Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Is there anybody out there?
I think that comes from a Pink Floyd song on the great album The Wall. More importantly, it seems a fair question in regard to this weekend's tournaments. Where the hell is everyone? 5.0 draw in Austin, a joke. 4.5, not much better, 14 guys is the smallest I can remember it ever being. Beaumont, hell 4.5 didn't even make last I checked, let alone 5.0. Where the hell are Kallus and Schmucker and the usual cast of guys who run like made to lesser tournaments (200 pointers) in search of the easy points? At least the 4.0 draws are still well populated....by a cast of guys I know absolutely nothing about so I can't even comment on the draws. I know Sectionals will be the normal draw sizes but I am really surprised by the vacuum of tennis right now. I would love to hear your thoughts on whether you think it is just a fluke or if tournaments other than the 8 major zones and the Master's Cup are the casualty of the point system that really only recognizes results from those bigger events unlike the old system where head-to-heads mattered regardless of the size of tourney and players were also required to play at least 2 OTHER tournaments to qualify for a ranking.
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56 comments:
The only comments I heard were from people complaining that it was going to be too hot to play this week-end. Are you serious? Have you ever played at sectionals in Dallas in August? (Granted - they do employ a third set super tie instead of a full third set) but really, too hot to play at 8 a.m.?
Even in the Open Division in the Beaumont Tournament we have fewer than 20 people signed up and the winner gets 500 bucks and a chance to play in an exhibition doubles match with a professional tennis player. Hopefully more people will sign up next year. Mike Getz
Kallus is just waiting for his bump down to where he really needs to be(3.5 or 4.0) It does not make sense for him to drive to Austin or Beaumont to play win he is not a real 4.5 player. He knows this to be true deep inside his heart. Good luck in 3.5 or 4.0 next year Daniel.
Kallus was not bumped down on the midyear rankings so I would doubt that he gets bumped down at the end of the year. If he did, it would be to 4.0 not 3.5. It might be a good thing cause he does not seem to have any confidence left to win at 4.5. But I am sure he appreciates your insult all the same. I still like him more than 90% of you assholes I have met over the past couple of years.
If the computer saw Kallus play it would probably vomit. nuff said
Look, this is my 2 cents from the lowly world of 3.5 tennis regarding Daniel Kallus. I have seen him play and he looked like a solid 4.0 player, I don't know about 4.5. What I do know is that it sucks for people to bash in anonomously. Unless you are a complete coward, you should sign your name and give him a chance to call you out and back up your derisive comment on the court. There is just no reason for this blog to decend to the level of personal attacks that it has. What is happening is that finally people are becomming bored with the whole anonymous personal attach thing and nobody is posting any more. Mike Getz
Ok I guess I finally need to respond besides it has been some time since I have been on this blog.
I think I have played four tournaments the entire year because of my job at Best Buy. Working retail sucks and I am also working on my Masters as well. So my average tennis play is around two times every three weeks. Not going to play any tournaments when I cannot even practice.
As for Kallus I really do not understand why a few people on here bash him all the time. Daniel never played juniors or HS tennis so give the guy credit. He enjoys playing tournaments so what is wrong with that? I know he has been busy as well and tennis is not a focus for him right now. Daniel is not trying to get bumped down either. His daughter have been playing softball and like I said tennis is not a focus anymore.
The year for me is basically over. I wish I could of played Austin, but Labor Day at Best Buy will be too busy. I am hoping I will play Sectionals and Fall Fest, but all that is still up in the air.
It is strange that Beaumont does not have a 4.5 or 5.0 draw. I think the cost of gas and the other huge factor, the cost of entry fees have turned off a lot of players this year. Some tournaments charge $33 just for singles which is a complete ripoff and the winner receives some pathetic prize and don't forget a lot of tournaments will not give you new balls for the third, but yet rape you on the entry fees.
I still do not understand why there are some bloggers on here that always hate. I thought as a tennis community we are suppose to support each other not talk shit or tear others down. That is a big reason why I stopped coming to this site.
Well thats all,
Schmucker
Schmucker,
I agree with your comments about people, especially anonymous people, using this site to bash others and I also appreciate the fact that most people have a life outside of tennis. But I do not understand why we did not get more 4.5 or 5.0 players from Houston to sign up for the Beaumont Labor Day Tournament. We have one of the few tournaments that still accept mail in entry fees and we held the line at $25.00 for singles if you mailed in your entry fee. Furthermore, if you win your divsion, you would get a cash prize of at least $50.00 and we are the only tournament in the state that I am aware of that gives cash prizes!! Even the draw for the open divisions is pathetic with only 18 men and 9 women -- and that division offers A $500.00 FIRST PRIZE!!! I mean seriously, what kind of incentive to you need?
