[Season 3] (Day 39) PSALT's Preview: Nalbandian Open

PSALT · [Season 3] (Day 39) PSALT's Preview: Nalbandian Open

The Nalbandian Open will have a huge impact on who qualifies for the YEC. World #6 Phobe will have a chance to better her chances to qualify here by defending her semi-final. In her way will be fellow YEC hopeful NEA, who has made the final of his last two events, winning in Croatia, and losing to Jennacourt in Russia. Another hopeful is #8 PSALT; he has an easier draw with Avolt, then a more difficult match against Mollusk or Trinky. I also must mention Dave, who is currently #9; he is the top seed in Bulgaria. There is a very good draw here, with 7 out of the world’s top 10. Besides the YEC, there is another story line here. Young Jbors who has both captivated and annoyed the hell out of the tennis world has entered this Tier I. He will open against the class of carpet players, Bizet. Really there isn’t any controversy, besides the ongoing circus that is Stevos, but what’s new? I was sidetracked, but I will go over that fight between Stevos and Jbors sometime soon. So, matches to watch include,

Child-Leftys – Leftys made small news over her out of character excuse at the Sharapova Cup, blaming the loss on a head cold. Child is the master of excuses, but tennis is what matters. Both are talented on carpet, and it will be interesting. Child doesn’t find her stride until the semis in events, and Leftys has the ability to capitalize and get the upset.

Phobe-Ying-Chang – For someone whose YEC hopes are on the line, Ying-Chang is far from the ideal opening match. Phobe will have no time to work her way into the event, and instead will be thrust into a do or die match.

Bizet-Jbors – You can cite “hype” all you want, Jbors is egotistical as they come, but some of it is deserved. He has dominated Tier IV’s, and drove an already unstable Stevos to insanity. Bizet is a tough task however; he struggles against young players, but still is the overwhelming favorite.

I have an interview with Phobe today, please notice how all her answers are short a give the feeling of “Why are you talking to me?” until I butter her up, then she is more than happy to talk about how great she is.

Q. You have been accused many times of being a "Quantity" player. People say you are undeserving of you ranking, ect., ect. What is your opinion on that?

Phobe:
Yeah I know I've never won a tier I tournament, but I've won tier II's and have gotten to the quarter finals of every major in my career. I play a lot cause I feel like it and I love the sport. What's so bad about that?

Q. You are in the tightest race for the YEC in the history of the tour, along with NEA, Dave, PSALT, and long-shot Doublea. You have some Tier I semi's to defend, what are you chances to qualify?

Phobe:
I think I have a good chance at getting in. I mean like, I have some points to defend but so does everybody, and I plan on doing better than last year anyway.

Q. In your upcoming event in Argentina you are seeded to play on fire, YEC rival, NEA in the quarters. Despite your higher ranking he is seen as the favorite, thoughts on that encounter?

Phobe:
Not_Even_Amateur is playing well, but I think if I play my game I can come through. Every match is a challenge, you know? Lol, I don't want to sound too philosophical here...

Q. One more, you have had many encounters with players in the past. Sheila "The Slut" being the most famous. Players call you generally sour and moody, are they just jealous of the star that is Phobia or what?

Phobe:
"The star that is Phobia", I like the sound of that lol! Yeah well I'm just spirited and speak my mind, that's all. Sheila is a tramp and can't help herself. If anything I feel bad for her. And even though people though I was "rude" or whatever when I talked about her, I was right wasn't I? I definitely said she would fall out of the top 20, and there you go! Lol, I should be a fortune teller!

Picks,

Leftys def Child 7-6 4-6 6-4
J-man def Stroganoff 6-3 6-3
NEA def Aztec 6-3 6-0
Phobe def Ying-Chang 2-6 6-4 7-6
Tricatrina def Mollusk 6-2 4-6 6-1
PSALT def Avolt 7-6 7-6
Doublea def Dreyfus 6-0 7-5
Bizet def Jbors 6-1 6-4

J-man def Leftys 6-1 6-7 6-4
NEA def Phobe 6-4 6-2
PSALT def Tricatrina 6-4 4-6 6-4
Bizet def Doublea 6-2 3-6 6-4

J-man def NEA 7-5 4-6 6-4
Bizet def PSALT 6-7 6-4 6-4

J-man def Bizet 6-1 6-4