid that dreaded bump up to 7.5.
ReplyDeleteRacer X,
ReplyDeleteDamn funny.
Mitch.
24 hours and counting - Good luck everyone. Keep the trophies in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
ReplyDeleteAlright here are my predictions for 4.0 and 4.5, as if anyone cares...
ReplyDelete4.5 singles
Vik and Cherry in the top semis. While it pains me to say it Ratana and Zheng in the bottom. Cherry over Zheng in the final. It appears my dark horse Rainwater will not be coming.
4.5 doubles
I'm going to say Ludkte and Rivera get revenge on Jean and Phy only so I feel better about losing to them in Waco and they take on Galloway and Dumper in the semis as my Cinderella. In the other half give me Leija to drag that loser Kern to the semis against Cherry and Rosenquist. In revenge for the Abilene final Leija and Kern make it to the final. They take on Ludtke and Rivera who take them out because Kern gets just too heavy to carry.
4.0 singles
Give me Forest and Tuyen in the top semi (Foad loses first round again to Fenn this time). Give me Ismael to outlast Trae in the third match of Saturday because of fitness to take on Murray in the semi. Then Forest takes out Ismael in the final.
4.0 doubles
Voss and Newman have a tough draw as Hutto is streaky but can be very solid and if they make it past them they have to take on Gough and Kinson. Give me Gough and Kinson in the semis against Tierney and Bell (although I wouldn't be shocked if Voss and Newman get their games into shape for Sectionals and make it through). Give me Bowman and Hutchinson against the idols Brouer and Robinson in the other semi. In the final all of 4.0 doubles bow down to the greatness of Brouer and Robinson (don't let me down boys) as they take out Tierney and Bell.
I think I'll be crying in my cheerios a lot earlier this tournament as my picks are iffy at best (especially picking that idiot Kern to go that far). However, I'm standing by them and expect all my "fantasy players" to perform! Lots of Metroplex love in those picks.
Finally, most people will like ATC more than McLeland but I just am not fond of ATC personally, especially if the wind is blowing.
Good luck to everyone.
Forrest is always a safe pick, and it will be real close between Nguyen and Velasquez-Castro for that other top spot at 4.0. Murray should make it in the bottom if he gets by Sanders. The bottom quad is a mess. I dont see Bowman getting to the quarters, especially since he would have to get through either Carter or Khaing. Ismael is a solid choice since he has a few MZ titles under his belt, but since his last MZ loss came to his current 1st round opponent, hard to say. The winner of McKinney/Dutchover should advance. I am going McKinney.
ReplyDeleteI may have mixed up Bowman and McKinney in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Pepe (Velasquez-Castro) as we hit sometimes but with having to play Marc and Tuyen back to back I gave Tuyen the edge. Carter is another guy I hit with and I would love for him to make it through to the semis.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the critiques. I hope you're right.
For you road trip guys:
ReplyDeleteWorld’s No. 1 Bryan Brothers to Participate in 9/11 Event
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The Bryan Brothers will come straight from the US Open in New York to Central Texas and then on to Madrid for the Davis Cup showdown with Rafael Nadal and the Spanish Davis Cup team. The Bryan brothers have won the US Open, Wimbledon, French Open and the Australian Open and last year led the US team to the Davis Cup Title. The Bryan’s will also be the top seeds to capture the Gold Medal for the USA in the Summer Olympic Games.
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I just saw that Champagne withdrew from my section of the draw. Does anybody know anything about Nick Barajas? He doesn't have much on the radar.
ReplyDeleteFound it. It looks like he played ZATs last year. Interesting to go from ZATs to 4.5 tennis.
ReplyDeleteHaven't check the website yet but both my 4.5 doubles teams are out. Hollywood and phynomenal (which he is) won a very good match. Kern proved to be too much too carry and the Waco kids were good. I know Tuyen lost but no other news until I get home.
ReplyDelete