If you pee'ed a little after seeing that.... no one cares. For at least the next four weeks and if we get 8 or more players to our weekly #squash SMASH Tourney, a randomly selected player will receive a $50 Sushi Nami gift card. That's right.... now there are cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers, $25 Marlow's Tavern Gift Card for first place.... and now, just for playing, you get a shot at a $50 Gift Card from the 4-star rated Sushi Nami Too!
Think you got what it takes for that? If you are not there.... we all will know the answer.
Sign up! Sign up online.Online registration closes at 5:30pm. We only have room for 16 players, after 5:30 - walk in's welcome. $15 cash entry fee. Player check-in at 6:15, bracket draw at 6:30 and play starts immediately. Double elimination. Don't choke.
Sushi Nami has one of Atlanta's finest sushi selections, Japanese cuisine, huge Saki selection, great cocktails, and draft beer in the area.
I will randomly draw a player as soon as the first player is eliminated from the tourney.
For more information about the tournament, past results, and how the EvenSquash handicap system works, check out www.EvenSquash.com
Mario de M. (4.0): Long time and regular player, who practices hard and plays hard and seems to never runs out of gas, finally won last week! Mario took home a $25 gift card from Marlow's Tavern and $126 of 'player donations'. Mario is now a 4.5.
We had 14 players, a few newcomers, and some great matches. For those not familiar, the squash SMASH tourney matches up players who would probably not normally play each other in a fair, fast, fun format. For the full review of the tournament and match highlights, check out the RESULTS - 24 Aug Squash SMASH Tourney below.
New Tournament Rule
Sudden Death - In the interest of keeping a fast pace and with the exception of the final match, any match that starts after 8:45 will be played in one game and not best of 3 games.
So we can start on time, be there no later than 6:15to pay, warm up, and start.
You are not guaranteed a spot until you have paid the entry fee ($15, cash only).
16 player max. Priority will be given to those that sign up online.
If you do plan to play and if you haven't already, please help me out and reserve a 1-hour block on courts 2, 3, and 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 on www.MyLT.com
I will be live tweeting the tournament with pictures and some match video this week, so if you can't make it, you can follow the action on Twitter @EvenSquash. I will also post a few updates about the tournament on Facebook @EvenSquash and Instagram @EvenSquash
14 players! Congratulations to Mario de M. (4.0) for keeping a level head through a long night that had a bit of drama and claiming first place! Mario is now rated a 4.5. 1. Mario de M. (4.0) - $126 + $25 Marlow's Tavern gift card 2. Rehan S. (4.0) - $69 3. Arturo M. (3.5) - $15
Mario de M. (4.0) went through a lot of tough players like Fletch C. (5.0), Robert M. (4.0) and Gareth J. (4.0) to get to the finals and in the end was able to beat Rehan S. (4.0) in even races to 11. The last game of the match went hill-hill, meaning both players were on the hill and only needed one point to take home first. Check out the video highlights below and the final point!
Last minute of the last game of the last match!
First game of the finals Mario de M. (4.0) (blue shirt) and Rehan S. (4.0) (black shirt)
There were a lot of exciting matches and a lot of even face offs like matches between newcomer Peter W. (2.5) vs. experienced Lawrence L. (2.5) went three games with tight scores: 11-10, 11-7, and 11-9. Or some 5.0 on 5.0 action like with Saim K. and Anjo G., where Anjo did all the winning. It was Gareth G.'s first time playing had a lot of pressure but was able to hold his own until he met Arturo M. (3.5) and almost got into the money. There were some surprise early knockouts of seasoned players and past winners: Courtney W. and Robert M., both past winners, went home early. Frank G. (2.5) went home in the first round...again... but he is a solid 2.5 and the smart money is on him to snap this tourney off any week now.
On a more serious note, we had a few players who brought their drama skills to the squash court. This was a surprise coming from squash players that we see and play everyday and this wasn't even our biggest tourney! Last night, we saw for the first time:
Arguing with the ref when there was a volunteer making a ref call,
throwing rackets,
name calling,
abusive profanity,
and borderline physical altercation.
