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The Outback Champions Series spring schedule continued with The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships, April 16-20, 2008, its first island stop of the Series. Surrounded by the beach and the beautiful amenities of The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the site provided a stunning backdrop for a fantastic week of competitive tennis.
The event kicked off Wednesday with gusting winds and high temperatures. Jim Courier had a strong opening day with a win over Mats Wilander, 6-2, 6-0. Other opening day winners included Todd Martin and Wayne Ferreira, with wins over Paul Haarhuis, 6--7(3), 7-5, 10-3(TB) and Mikael Pernfors, 7-6, 6-7(1),10-7(TB) respectively.
In Group A action on Thursday, Jimmy Arias, coming off his first series victory in Naples in March, continued his winning ways defeating John McEnroe 7-5, 6-2. Arias used the wind to his advantage, playing consistently and outlasting McEnroe on the slow, red clay courts of the Ritz-Carlton. In Group B, following the first match, Martin took on the South African, Wayne Ferreira. Martin, the current number one ranked player on the 2008 Stanford Champions Rankings, struggled with the windy conditions, losing to Ferreira, 6-4, 7-6(2). Closing out Wednesday matches, Paul Haarhuis improved to 1-1 with aggressive net play, defeating Mikael Pernfors, 6-3, 6-2.
In Friday and Saturday matches, both Ferreira and Courier continued their dominance, clinching spots in Sunday’s final. On Friday afternoon, Ferreira remained strong from the backcourt, using aggressive groundstrokes and heavy topspin to defeat Pernfors, 6-4, 7-5. Courier had a tougher time with his match, needing a Champions Tie-Break to outlast McEnroe 6-4, 3-6, 10-4(TB) on Saturday. McEnroe exhibited great touch and superb volleys, forcing the four-time Grand Slam champion Courier to produce clutch passing shots to earn a spot in the final.
Arias, in his best tournament to date, also defeated Mats Wilander on Saturday, who after dropping the first set, was forced to retire due to injury. On the same day, Todd Martin also withdrew citing an injured back. Both injuries were disappointing, though the crowd was treated to an exciting exhibition match between Haarhuis and Pernfors. The match brought out the various talents of both players as the two men entertained, engaging the audience with their skill and light-hearted trickery.
Making his Sunday debut on the Outback Champions Series, Arias stunned Haarhuis, 7-6(3), 2-6, 10-8(TB) to claim 3rd place. Following the third place match was the much anticipated final between Courier and Ferreira. Walking on court for the final match both Courier and Ferreira knew that this match would determine the all-time win leader on the Outback Champions Series. Both players battled point- for- point with strong serves and groundstrokes however, Courier eventually outlasted Ferreira 7-6(3), 7-6(1) to take the inaugural Caymans title which vaulted him to the number one spot in the 2008 Stanford Champions Rankings.
Despite extreme weather and grueling matches, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships wasn’t all work and no play. The players got a taste of the island as they visited Stingray City, relaxed on the beach, and snorkeled along the coasts.
InsideOut would like to thank all of the tennis fans in the Cayman Islands for their continued support of the Outback Champions Series and The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for its phenomenal hospitality. Be sure to check back at
www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com for 2008 event information, ticketing and hospitality packages as well as player perspectives.
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