After the intense quarter-final match between Samir Bhatnagar and Nathan Smith on Thursday evening, I did not think a match up could overtake it. Then, Grant Gibson and Kyle Malone played their quarter-final match on Court 1 this evening.
To say the match was decided by a small margin would be an understatement. Both players pushed each other to their limits with Grant and Kyle splitting the first two sets. In the third, Kyle was serving for the match at 6-5 when Grant mounted a furious comeback, breaking Kyle's serve and sending the match to a third set tiebreaker. Kyle went on the offensive early, and had a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. That's when Grant found that extra gear and took control. At 5-5, Grant hit a tremendous volley to serve for the match at 6-5. After Kyle's groundstroke sailed long, a sense of relief fell across Grant's face as he realized he was on to the semi-finals. The final score for Grant's win was 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5).
Grant's opponent in the semi-finals tomorrow will be Nathan Smith in a matchup of club pros from Barrhaven and Manotick.
Both B-Side Quarter-Finals offered some great tennis as well. With Christian Bordeleau's unfortunate default from the 2013 PLMT, a spot in the Consolation Final was at stake between Paul Fischer and Patrick LeBlanc. Paul advanced to the finals with a 7-6, 6-2 victory.
The other Consolation Quarter-Finals saw Bob Streicher advance with a gritty 7-5, 6-2 victory over Andrew Winnicki. Bob's next opponent will be Matt Hepburn who is seeking to advance to his second straight Consolation Final.
Semi-Final Saturday promises to offer up plenty of drama beginning at 4:00. Here is the schedule for tomorrow's action:
4:00: 1 John Payette vs 5 Joe Willemsen (A-Side Semi-Finals)
Bob Streicher vs Matt Hepburn (B-Side Semi-Finals)
6:00 (or immediately following first semi-final match):
3 Grant Gibson vs Nathan Smith
All four semi-finalists will be looking to achieve history. John Payette will be seeking his fourth straight finals, and first tournament championship. Joe Willemsen and Grant Gibson will also be seeking their first championships and a possible all-NTS Championship Final. Finally, Nathan Smith, in his first Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament appearance will look to become the first non-seeded player to win the tournament.
While these matches are transpiring, we will also be ordering San Marino's Pizza in between the two semi-final matches. Cost per slice will be $2.50. And feel free to wash down the delicious pizza with a soft drink or beer from the bar. Finally, Saturday will be the second-last day you will get the chance to purchase raffle tickets so don't miss out on a chance at some fabulous prizes!
We hope to see a great attendance Saturday afternoon as the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament creeps closer to crowning a new Champion!
Regards,
Patrick LeBlanc
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