There will be no tolerance of poor sportsmanship, bad conduct on/off court, or confrontational play will get you disqualified. That behavior does no one good, does not help promote or attract new players, and is a waste of my time. I was caught off guard by the behavior and regret that I did not eject them on the spot. My bad and it won't happen again.
BUT, all-in-all, everyone had a great time! Below are some more highlights, video, and pics. Thanks again to everyone coming out to play!
I'll have next week's tourney announcement up in a day or two. Until then, you can always follow along with live updates and latest info on Twitter @EvenSquash, Facebook @EvenSquash, Instagram @EvenSquash. And you can always add your email address (see the left side bar) to get emails about the latest posts.
See you next week!
- Bob -
The final tourney bracket - 14 players!
Fletch C. (5.0) (red shorts) vs. Jeff D. (3.0)
Anjo G. (5.0) vs Arturo M. (3.5)
Feel the drama - Watch for the stroke call
Siam K. (5.0) vs. Courtney W. (3.5)
Courtney holding the T well but there's just too much Saim K. pressure in the corner
Rehan S. (4.0) vs. Anjo G. (5.0)
Drama abounds. Was Rehan getting played with like a cat toy
or Anjo surprised by a stronger opponent. You make the call.
Arturo M. (3.5) vs. Rehan S. (4.0)
...and the Academy Award for best drama goes to....
Last week, newcomer Robert M. (playing as a 3.5) snapped off first place and took home a $25 gift card from Marlow's Tavern and $77 of everyone's money. He said he'll be back this week... we'll see.... For those wondering if Rehan S. (4.0) will be there, last I heard he may still be re-hydrating and recovering.
For reals: there was some great competition last week and a great mix of players. The tournament matches up players that would probably not normally play each other in a fair, fast, fun format. From the sounds of things, everyone had a boat load of fun. For the full review of the tournament and match highlights, check out the RESULTS - 17 Aug Squash SMASH Tourney below. Even if you think there is a slight chance that you'll play this week, I highly recommend you sign up online. Spots fill up fast and it's a lot easier to scratch you out than to add you in last minute!
So we can start on time, please be there no later than 6:15to pay, warm up, and start.
You are not guaranteed a spot until you have paid the entry fee ($15, cash only for now) before the draw at 6:30pm.
Remember - there is a 16 player max. Priority will be given to those that sign up online.
If you do plan to play and if you haven't already, please help me out and reserve a 1-hour block on courts 2, 3, and 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 on www.MyLT.com
I will be live tweeting the tournament with pictures and some match video this week, so if you can't make it, you can follow the action on Twitter @EvenSquash. I will also post a few updates about the tournament on Facebook @EvenSquash and Instagram @EvenSquash
Crazy crazy crazy.... The tournament was almost canceled because only one person signed up online (thanks Brian S.) ... but then 7 people walked in and we had a field of 8!
Robert M. (3.5) has a new title!
--> Winner <--
That's right - we had a first time player, who's not even a member of the Lifetime Fitness, but who has played in some of Andre's tournaments as a 3.5, come in and snap the whole tournament off. It wasn't easy, it was close, and now Robert gets some more weight to carry the next tournament - Robert M. is now a 4.0. 1. Robert M. (3.5) - $77 + $25 Marlow's Gift Card 2. Rehan S. (4.0) - $33 3. Mario de M. (4.0) - $15
In the finals, it was Robert M. (3.5) vs. Rehan S. (4.0). Using the EvenSquash handicap system, that meant that Robert needed 7 points to win and Rehan 11 points to win the game. Rehan stepped up and took the first game 11-5.... and that woke Robert up to come back with two wins, 7-5, and 7-6. Rehan was tired from taking the longest route to the finals by playing 14 games over 6 matches! Some could actually argue that Rehan put all his energy reserves into the match between Mario de M. (4.0) and was out of steam against Robert. Robert took advantage of this and kept constant pressure on Rehan. Well played.
