Details

In a rematch of their regular season clash won by Gary in 3 sets, this match was, again, very tight. Michael, perhaps a little too hyped up in his quest for revenge, got off to a slow start and Gary led 3-0, then 4-1 and then 5-3 in the first. Michael righted the ship with his big serve and heavy topspin forehand and took a 6-5 lead. Gary eked out a break to force a first set tie breaker. The “jump ball” bounced Gary’s way and he had a one set lead.

After Michael streaked to a 2-0 lead in the second, Gary dug in. He went up 3-2 and from there the set was a back and forth affair with neither player ever leading by more than one game until Gary managed to serve out the set when he was up 6-5.

Both players were happy that this was not scheduled to be a 3 of 5 set match. If that were the case, the match would not likely end until Tuesday! Phew!