Illy and Marray won in QR1 but only Eaton through to Monday to face Hrbaty.


both three setters for Chris

Korolev retired in his QR1 match, but it wasn't enough to save the Brits in section 1 - apart from Chris, who had the lowest seed in his sub-section but did well to take advantage they did (if anything) even worse than I had feared they would:

QR1: Matthew Illingworth WR 751 beat (qWC) Yann Marti (SUI) WR 823 by 7-6(5) 6-7(1) 6-3
QR1: Jonny Marray WR 466 beat (qWC) Neil Pauffley WR 1471 by 3 & 4
QR1: (qWC) Maniel Bains WR 1028 lost to (q7) Marek Semjan (SVK) WR 341 by 3 & 3
QR1: (qWC) Orion Modebe UNR lost to Roman Jebavy (CZE) WR 446 by 3-6 6-3 6-1
QR1: Chris Eaton WR 385 beat (q8) Jan Mertl (CZE) WR 354 by 6-7(2) 6-1 7-6(4)
QR1: Ken Skupski WR 562 lost to (q5) Peter Gojowczyk (GER) WR 331 by 2 & 4
QR1: Neil Bamford WR 711 lost to (q4) Andreas Haider-Maurer (AUT) WR 326 by 4 & 4
QR1: Colin Fleming WR 819 lost to Tomas Zib (CE) WR 490 by 1 & 3

Going through the rounds in Sunderland clearly took its toll on Colin, though Zib went on to beat the no. 6 seed in QR2 as well so must be on form. Quite surprised to see that the constellation took a set off Jebavy, I must admit  

QR2: Matthew Illingworth WR 751 lost to Jan Minar (CZE) WR 365 by 1 & 2
QR2: Jonny Marray WR 466 lost to (q7) Marek Semjan (SVK) WR 341 by 1-6 6-3 6-4
QR2: Chris Eaton WR 385 beat Roman Jebavy (CZE) WR 446 by 6-4 3-6 6-2

FQR: Chris Eaton WR 385 v (q2) Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) WR 275

Yes, he was once world no. 12 of course. However, he hasn't really done anything since coming back from a 6-month injury layoff between Sep 2007-Mar 2008 and before today, he hadn't won back to back matches (mainly playing in Challenger main draws) in 16 tournaments since June.

This is the first time he's had to go down as low as Challenger qualifying, and if he beats Chris tomorrow, it'll be the first time he's won three matches in a row since he reached the Paris AMS Final just over two years ago! That run included a 7-6(6) 6-0 win against Muzza, while his previous two matches against Brits were a R1 win against Tigger and a QF loss to Greg at Montreal AMS in 2005.

I love the distinction between the two Eatons, as you say, let's hope the first one turns up, it would be a great win if he could get it.

Gosh, look what the cat dragged in!

Seriously though, good to see you, a strange coincidence that you and the Count have both reappeared simultaneously (has anyone ever seen them both in the same place at the same time?  (*)), and yes, you're right, if Zib was 'on' yesterday then it was a much worse draw than it looked.


(*) come to think of it, yes I have!

me the same as sheddie!!! preposterous.

and as you say steven you have met us both at the same time, in case you cant remember i was the taller (not difficult when you consider Sheddie's stature), not so scruffy one

however i was going to say the same thing that Zib is a quality player, maybve be winding down hsi career now, but it wasnt a huge shock or a result.

anyidea whne we will find out eatons reuslt?