Text book case of Robert making an already spent Rehan S. chase every shot down
We had a lot of newcomers last night: Brian S. (3.0), Paul C. (3.0), Shane G. (4.0), and Robert M. (3.5). It was intense and for those that made it past the first round found out that it is not just squash skill but also fitness that helps you advance. Anyone who played Mario de M. was hating life - Mario ran them around and would not let a ball die; so his opponents never caught a breather. Last week's winner, Fletch C.'s, was playing for the first time as a 5.0, was feeling the additional weight and had some tough matches against seasoned lower level players. Siam K. (5.0), also getting used to the new 5.0 weight progressed further but still ran into trouble with Rehan. Rehan sent both 5.0's home. After two 5.0 battles, Rehan faced Mario de M. (4.0) and the rallies in that battle.... lasted minutes! Like I said, it was a tough night for Rehan and I am sure he will need some time to recover.
Both Mario de M. (4.0) and Saim K. (5.0) reminded, Brian S. (3.0) that squash is a lot harder than golf and played some fierce matches. Shane G., back from a few months off and first time playing in the tourney, played as a 4.0 but after playing the two 5.0's, begged to be lowered back to a 3.5. Paul C. (3.0) was excited to be out and playing in the tourney. Even after getting sent home by Rehan, Paul was still excited and said he'd be back.
Actually, on that note - everyone said that they had a lot of fun and would be back.... except Rehan who will probably still be recovering.
I'll have next week's tourney announcement up in a day or two. Until then, you can always follow along with live updates and latest info on Twitter @EvenSquash or Facebook @EvenSquash. And you can always add your email address (see the left side bar) to get emails about the latest posts.
Last week Fletcher C. (playing as a 4.5) moved the ball better than everyone else and came away with the $77 first prize and a $25 gift card from Marlow's Tavern. Fletcher will now play as a 5.0 - Let's see if he returns for more.... or maybe he's nervous with his new 5.0 crown. There was some great competition, including our youngest player yet, 11 year old Ashwin A. (3.0). For the full review of the tournament and match highlights, check out the RESULTS - 10 Aug Squash SMASH Tourney. If you think you are up for a little squash, a little competition, and a lot of fun, sign up! Even if you think there is a slight chance that you'll play, I highly recommend you sign up online. Spots fill up fast and it's a lot easier to cancel you out than to add you in last minute!
So we can start on time, please be there no later than 6:15to pay, warm up, and start.
You are not guaranteed a spot until you have paid the entry fee ($15, cash only for now) before the draw at 6:30pm.
Remember - there is a 16 player max. Priority will be given to those that sign up online.
I will be live tweeting the tournament with pictures and some match video this week, so if you can't make it, you can follow the action on Twitter @EvenSquash. I will also post a few updates about the tournament on Facebook @EvenSquash.
If you do plan to play and if you haven't already, please help me out and reserve a 1-hour block on courts 2, 3, and 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 on www.MyLT.com
That was the kind of matches we had last night. Denri ended up defeating Ashwin but not without Ashwin dishing out some serious mind-trauma to Denri. Again - 8 solid players! Here's the run down: 1. Fletcher C. (4.5) - $77 + $25 Marlow's Gift Card 2. Denri G. (4.0) - $33 3. Assam J. (5.0) - $15
It was an interesting night to say the least.... we had hardly anyone sign up online but then out of the blue, people showed up!
Denri G., a solid 4.0, nursing a bad knee, and didn't even want to play, was able to hold the winner's bracket through the night by defeating some tough opponents including a new 3.0 player, Tim J. (3.0), Ashwin A. (the crazy good 3.0, 11 year old), and Assam J. (5.0). But it was Fletcher C. who was pushed down into the loser's bracket in the first round by Tom R. (2.5) only to claw back through 6 matches to win the night! Dude! - Talk about fitness! Congratulations to Fletcher C. (4.5)! No one talked about Denri's 3rd, 2nd place finish... #closer Fletcher C. will now play as a 5.0 in future tournaments.
Final Tourney Bracket
We started at 6:45 and ended at 8:45. Next time - we'll start on time! Promise!
Highlights!
