2006 US Open HomepageJuly 5-8 Charlotte, NC[Charlotte Weather]
US Open Men’s Singles Final
Saturday, July 08, 2006 7 pm.
One Match to Glory!
By: Richard McAfee
Aleksandar Karakasevic (YUG) vs Wilson Peng Zhang (CAN)
When two strong attacking players such as these meet, the game is often won or lost in the return of service. In game one, Karakasevic is a little more brave, a little more creative with his returns, and pulls out a tight 11-9 game.
It is clear that both these players respect each other’s power. Game two is a repeat of the previous game as Karakasevic held a small advantage in the short game, allowing him to open first just a little more often than Wilson. At 5-all, Wilson begins to vary the speed and spin on his opening loops which clearly is effective in disrupting Karakasevic’s timing and forces a series of errors. Game to Wilson, 11-5.
Game three sees Karakasevic coming out trying to force the attack with even more powerful shots but Wilson’s quickness makes that tactic difficult. Wilson takes an early lead 7-3. Karakasevic seems to not be able to slow down Wilson’s fast attack nor match his speed. He tries to block Wilson down but only gets a series of ever faster loops for his effort. Karakasevic does find a way to score with a series of strong backhand loops out wide to Wilson’s forehand and brings the score to 9-9. At this point, Wilson wins a couple of strong forehand to forehand loop exchanges to win the game 11-9.
At the beginning of game four, Karakasevic comes right back to attacking Wilson’s wide forehand with his backhand and takes an early 3-1 lead. The pattern continues as Wilson wins most of the forehand exchanges and Karakasevic scores well with the backhand out wide. Karakasevic holds strong in several long topspin rallies to take a 9-6 lead and runs out the game at 11-7.
Both players came out totally focused at the start of this game and the playing level was very high. At 3-2 for Karakasevic, both play an unbelievable point with Wilson finally winning the point with a massive backhand loop. Neither player can pull away from the other as the score reached 6-6. Once again, a great counter-looping point brings the crowd to its feet as Wilson finishes it with another great backhand. Wilson rides his spectacular play to a 10-8 lead. Karakasevic then fools Wilson with a “deal” backhand loop to pull to 10-9. However, a backhand error on a routine ball gives Wilson the game at 11-9.
The high level of play continues in game six. Once again, neither player can pull away as the score reaches 5-all. Karakasevic finally forces some errors from Wilson to go up 10-6. A strong 5th ball backhand loop wins the game at 11-7.
After four days and many matches, it all came down to a final game seven to determine who would be the Men’s Singles Champion of the 2006 US Open.
One Final Game!
Wilson serves first and wins both his serves as Karakasevic misses two backhand openers. Wilson begins to play even quicker trying to put Karakasevic under as much time pressure as possible an opens up a 5-1 lead as the players change ends. Two strong backhand loop winners from Karakasevic bring the score back to 5-3. An error by Karakasevic makes it 6-3. Then Karakasevic gets an unplayable net to close to 6-4. The players trade points to 7-5. Karakasevic looks tight and misses an easy backhand but then scores with a great one, 8-6 for Wilson. Two strong counter loop rallies from Karakasevic tied the game at 8-8. Then disaster strikes as Wilson misses his own serve! Another error from Wilson, this time on a high forehand and Karakasevic has two match points 10-8. Wilson loops in a winner off the serve to close to 10-9. Then in true Karakasevic fashion, he finishes the game and match with a tremendous backhand loop third ball attack.
Congratulations to Aleksandar Karakasevic, the 20006 US Open Men’s Singles Champions!
World #180 Mo Zhang Upsets World #50 Wang Chen to Win 2006 US Open
by Dave Fullen
Seventeen-year-old Mo Zhang, Canada's #1 woman upset Wang Chen 4-1 in a packed arena in Charlotte, NC, site of this year's US Open. Zhang was calm, responding to every shot Wang could dish out, even taking her on backhand to backhand and coming out on top.
