MG advances to North Finals after 1st-set loss in tie-breaker!

CD plays great… but gets eliminated after MG resurgence!

By Steve England, ESVN - Curt had great placement with powerful strokes, while Gish demonstrated amazing agility to not only reach, but return CD's shots! From a 3-3 tie - CD executes a perfect lob, then slams a service winner to lead 4-3.  MG counters with an outstanding cross-court drop-shot, then follows by forcing two errors leveling the score at 4-4.  Still on-serve in the first... CD rips two service winners jumping ahead to 5-4.  This forces MG to serve to stay alive in the set! Mufasa roars, he finds resolve then easily holds from 40-15, to force a tie-breaker!  In the breaker - CD fighting from a 3-4 deficit... passes MG at the net, then nails several forehand winners, both cross-court and down the line!  CD turns Mufasa's roar into a purr and takes the first set 7-6 (7-4)!

Mufasa takes the loss hard!  With renewed determination his lion's mane flares!  Mufasa breaks CD's serve to edge ahead 2-1.  CD counter-breaks for 2-2, but MG will benefit from a plethora of CD errors!  CD double faults, swings and misses, then hits a forehand down the line wide!  Mufasa takes the second, for a one-set all tie!

MG masterfully drops a back spinning drop-shot over the net to break CD.  He then holds to jump ahead 2-0.  CD fatiguing, and down love-40, watches a shot within reach without even an attempt!  Mufasa leads the final-set 3-0!  Now fighting his way out of a hole - CD lobs... MG leaps skyward and hits... but it's long!  CD shows renewed energy... he nails a backhand passing shot down the line - closing to 2-3!  MG holds after CD attempts a slam which falls into the net, followed by a forehand volley which sails long!  Now leading comfortably, MG finesses a drop-shot winner to lead 5-2, then serves for the match!  Curt knows he's in trouble, but won't lie down!  CD power-breaks Mufasa at love with authority!  CD closes to 3-5, and appears to be dominating... when suddenly, CD watches a drop-shot fall good, then hammers a backhand long!  CD succumbs to Mufasa 6-7(4-7),6-2,6-3!

With his win MG will play for the north bracket title!  A win here will get his name on the Regional Champions Trophy, but first he faces Dynasty Champion - JT!  Will the young lion take over the pride?  Or will a battle with JT cause him to turn tail and run?  Meanwhile, Curt departs tournament competition for the year, but if today's effort is any indication... he'll be back with a vengeance next year!