Gary Epstein defeats Michael Tieu
6-3, 2-6, 6-4

After Gary got off to a good start winning the first set, Michael showed what a strong competitor he is. He turned the tables in the second set with strong serving and his big topspin forehand to handily take the second set. Gary got off to a 4-0 and even a 5-1 lead in the third but there is no quit in Michael. Gary served for the match at 5-2 and held a match point but Michael toughened and broke. In the next game with Michael serving, Gary had another match point but Michael pressured Gary with a strong net approach and Gary missed wide with the attempted forehand crosscourt pass. Michael proceeded to hold from there and forced Gary to try to serve it out yet again. With a little help from the tennis gods, Gary did indeed manage to hold. When Michael’s backhand down the line sailed long, a huge sigh of relief could be heard throughout the Lower Woodland courts!