In game 1, Zhang had the first serve. There was a let on the first serve - call that nerves. Her quick forehand counter to Wang's return on point one, and quick out away on Wang's slight pop-up on point two foreshadowed the rest of the match. Wang Chen is quick - no one has scored more than a few points against her during the entire Women's Singles event - but Mo Zhang is just as quick. Zhang goes from finessing the ball to lightning-quick put-aways. Wang scores on a quick loop to Zhang's forehand (she must have consulted Fabiola Ramos), then it's neck and neck to the wire. At 8-8 Zhang gets a quick forehand to Wang's forehand corner. Wang whiffs the next serve return, then loses the next point and the game.
In game 2, Wang puts away Zhang's serve return and pulls ahead 3-0. It looks like Wang is trying to slow things down a little, make the pace more deliberate. The two stay within a couple of points of each other - Zhang going up 8-6 , then Wang scores the next five points to win 11-8.
In game 3 Zhang goes up 5-1 and someone in the crowd seems pleased buy that. Wang protests to the umpire - rightfully so - and lights up the next backhand rally. Wang's backhand is tough to beat in a rally, and she uses this to good effect. But Zhang finds a way to pull ahead 9-4, then closes the deal at 11-7.
Game 4 continues much the same way, only this time Wang pops up two of Zhang's serves just enough to give Zhang an opening, and she puts them away. At 8-6 Zhang calls a timeout, sensing a swing in momentum toward Wang. When she comes out Zhang wins a backhand rally with Wang. At 10-7 Zhang pops up a serve and Wang puts it away. At 10-8 there's an exciting rally with Wang looping big and Zhang bringing them back until Wang loops long. Now it's 3-1 Zhang.
In game 5 Zhang pulls ahead to 5-2. Wang calls a timeout, then comes back to tie it up 5-5. At 7-7, in the point of the match, Wang is countering forehands with Zhang and taking her from corner to corner. Just when it looks like Zhang can't reach a ball to her backhand, she reaches down and sends it low with her backhand back over the net to Wang's forehand. It has too much chop on it for Wang to get it back over the net. At 8-7 (Wang) Zhang sneaks a backhand past Wang in her backhand corner to tie it up, has a put-way to make it 9-8 (Zhang). When Wang's return hits the net and drops wide, it's all over.
Match and championship to Mo Zhang: 8, -8, 7, 8, 8.
US Open Men’s Singles Semi-finals
Saturday, July 08, 2006 5 pm.
One Step From Gold!!!
By: Richard McAfee
Sharath Kamal Achanta (IND) vs Aleksandar Karakasevic (YUG)
Karakasevic is the number #1 Seed and the highest ranked player in the event at World #44. Achanta while only ranked #124, has been one of the ITTF Pro-Tour’s Hot Players during the last month. Many in the crowd expected this could be an upset in the making.
The first game started out with both players going for winners as quickly as possible. Most points were over by the third-ball. Karakasevic finally opened a lead at 8-6 and went on to take game one 11-8. In game two, Karakasevic starts out winning almost every backhand to backhand exchange and Achanta could not find many opportunities to get in his powerful forehand. This game was all Karakasevic 11-4.
Achanta is a clever player and in game three did all he could to change up the pattern of play from the previous games. He began to handle Karakasevic’s opening loop better and started pushing him off the table by attacking his wide forehand. Game to Achanta at 11-8.
Game four gave the crowd lots to cheer for as both players exchanged great loops. No one could get a lead until Achanta misses his own serve and Karakasevic loops in the next to 9-7. An error by Karakasevic and a great “fake” loop by Achanta brought the score to 9-all. A clever stop block by Achanta fools Karakasevic and sets-up a game point at 10-9. Now Achanta misses a flip, and then makes another error on a high ball to give Karakasevic the lead at 11-10. He then fools Karakasevic with a dead serve to deuce the game again at 11-11. Then suddenly, Achanta loops in a serve and gets a net to win the game at 13-11.