Tom R., a 2.5 and relatively new to squash, put some smack downs on some seasoned players with the focus of just getting a few points to advance, which he did. Tim J., a 3.0 and first timer to our SMASH tourney, got dropped in the first round - but I am sure it was just nerves and next time will be out for blood. Morgan P., a top-notch 3.5 and short-stop to 4.0 (players actually complain), got bounced in the first round. Good thing I didn't put any money on him to finish this time... no really, it's just a matter of time before he snaps this tourney off!
A few seconds of play with Morgan P. (3.5) vs Assam J. (5.0) in one of many hard points
Jeff D. (3.0), in the white shirt, taking some lessons from Ashwin A. (3.0)
Fletcher C. (4.5) vs. Ashwin A. (3.0)
Check out the freaking awesome drop shot by Ashwin for the point!
Here's Denri G. (4.0) taking a stroke like a boss vs. Assam J. (5.0).
If you listen closely, you can hear Denri say, "please don't hit me..."
I'll have next week's tourney announcement up in a day or two. Until then, you can always follow along with live updates and latest info on Twitter @EvenSquash or Facebook @EvenSquash. And you can always add your email address (see the left side bar) to get emails about the latest posts.
.... and that means absolutely nothing to an avid squash player. Last week we had a quick and dirty tournament with 8 solid players that lasted just under two hours. In the end, Saim K. walked away with the $77 first prize. For the full review of the tournament and match highlights, check out the RESULTS - 3 Aug Squash SMASH Tourney. If you think you are up for the challenge of this much squash, sign up! Even if you think there is a slight chance that you'll play, I highly recommend you sign up online. It's a lot easier to cancel you out than to add you in last minute!
So we can start on time, please be there no later than 6:15to pay, warm up, and start.
You are not guaranteed a spot until you have paid the entry fee ($15, cash only for now) before the draw at 6:30pm.
Remember - there is a 16 player max in this tourney. Priority will be given to those that sign up online. If we fill up to 16, walk-in's will go on a stand-by list until all online registrants have checked in.
I will be live tweeting the tournament with pictures and some match video this week, so if you can't make it, you can follow the action on Twitter @EvenSquash. I will also post a few updates about the tournament on Facebook @EvenSquash.
If you do plan to play and if you haven't already, please help me out and reserve a 1-hour block on courts 2, 3, and 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 on www.MyLT.com
Here are leaders from the Aug 3 Squash SMASH Tourney:
1. Saim K. (4.5) - $77
2. Anjo G. (5.0) - $33
3. Jeff D. (3.0) - $15
Saim K. started the tournament as a 4.5 and finished as a 5.0. He was able to hold the winner's bracket the entire night and some how, didn't even break a sweat.... but no one called him a freak for not sweating. In his final battle with Anjo G. (5.0), who fell to the loser's bracket earlier, faced Saim but Saim was able to pull out two quick victories and take advantage of any errors that Anjo made. Strangely, this is Anjo's 3rd time finishing 2nd place and makes you wonder how he got the nickname 'The Closer'. If you see Saim, please congratulate him on his first place finish and welcome him to the 5.0 ranks.
Finals: Saim K. (4.5) in the green shirt vs. Anjo G. (5.0) in the black.
Speaking of 5.0's... this tourney was definitely top heavy with half the players considered to be advanced squash players. We had 2 5.0's, 2 4.5's, a 3.5, a 3.0 and 2 2.5's. That big spread of handicaps created big gaps in play style while at the same time matching up many in even matches. The show case match of the night came in the second round with Assam J. (5.0) vs. Anjo G. (5.0). In the end, Anjo pushed Assam down into the loser's bracket and moved on to face Saim K. for the first time.
We also had four players to play in their first Squash SMASH tourney: Fletcher C. (4.5), Roger W. (3.5), Cody H. (2.5), and Tom R. (2.5). Tom R. had the best showing of the new players and almost got into the semi-finals. They all said they had fun and plan to be back.
All in all, it was a great night. We started almost on time (6:40) and ended at 8:25. Check out the full tournament tree below for how the night unfolded.
I'll have next week's tourney announcement up in a day or two. Until then, you can always follow along with live updates and latest info on Twitter @EvenSquash or Facebook @EvenSquash.
