John White Averts Upset In PST Albany Quarters, To Meet Bradley Ball For Title
from Tour Media
April 14, 2012 - Bradley Ball and John White showed their greatness tonight as they dispatched talented, young challengers in three games each.
Ball was tested early by the ever charismatic Sherbini, who is PST's current #2. In fact, Ball looked quite unsettled early in the match. However, his experience and shot making held Sherbini off yet again. The two last faced one another in the finals of the Tuxedo Park Open. Ball won that contest in three as well.
John White was equally strong in his performance against Colombian National Team Member Andres Vargas. White, who was less than precise in quarter final action was focused throughout his semi-final match. Vargas opened the match with great determination and drive, but was continually pushed back as White was quick to the ball and so accurate in his shot making.
Ball and White will now face one another in the finals on Sunday. They have faced each other twice before in PST action. Ball beat White in the 2011 Providence Open Finals, and White beat Ball in the 2011 Mohawk Hampton Open Finals. The two legendary big hitters share respect for one another's games. However, there will be no warmth on court as they face each other in Sunday's Albany Open Championship.
Semi-Final Results
Bradley Ball beat Mohamed El Sherbini 13-11, 11-6, 11-7
John White beat Andres Vargas 11-8, 11-2, 11-4
Quarterfinal Report
John White survived a scare from TG Raubenheimer in the quarter finals. The two were tied at 8-8 in game five before White tied together three impressive rallies to close out a cleanly played, but intense match.
Andres Vargas had to dig deep to find the energy to beat Supreet Singh. Both were teammates at Trinity College before joining PST. From the opening serve, it was clear they knew each other's games well and were close friends. But the match was spirited and intense. This challenge match was won by Vargas.
Bradley Ball continued show his impressive strength and power as he dispatched Adrian Leanza in a comfortable three games.
Although the Randy Lim v. Mohamed El Sherbini match was decided in three games, fans were treated to the most wonderful rallies of the day. Both move around the court so smoothly, it left the assembled fans cheering throughout. Lim is PST Commissioner McManus' prize recruit this season, and the young Malaysian quickly impressed the crowd in his PST debut.
Quarter Final Results
John White (SCO) beat TF Raubenheimer (RSA) 14-12, 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8
Mohamed El Sherbini (EGY) beat Randy Lim (MAL) 11-7, 12-10, 11-4
Bradley Ball (ENG) beat Adrian Leanza (USA) 11-1, 11-3, 11-6
Andres Vargas (COL) beat Supreet Singh (IND) 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-9
Championship Match Sunday @ 1:00 p.m.
3rd place match @ 12 noon
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