With a long day of qualifying rounds finally complete, the stage is set for the first round of the main draw of the Rochester ProAm.
In the comeback of the day, Mexican Fernando Lopez answered a strong challenge from local Matt Domenick, a University of Rochester freshman and also a member of the US National junior team. The match featured long rallies characteristic of Domenick’s game with Lopez retrieving beautifully. Eventually, Domenick stole a 10-5 lead in the fifth when Lopez miraculously came back to save five gritty matchballs and clinch the match.
In the next round Lopez met another University of Rochester freshman, Benjamin Fischer who had himself earned a spot in the final qualifying round by overcoming Canadian Michal Reid in five games which went to the line. Playing his third tournament in just as many weeks with blistered feet, Lopez put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to an in-form Fischer.
Final qualifying round – evening session
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt. Lekgotla Mosope (BOT) 11-6, 12-10, 11-6
Joan Lezaud (FRA) bt. Lefika Ragontse (BOT) (retired)
Dane Sharp (CAN) bt. Lewis Walters (ENG) 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7
Benjamin Fischer (SUI) bt. Fernando Lopez (MEX) 11-7, 15-13, 11-4
First qualifying round – morning session
Lekgotla Mosope (BOT) bt. Jose Angel Becerril (MEX) 11-7, 11-5, 11-4
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt. T.G. Raubenheimer (RSA) 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, 11-1
Joan Lezaud (FRA) bt. Brendon Bascom (USA) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
Lefika Ragontse (BOT) bt. Fred Reid (CAN) 11-7, 11-5, 13-11
Dane Sharp (CAN) bt. Jonas Laursen (DEN) 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
Lewis Walters (ENG) bt. Hameed Ahmed (FIN) 11-5, 5-11, 11-6, 13-11
Fernando Lopez (MEX) bt. Matt Domenick (USA) 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10
Benjamin Fischer (SUI) bt. Michal Reid (CAN) 12-10, 4-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10
(Photos © 2009 Paul Schwartz)
Waller (ENG) vs. Raubenheimer (RSA)02-Apr-2009 11:08, NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D200, 2.8, 20.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 1250
Waller vs. Raubenheimer02-Apr-2009 11:13, NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D200, 2.8, 20.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 1250
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