We used to let the local Lamar University players sign up in the open division but then we had a big controversy because they were not members of the USTA and there was always some benefactor that would pay for them to have a one year USTA membership and the new tennis coach at Lamar said that this violates NCAA rules so they have to buy their own USTA membership and they do not want to do so to play in just one tournament. But you would think that with Houston so close you would have people wanting to play up from 5.0 into the open division to take a crack at winning some good money. Does anyone have any ideas as to why there were so few takers? MIKE GETZ
I don't play much singles, in fact hardly any, so I can't say much about the singles players, but I was signed up for the 4.5 doubles in Beaumont, expecting a round robin like the last two years, which was great, because we got to play 3 - 4 guaranteed matches. Turns out that no one else signed up, so we were moved to the Open draw.
I kind of get the feeling that many people don't like playing in the smaller tournaments (200 pts or less), because a tournament takes up so much of the weekend. If the tournament is not 400 pts or more, they feel it isn't worth it. Many of the top 10 - 20 players in 4.5 and 5.0 only play 2-3 tournaments a year, but they win them, and get 1200+ pts.
I have to admit that if I won a tournament such as a major zone, or even the sectionals coming up in September, I would probably think twice about playing a smaller tournament just because of the huge point cushion.
Kingwood is a small tournamant, but almost without fail, has a good 4.5 and 5.0 tournament. I think this past year Green, Garg, Smith, Gound and a few others played.
Kallus was 36-15 and finished #5 in 2004, was 43-19 and finished #4 in 2005 and then in 2006 he was 18-14 and finished #10 at 5.0 while also going 23-13 at 4.5 and finishing #13. His game may not be very pretty to watch and from his results it would seem he has definitely dropped off over the past couple of years, but 3.5? At least make your insults plausible.
Mike,
It maybe the gas prices, but I am very surprised that NOBODY signed up for 4.5 or 5.0 in Beaumont. Too me that is very surprising. Figured someone could of used the points especially if that individual was going to try to qualify for Austin in November. Perhaps a lot of people are saving their money because of the economy. In fact there have been some major zones this year that have extended the deadline because low turn out as well. To play singles and just only singles in San Antonio for Sectionals the online fee is an astounding $35, $32 if you mail in the entry fee.
I actually would of liked to play Beaumont just to play a tournament and have some fun. Surprised Abshire is not playing either since he resides in Beaumont, but I think Pat is still injured. I like your idea of cash prizes too bad other tournaments don't do the same.
Schmucker
Hey guys,the anonymous insults have been going on for as far back as this blog goes!That's why a lot of people,including Schmuker and Reader,haven't blogged on.Those two have a wonderful and interesting point of view that a lot of us have looked forward to reading.Now we don't have that,we do however have the endless insults aimed at Kallus,Foad,and Reader. I think anonymous must mean "small penis" in some countries.At least that's what it looks like to some of us ladies that read this.
Is not so much that their penises are small as much as they just look small in comparison to their massive fat guts.
In addition to Reader and Schmucker, Kallus also seems to have stayed away from the blog. I wonder if all the negativity finally destroyed what little mental confidence he ever showed on the court. Mission accomplished.
We were all wondering who #8 is.Although he has Reader's flair,we know for a fact that Reader doesn't even read this anymore.We have a tuesday morning clinic with "Lord of the Strings" and we ask him all the time.Plus we know that Reader likes Red,and this #8 person doesn't from previous blogs.Well whatever,we were just wondering if anyone knew who #8 is. Seems like he speaks his mind just like Reader used to do,but cares enough to put capital letters where they should be.We still love you though Lord of the Strings,and we will be pulling for you in Sectionals!!!
Just a thought on how to get the 5.0s more exciting.#1) ONLY 4.5 rated and above should only be able to play in a 5.0 draw.#2) offer $500.00 to the winner of the 5.0 masters tournament.#3) offer $250.00 to whoever finishes #1 at the end of the year in 5.0s Those three things would definitely make things more interesting in the 5.0s. That way we could weed out the players that shouldn't be there in the first place by initiating rule #1. By initiating rules #2 and #3 , we would bring out the stronger 5.0 players that only play leagues. Any thoughts?
I still come to the blog. I just try not to respond to comments anymore. I can honestly say some things posted have bothered me, but for the most part I just let it bounce off me with a laugh. The price of being too talkative at too many tournaments over too long a period of time I guess.
