1 Tennis Dog Thursday (Challenger)

**RogueScholar** · 04-23-09, 11:02 AM

This is a much more well-thought out play, LT. Im's been steadily working on his game, while Young's has been slipping a little bit of late. There are a few factors that dissuade me from playing this match, though. First is the fact that Donald Young, his opponenet, is an American playing at a tourney here in the States. You can never underestimate home court advantage in "minor league" Challenger tournaments. The crowds are small to begin with, so having the few people in attendance rooting for you definitely trumps playing to a half empty stadium where nobody cares if you win or lose.

Secondly, this is Im's first clay tournament ever. Now that's cause for concern because playing on the clay court means learning to slide into your shots in order to keep pace with the game. It's extremely easy for someone not used to the surface to strain a groin or adductor muscle and have to concede the match due to the pain. I'm not saying that Young holds a distinct advantage, because he's a rather lousy clay courter, but I can't back someone playing their first tennis on clay against a hometown boy who at least is experienced, if not successful, on the surface.

Again, best of luck with your play.

**LT Profits** · 04-23-09, 08:19 PM

Lucky refund here.

**RogueScholar** · 04-23-09, 10:26 PM

Refund from where? If you played at 5Dimes, as you often do, then you lost. Young had the match well in hand, so much so that Im retired in the second set. If you played at a book that doesn't grade until the second set, then you got a lucky push on a losing wager. Te saluto.

**GoodOldTed** · 04-24-09, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by RogueScholar

Secondly, this is Im's first clay tournament ever. Now that's cause for concern because playing on the clay court means learning to slide into your shots in order to keep pace with the game. It's extremely easy for someone not used to the surface to strain a groin or adductor muscle and have to concede the match due to the pain. I'm not saying that Young holds a distinct advantage, because he's a rather lousy clay courter, but I can't back someone playing their first tennis on clay against a hometown boy who at least is experienced, if not successful, on the surface.

Again, best of luck with your play.

They said you were sharp Rogue.... however this is a hardcourt event....

**RogueScholar** · 04-24-09, 11:39 AM

I stand corrected, Ted! Thanks for catching that. I don't usually bet Challenger tourneys so I just made a reprehensible assumption that this was the same surface as the Sofia, Bulgaria tourney that I actually did wager on. I'll try not to impugn the accolades that I have so graciously received recently from my fellows on the forum.

**GoodOldTed** · 04-25-09, 04:27 PM

you know what they say about assumptions.... I thought you'd be the first to know that if the event was in the US, then it's 90% certain to be hardcourt.

**LT Profits** · 04-25-09, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by RogueScholar

Refund from where? If you played at 5Dimes, as you often do, then you lost. Young had the match well in hand, so much so that Im retired in the second set. If you played at a book that doesn't grade until the second set, then you got a lucky push on a losing wager. Te saluto.

Sorry I just saw this.

Well I got a half-unit refund, as I lost at 5 Dimes and got a refund at CW.