Niles & Clermont in Quarterfinals

Posted by T. A. Niles Aug 27, 2008

So I’m playing Max King, the 7th seed, today and he’s serving at 3-5, 30-40 in the second set, after I won the first 6-2. As I’m awaiting serve, my buddy Eric Ernstrom’s voice echoed in my ear: “Yeah, T. A. Max has a way of hanging on to matches no matter how long it takes…once a couple years ago I was up 6-3, 5-3 match point and somehow two hours later he had won. Thus, it is not over with him until you get match point...”

As Eric’s words invaded my consciousness, threatening to disrupt my focus, I grit my teeth and thought, “Not today Max! It…aint…gonna…happen…today!” Thirty seconds later, Max and I were shaking hands and I had beaten one of the players I respect most in our division.

Tomorrow’s quarterfinal opponent, Gilbert Schuerholz of Lutherville Timonium, MD, is seeded 4th, has won four consecutive USTA sanctioned events, and is undefeated in USTA tournament play this year. He won a tough match today (7-6, 4-6, 6-4) against Kerry S. Bucklin of Mercer Island, WA, so there’s no question that he is match tough, and riding a wave of confidence.

What an opportunity to be a spoiler! I’ll have to bring the best I’ve got to pull off the upset, but, as always, I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Our other Florida representative remaining in the main draw, Gary Clermont (13), pulled out a tough three-setter to advance to the quarters as well. Gary lost a hard-fought first set, 4-6, then battled back to post 6-4, 6-4 scores in the final two sets.

Gary has an opportunity to stage a major upset tomorrow, as he faces No.1 seed and top-ranked player in the country, Val Wilder. I bet Gary’s looking forward to his challenge as well. Game, set, match…