On the tourney draw sizes issue, I would have picked a choice that said "B, C & D". I think they all play into it. I can say honestly that since I have nowhere near as much free time to play tennis (once every 2 weeks instead of 4-5 times a week), I haven't been playing as many tournaments this year. That and having 9 and 6 year olds isn't helping matters come weekend time. Equally important, it does not seem worth paying $30 to play in a 8 or 16 draw tournament in hopes of getting 100 points when really only majoz zone results will matter if you are trying to play for a ranking. You can win every 100 point tourney there is and you will still only have 505 points to show for it or you can just win Sectionals and get 601. I seem to no longer be capable of the former and I have never come close to achieving the latter. On the postive side, my ankles sure do feel healthy now a days.
Unfortunately, 200 pointers really don't help much more than 100 pointers with 8 major zones out there sporting 400+ pt. payouts. I guess if you don't care about making the top 8 then it really shouldn't matter. I got to go last year for doubles and the Masters tourney was probably one of the best run and (most generous) in terms of freebies to the players that I have ever been at. It would have been nice to have a shot at giving it a go in singles. Maybe if I get that 2level bump down to 3.5 that someone so graciously suggested I deserve, I will get that chance.
Here's a thought from someone who's been doing the tournament/ league thing for well over 15 years. It could very well be that the fact that most all of the major zone pts are already earned except for sectionals, by the time of the Austin & Beaumont Labor Day events; & the lionshare of the diehard players who would normally travel, are quite likely a bit burned out come time for Labor Day. So, even though there is cash awards at Beaumont, it somehow isn't enough to motivate most of these "regular" players. There has either got to be more $$$ given out or more reason to chase the 200pts. $50 bucks or whatever it is in the levels (to the winners) is a drop in the bucket when you consider the amount of expenses most of the statewide players (who usually travel) have already dished out up to the point of Labor Day. It's a shame because the fall is when the weather tends to be better but because the tournaments are mostly smaller with less pt value, that won't get diehard players off the couch. Another factor could be that because many players put so much into their "dream" of going to league sectionals, they don't bother with tournaments usually. So after having said all that, it could just be that it's an off year with a lot of guys out dealing with other priorities/injuries/burnout etc. Who knows.
Here's another thought to consider for low turn outs at the Labor Day events. It could just be as simple as that many people may want to do something other than commit their weekend (especially long ones that they usually don't get) to playing a tournament that doesn't offer them much in the way of big draws, points, & awards. I bet if both Labor Day events moved their dates back a week or two they would actually get more participation with only saturday & sunday draws because the 200 pts is enticing enough for many players. But I guess that would mean that technically it would no longer be a "Labor Day" event. Trust me many if not most players wouldn't freak out if you still called them "Labor Day" tournaments. How long will these events keep taking the hit with low draws before they consider moving the dates? I guess until no one signs up to play, looks like. If you want to compete for people's time on holiday weekends, you have to up the ante with wayy more prize money/awards etc. Anybody got any better ideas? I'd like to hear em.
I can "honestly say" Kallus sucks
The only reason for top ranked players to attend the smaller tournaments is to tank a few matches to protect their ratings for league. This is no fun for the players who are at the tournament to try and have good, fun matches. I for one am glad Houston players such as Green, Garg, Dibua , and others do not stoop to the lows that other cities such as San Antonio and Austin do by tanking matches. Houston players just stay at home and do not waste others time and money at the smaller tournaments.
Can anyone give me the website where it indicates if a player has been bumped up?
Well here is another reason that we in Beaumont might need to consider moving the Labor Day Tournament....it is in the middle of hurricane season. And guess what? Just got word that the tournament HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO GUSTAV --- Which is not even in the Gulf yet and not hit land before next TUESDAY! That's right - cancelled, no refunds either. I am not a happy camper. MIKE GETZ
The liberal mindset is spreading to every facet of your life so get used to not being a 'Happy Camper".
"Can anyone give me the website where it indicates if a player has been bumped up?"
www.texas.usta.com
Look under EVENTS
I agree with that blogger about Kallus. I still like him more than 90% of all you assholes I have met over years.
I can "honestly say" Kallus sucks...
Dude get a life and leave Kallus alone. I'm sure he laughed when he read your blog.