At the beginning of game five, Karakasevic looked tight and some errors began to creep in as Achanta took an early 5-3 lead. At this point Karakasevic executed a series of great blocks against Achanta’s all-out power loops, finally killing the final loop with a backhand punch-block that left Achanta stunned. Once again the game goes to deuce. This time, Karakasevic would win it with a strong forehand flip into Achanta’s body and an error from his opponent.
Once Karakasevic sees the finish line, he is a tremendous closer. From 7-all, he again blocks Achanta down in several rallies and scores with some strong backhand loops of his own. Game and Match to Karakasevic at 11-7.
Wilson Peng Zhang (CAN) vs Soumy Adeep Roy (IND)
From the beginning of game one, Wilson quickly dominates all the forehand exchanges and rushes to a 9-3 lead. Despite several strong loops of his own, Roy cannot match Wilson’s speed or intensity. Game one to Wilson 11-7.
Game two saw much more of the same as Wilson appeared more focused and intense then his opponent and even though Roy makes some good shots, he also makes errors. Game to Wilson 11-5.
Game three went very fast as Wilson simply dominated Roy in every area of the game, 11-3.
There is no let-up in Wilson at the start of the fourth game and he races to a 4-1 lead. Roy calls for a time out. However, even this did not help. Wilson is a totally committed player who never lets up, and never gives less than 100% every point. He fights to get every point no matter what the score. Roy continues to fight and slowly begins to catch-up. At 8-6 Wilson calls time out. A couple of strong forehand loops later and Wilson quickly finishes the match at 11-6.
On this day, Wilson was not to be deigned and he dominated Roy from start to finish.
US Open Men’s Doubles Final
Saturday, July 08, 2006, 2 pm.
Shoot-out in Charlotte!
By: Richard McAfee
Karakasevic / Drinic vs Feth/Keinath
Both of these teams are very experienced doubles teams and the resulting match was of excellent quality. In the beginning of the first game the left/right handed pair of Drinic and Karakasevic seemed to move better together and took the early lead. In what was to be a reoccurring pattern during this match, the German Pair would fight hard to close to 10-all, only to lose a heartbreaker at 15-13.
In game two Feth and Keinath started out much better an nursed an early lead all the way to game point at 10-9. At this point a clever drop shot from Karakasevic, ties it up at 10-all. The teams share great shots to 13-all, but then Feth misses a high backhand and Keinath also misses a backhand loop, game two to Drinic and Karakesevic 15-13.
In game three, the German Team finally breaks through. With Feth making good placements and Keinath power looping winners they win at 11-9. Throughout the match, Feth and Keinath seem to have a plan of containing Karakasevic and trying to score on Drinic. It works for a while but Drinic is an excellent doubles player and you just can’t keep Karakasevic from making unbelievable shots for long. Game four to Karakasevic/Drinic at 13-11.
Game five was the most exciting of the match, with Karakasevic / Drinic coming out strong and taking a 4-1 lead. During this early stage, Karakasevic made a series of amazing shots even scoring with a backhand loop from long range while falling down. Lead by some excellent serving from Feth and strong backhand loops off the bounce by Keinath, the Germans again catch up at 9-all. A strong backhand loop by Keinath gives the German Team a game point at 10-9, only to have Drinic score with a lucky net, 10-all. Here both teams make some great shots, a cleaver side top serve return by Feth, a great power-loop by Karakasevic, a great counter looping rally won by the Germans and when Drinic finally nets a loop the Germans win the game at 13-11 and have cut the lead to 3-2 for Karakasevic and Drinic.
Game six would be the final game as Karakasevic simply took over play. His backhand rip-loops and forehand flip kills of serves gave the audience an exhibition of true World Class Doubles Play. Game and match to Karakasevic/Drinic at 11-4.
Canada's Mo Zhang Will Meet USA's Wang Chen in Final
by Dave Fullen
In two well-attended matches Wang Chen emerged victorious over Whitney Ping, and Canada's Mo Zhang defeated Venezuela's Fabiola Ramos to advance to the Women's Singles final match, scheduled for 6:30 tonight.
