7-Flags Fitness and Racquet Club, Clive Iowa, 11/06/08 - A battle of two champions tonight left one champ filled with satisfaction, and the other looking to the future. JT accomplishes his goal of retaking the TowerTennis Title. While, BR retires both from ATC, and now TowerTennis competition. Note: A movement has arisen to allow retirees to continue playing.A capacity crowd gathered in the gallery to witness the climatic event of the 2008 tennis season. SB honored the event by singing the National Anthem while playing guitar. While, the two combatants respectfully looked toward the gallery with hands placed over their hearts.
Once the the match began - Both players seemed tight at first, but loosened up as play progressed. Neither player could hold serve until JT succeeded in the 6th game of the 1st set. This proved to be a pivotal point in the set, since it was the only game during the 1st set when a player held their serve. The next game was the most critical of the entire match - JT was now leading 4-2, but it was BR's serve. Holding serve at this point would close the set to 4-3, but loosing would mean a 5-2 deficit. BR's play during this critical game was mixed. BR started well with a service winner, but nullified by then double-faulting. After two more service winners, and two more double-faults, and six deuces - JT takes two consecutive points for the win. It's difficult to lose when holding a 5-2 advantage, and JT goes on to take the 1st set 6-3.
JT comes out swinging in the 2nd - winning four straight points to take the 1st game, and breaking BR's serve for a 2-0 lead. BR fights back, and ties the set at 3-3. At this point the match is virtually tied. Yes, JT has a one set advantage - but a BR streak in the 2nd would level the match. JT won't have any of this, and convincingly holds serve to go up 4-3. This seemed to demoralise BR! BR serves two double faults, and only wins one of five points to lose his serve and giving JT a 5-3 lead. The final game went to three deuces, and for a moment it looked like BR might survive... but JT was too much. JT wins two consecutive points, and with them he retakes the Title. JT wins the 2008 TowerTennis Championship 6-3, 6-3!