#8 = Lord of the Strings = Thomas Reader
Sectionals favorites:
Men Open - Adrian Valdez
Men 5.0 - Brian Smith
Men 4.5 - Alejandro Sanchez
Men 4.0 - James Rice
Men 3.5 - HGAF (who gives a f--k)
Nuff said.
wouldn't that be WGAF
4.5 sectionals competitor list = puke
WOW...not many people in the 5.0 draw at sectionals. I thought more people would be playing. Anyways, how is Smith not seeded. He hasent lost a match in 5.0's all year and crushed Manalo at the alamo and beat reader twice in Finals. The seeds should be based on how the tournament should play out not on how plays the most tournaments. I would love to see a GREEN vs SMITH 1st round match.
I know the score to that already:
B. Smith def. T. Green 6-0, 6-0
To the anonymous poster who likes to sign off with "'Nuff said"
WGAF about your predictions? Answer: no one
The blogger is not anonymous, his name is Nuff.
Beaumont Labor Day Classic - RESCHEDULED
September 26 – 28, 2008
Play on Friday will only affect draws of 32 or larger
Must re-enter via email to Sheila McInnis – shejer@gt.rr.com – NOT tennis link
Call if you have questions 409-720-8539
Since tournament has been rescheduled, there will be no refunds.
We are excited to have the opportunity to have the tournament
and hope you will participate.
You MUST enter again by emailing Sheila in order to play.
DEADLINE midnight Sunday, September 21st.
The tournament will still be a 200 point sanctioned event.
Prize money for 1st and 2nd places in all adult events.
Chamois towels for all participants.
Shamus Darden
Kern, where is Forrest (Feuille)the winner of 2 major zones this year?
The winner of the Beaumont tourney gets to play with Martina Navratilova and I hear Martina was bringing the BALLS.
"WGAF about your predictions? Answer: no one"
Dude I thought this was a blog about tennis, why so much hate and anger in that tone of voice?
Because you disrespect the largest group of players out there in your prediction, the "lowly 3.5" players. Remember, everybody had to start somewhere and was not born a 4.0 or 4.5 player and it is wrong of you to dis all of those players, especially since some of them could probably kick your ass.
I wasn't born a 4.0 or 4.5 player. I started out as an Open player and if you want to put some money down as to a 3.5 kicking my ass, I don't mind making easy money. Otherwise STFU.
If you are such a kick-ass open division player that started that way, why do you hide behind anonymous? Do you have a name to go with your bullshit? Before I put money out, I want to know who I am dealing with.
Journeyman what's your prediction for this year's sectionals (all divisions).
I refuse to waste another minute with a 3.5. You shouldn't be in this blog anyways. Go and practice your ground strokes and we will talk in about 20 years.
A little bit of peace and love please...
yeah, that's what I thought Mr. "I never played 4.0 or 4.5, always played open" You get asked for identification and you run away. Pussy
Just want to give a big shout out to all the Houston area tennis players who ARE NOT representing up in San Antonio this coming weekend!
Seven of the 13 mens 5.0 players are from the greater Houston Area. I think Houston is representing fine.
Also, the seeding and rankings are much better than the past. In past years, A player would win the Coke and we would never see him again. He would ramain in first for the whole year with a record of 6-0. Just like the pros, you must continue to play to be on top.
You are correct about the 5.0 events. I should have been more specific, as I was referring to the 4.5 events.
Just like the pros? Are you serious? The rankings should be based on who you beat at what tournament--that's how the pros play. Not by a system of raw points. It actually matters who you beat, unlike the stupid 5.0 system here. The worst players in the draw are the ones seeded. Dumbass.
I agree with you mate...
About that last post. You have a good point about who you beat but the reality is that the seedings reward players who actually get out there & play, not sit at home & have one or two good tournament wins (1 being usually at the coke) & then sit on the couch most of the year, & get a high seed at sectionals as a result, I might add. If you're that good like Brian Smith, etc then you will be able to take care of business no matter who you play. You shouldn't be able to get to/& stay at the top (after the coke like the old days)& disappear. What was happening was that no one could play those guys at the top the rest of the year to even have a chance to beat them because they were just not showing up at most of the other events. You shouldn't be able to rest on the coke results. People who play most of the year continually put themselves on the line to be beat. The real problem is that those people become dangerous floaters & often end up playing a "finals" match way before the finals which can make the actual finals look like a mismatch. So, it is what it is. Or more accurately, it is what it's become.
Forrest Feuille is sitting out the Texas Sectionals. He is out of town and out of state during the Sectionals. Hoping he has stacked up enough points to play in the Masters tournament in November.
Forrest Feuille would have been my pick for the Sectionals. He is steam rolling over everybody in the 4.0s...
Sectionals will be a washout because of the hurricane so it really doesn't matter who is playing or not. Sucks but what can you do.
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