Wang Chen vs. Whitney Ping
Top-seeded Wang Chen had little trouble defeating Whitney Ping 4-0, although Ping never gave up trying to find an opening. In the first two games Ping had trouble finding a chink in the armor of bullet-proof Chen. Game 3 was a different matter, with Ping finding the table to rally to 4-4, then finding an opportunity for a big smash to make it 8-6, Chen. Chen rips a forehand at that point, but the two rally at 10-6. The last game is mostly Chen again at
11-4.
Match to Wang Chen: 1, 1, 6, 4.
Fabiola Ramos vs. Mo Zhang
Venezuela's #1 player and World-ranked 262 Fabiola Ramos took World 180 and Canada's #1 player Mo Zhang to the wire today in a closely-fought match. In game 1 it was Zhang emerging 11-2 as Ramos couldn't get a handle on Zhang's topspin (or lack of topspin). In game 2 she found her rhythm and her own spin to even the match at 1 game apiece, each having two match points before Ramos sealed it, 15-13.
In game 3 both players counter cautiously, with Zhang making the fewest mistakes to win 11-5. In game 4 Ramos still can't find her rhythm. Zhang's forehand appeared flatter than Ramos was comfortable with and she couldn't read it. Zhang wins again to go up 3 games to 1.
But in game 5 a new Fabio shows up, moving Zhang around and finding a weakness in Zhang's deep forehand corner. Ramos leads 8-0 before Zhang can get on the scoreboard. When she does, it's too late. Ramos wins game 5 11-2.
In game 6 Ramos remembers the success she has in Zhang's forehand corner and goes there often, finding six winners there, and almost one in the other corner. Ramos ties the match up 3 games each.
In game 7 Zhang pulls ahead 5-1. Ramos finds her corner again to pull to 5-7, Zhang, and then Zhang rips a backhand down the line. This time Zhang remembers what works and rips a sizzling down the forehand line serve to win, 11-7.
Match to Mo Zhang: 2, -13, 5, 8, -2, -9, 7.
It will be Mo Zhang from Canada facing Wang Chen from the USA in tonight's 6:30 final.
Women Whittle to Four
by Dave Fullen
An appreciative crowd witnessed some spectacular table tennis when the women's round of eight became four. A collective gasp emerged from the audience when the quick blocking and shot-making of Fabiola Ramos and Lily Yip reached its peak. But all four matches were excellent.
Wang Chen vs. Judy Hugh
Top-seeded Wang Chen overcame Judy Hugh with fast, powerful topspin. But Hugh was not intimidated, returning power with power. She had some nice put-away shots, staging a comeback in game 1 from a 6-1 deficit to make it 7-6, Chen. But Wang Chen is just too good. She's capable of ripping forehands and backhands, and she just doesn't miss much.
Match to Wang Chen: 6, 6, 4, 6.
Whitney Ping vs. Poulomi Ghatak
This was THE match of the Round of Eight. In an excellent match-up, Ping and Ghatak traded games, with Ping striking first. It appeared that Whitney's strategy was to take Ghatak out of her game, building a 9-5 lead. But Ghatak came back with two kill shots, narrowing the score to 11-8, Ping.
In game 2 and 3 it was more Ghatak than Ping, dominating game two. When Ping staged a comeback in game 3, Ghatak applied some heavy sidespin to her serves and held Whitney off, 11-9.
In game 4 Ping got the momentum, going up 6-2. But Ghatak's loop/kills from both wings, and the heavy sidespin on her serves helped close the gap. Still, Ping prevailed, 11-9.
In game 5, Ghatak added a high toss to her serving arsenal, then a couple of easy serves to throw off Whitney's timing. But it was close, with game 5 going to Ghatak, 12-10.
At this point Ghatak is up 3-2. She puts away Ping's opening serve down the line, but Ping takes the next two with her own put away shots. At 7-9 Ghatak, Ping takes a timeout with Coach Stefan Feth. When play resumes Ghatak rips a forehand loop, but Ping blocks it and gets the next point to tie the game at 9. In an incredible rally that ends with a Ghatak kill, Poulomi pulls ahead to 10-9. This game continues back and forth, with Ghatak getting four match points. But Ping won't die, blocking two loops to tie at 14, then winning the next two points.
