It was men’s day for the USA teams in Umag…all the women’s teams had a bye today.
It was cold and windy in Umag. Some matches had a late start due to weather and the need to finish matches which were not completed on Thursday.
The men’s 65s, Britannia Cup, won 3/0 over Denmark, but didn’t finish till 6pm, due to a late start and numerous rain delays. Brian Cheney won at #1; Padg Bolton took the #2 point and Michael Beautyman/Owen Robertson came from a set down to win the doubles point.
The men’s 70s swept Great Britain 3/0. Hugh Thomson had a long match at #2 singles, winning 57 64 62, and displayed his infamous drop shot on numerous occasions. Richard Johnson played #1 singles and clinched the win handily while David Nash/Jody Rush won the doubles point.
The men’s 75s had some drama but in the end beat #2 seeded Austria 2/1. Lester Sack as the hero of the day, winning at #2 singles and combining with Rudy Hernando to win the deciding doubles point. Joe Bachmann played #1 singles against Peter Pokorny but fell early in the match (he called it a Kim Clijsters split) and sprained his knee. He had to retire after a set. The USA plays Germany next. Germany upset Australia, the top seeds, 2/1, winning both doubles points. Klaus Haas upset Bob Howes at #1 singles.
The USA men’s 80s team lost to Germany 2/1, salvaging the doubles point in a match tiebreak. George McCabe pulled a muscle in his leg but still played well, only losing in a match tiebreak. Neil Hurlbut lost to Herbert Althaus 62 64. John Powless and Chuck Nelson won the doubles 10-8 in a match tiebreak.
Tomorrow all teams are in action except I think the men’s 80s and men’s 75s. The women’s teams are all playing for sure. All teams other than the women’s 70s are in medal contention.