Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifier: Race for the Prize
7 Posts tagged with the challenger_round tagLevar Harper-Griffith d. A.J. Bartlett, 7-6 (5), 6-2
Sesil Karatantcheva d. McCall Jones, 6-0, 6-3
Nelly Radeva d. Raquel Kops-Jones, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4
Roman Borvanov d. Travis Kinard, 6-1, 6-0
Only in the case of Levar Harper-Griffith was a Challenger-Round finalist not ousted from the competition in today's pre-qualifying semifinal. While some very passionate tennis was on display, it made a good example of the difference between a junior national champion and a mid-ranked ATP pro.
Four finalists from last month's Challenger Round advanced to today's pre-qualifier where they faced ATP and WTA players just shy of the the cut-off for next week's qualifying draws.
Probably the most remarkable display of a difference in playing ability was the match between Travis Kinard and Roman Borvanov. Kinard managed only one game in a match that took less than an hour to complete. A freshman at Cal-Berkeley and former three-time letter winner at San Marino High School, Kinard played a strong baseline game with good variation at the net. It proved to be not enough against Borvanov's near-perfect game and blazing serves.
Today, Karatantcheva made easy work of blue-chip senior McCall Jones from Coto De Caza, California. Despite Jones' excellent form and powerhouse returns, Karatantcheva took the first set without a loss and giving up three games in the second set.
The Pre-Qualifying final kicks off Sunday at noon when Levar Harper-Griffith faces Roman Borvanov. Sesil Karatancheva will compete against Nelly Radeva. The two finalists will advance to the qualifying rounds beginning on Monday.
PLO event organizers announced that Challenger Round finalist Gail Brodsky has been granted a wild card into the qualifying draws. Originally scheduled to play in the pre-qualifying tournament, Brodsky will be replaced by former University of California star Raquel Kops-Jones.
The city of Indian Wells is a quiet town right now; plenty of hotel rooms; front-row parking; no restaurant reservations needed.
All this will change come Monday when the qualifying rounds of the 2008 Pacific Life Open begin at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. As organizers scramble to create next week's draws, vendors set up their booths and last-minute preparations are being made to the grounds, there's a competition about to begin on the outer courts.
Two male and two female finalists from last month's Challenger Round are warming up for the semifinal of the Pre-Qualifier. This is a unique opportunity for one male and one female winner to receive wild cards into Monday's qualifiers.
Here's how it works: last month 64 men and 64 women took part in the Challenger Round, four finalists from which (two men, two women) are here today to face two ATP and two WTA pros who just missed the cut-off for entry into the qualifying draws. The line up:
Stadium #2: Levar Harper-Griffith (USA) vs. A.J. Bartlett (USA)
McCall Jones (USA) vs. Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL)
Stadium #3: Raquel Kops-Jones (USA) vs. Nelly Radeva (USA)
Travis Kinard (USA) vs. Roman Borvanov (USA)
This is a chance for local stars and up-and-coming players to test their mettle against the pros. It's a storybook opportunity. But first these young hopefuls have to prove they're ready for the big time.
Going into this weekend's Pre-Qualifying tournament, here are the results from last month's Challenger Round. Finalists will compete against WTP and ATP players, with one male and one female receiving wild cards into the Pacific Life Open Qualifier:
Women's finalists:
Born March 15, 1990, blue chip senior from Coto De Caza, California. Currently in a verbal commitment with Brigham Young University. Two-time Easter Bowl finalist. Defeated Pam Montez 7-6, 6-3 in Challenger Round semifinal to advance to pre-qualifier.
High school junior and blue chip recruit born in the Ukraine, raised in Brooklyn, New York. Started training at the age of six; won her first tourney at the age of seven. Currently training at the Weil Tennis Academy in California. Titles include 2007 Easter Bowl G18s Championship, reaching the Quarterfinals of Jr. Wimbledon and semifinals of the Troy Tennis Classic. Four-time winner of the Ojai Tournament in four different age divisions.
Click here for complete results: http://www.pacificlifeopen.com/4/assets/pdfs/draws/08prequalifier_women.jpg
Men's finalists:
26-year-old ATP player who received much praise as teen. Born September 4, 1981
in Brooklyn, New York. Started playing in New York parks at the age of five,
followed by private coaching in New Jersey. Later joined Billy Sterns Academy
in Florida. Started out in National Junior Tennis League. Teamed with Andy Roddick
for doubles competition with an ATP doubles career high of 184 (1/03). 1999
U.S.T.A. National Boys' 18 doubles champions with Roddick. At the age of 18,
selected by U.S. Davis Cup captain John McEnroe to be a practice partner for
Andre Agassi, Chris Woodruff, Rick Leach and Alex O'Brien in Zimbabwe.
Born July 21, 1983 in Pasadena,
Calif. Father Chris was a six-time U.S. Open Men’s Singles Badminton champion;
mother Utami was also an accomplished player, winning a silver medal at the
Olympic Games in Munich. Currently a Freshman at UCLA hoping to major in economics.
During high school Kinard was one of the top players in Southern California;
a three-year letterwinner at San Marino High School; Compiled a high school
record of 110-4; finished his senior year with a perfect 41-0 mark.
Click here for complete results: http://www.pacificlifeopen.com/4/assets/pdfs/draws/08prequalifier_men.jpg
With the third annual pre-qualifying event taking place at the Pacific Life Open, technically the tournament is open to anyone. Are you good enough to beat the world's best?
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