In Game 7 it appears that the momentum is with Whitney Ping. So much so that at 6-2 Ping, Ghatak changes her strategy entirely and plays a mid-distance defensive game. When Ping blocks a ripping Ghatak backhand loop down the line, the game and match go to Whitney.
Match to Ping: 8, -6, -9, 9, -10, 14, 5
Fabiola Ramos vs. Lily Yip
This was a game of quick blocking and hitting by both players. Yip's lightning low hits had Ramos on the run, but somehow Ramos kept squeaking out wins. The first two games went to deuce. The biggest gap was three points in game four when Ramos won on an edge. The difference in this match may have been Ramos' topspin - when she looped, Lily's blocks would sometimes end up in the net.
Match to Ramos: 10, 10, 9, 8.
Mo Zhang vs. Nan Li
Mo Zhang, Canada's number 1 player, proved to be too quick and too accurate for Nan Li, who was a top US junior and has recently resumed training. Li started causing some Zhang mistakes in game 2, and took game 3 to deuce. In game 4 Li took the lead on some quick backhand blocks, but then Zhang started working Li's backhand to her advantage.
Match to Zhang: 3, 7, 10, 6.
Women's play resumes with the Round of Four at 12:45 today. With the two American players facing off, and Canada playing Venezuela, these will be exciting matches to watch.
Junior Girls Singles
Quarterfinals
Zhang Mo d Eloise Garnier-St-Aubin - 4,3,8
Cynthia Paulin d Barbara Wei - 13,8,8
Brana Vlasic d Jennifer Mast - 6,2,7
Judy Hugh d Marie-Andree Levesque - 7,-7,6,6
Semifinals
Zhang Mo d Cynthia Paulin - Default
Judy Hugh d Brana Vlasic - 3,5,4
Finals
Zhang Mo d Judy Hugh - 9,9,6
Junior Boys Singles
Quarterfinals
Justen Yao d Don James Alto - 10,8,-7,-5,9
Jorge Mino Puga d AJ Brewer - 7,6,6
Trevor Runyan d Joseph Cochran - -8,-9,6,8,11
John Leach d Misha Kazantsev - -7,10,-9,9,9
Semifinals
Justen Yao d Jorge Mino Puga - -7,5,10,9
John Leach d Trevor Runyan - 3,14,3
Finals
Justen Yao d John Leach - 9,5,4
Under 2100 Women's RR
1st: Brenda Hye-Sook Mun
Over 30 Men's Singles
Quarterfinals
Eric Owens d Jiri Hlava - 12,4,7
Herbert Neubauer d Alexis Garcia - 3,7,3
Omar Flores d Mark Nordby - 1,8,5
Guillermo Rosales Didi De Souza - Default
Semifinals
Herbert Neubauer d Eric Owens - Default
Omar Flores d Guillermo Rosales - 8,2,2
Finals
Omar Flores d Herbert Neubauer - -8,4,8,7
Hardbat RR
Finals
Lily Yip d Trevor Runyan - 13,12,14
Men's Doubles
Finals
Aleksandar Karakasevic & Sasa Drinic d Thomas Keinath & Stefan Feth - 13,-13,-9,5,-11,4
Under 1900
Finals
Ricardo Lee d Clive Johnson - -3,7,7,-11,9
Wheelchair Open
1st: Andre Scott
2nd: Stuart Caplin
Over 50 Men
Finals
Herbert Neubauer d Lim Ming Chui - 8,3,10
Under 2400
Finals
Trevor Runyan d Didi De Souza - 8,7,-6,13
Under 1750
Finals
Kevin Yan d Clive Johnson - -10,7,7,9
Under 1800/Over 40
Finals
Adam Jackovino d Dick Peregrine - 6,8,9
Women's Singles
Final
Zhang Mo d Wang Chen - 8,-8,7,8,8
Men's Singles
Final
Aleksandar Karakasevic d Wilson Zhang - 9,-5,-9,7,-9,7,9
