Oct. 27, 2008
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (SMU)-SMU men's tennis presented solid singles performances on Saturday and Sunday in the 2008 Wilson/ITA South Central Region Championships hosted by Texas A&M. Three Mustangs played their way into the fourth round in the Championship Final, while three others made it to the fourth round in the Consolation Final.
Junior Robin Fahgen had an exceptional tournament dispersing of UT's Joshua Zavala in the third round in straight sets (7-6, 7-6) that held intense tie-breaker action. Once past Zavala, Faghen was on his way to a fourth round victory over Rice's Bruno Rosa, winning the first set 5-7, when injury struck and Fahgen was forced to battle his way to a loss in the next two sets (6-3, 6-2).
"Robin played an incredible match against one of the best players in the country. Bruno is a top 500 player in the world, and one of the top three or four college tennis players. It is unfortunate that Robin suffered a setback, but his will and determination must be commended," said head coach Carl Neufeld.
Also making it into the fourth round of the Championship Finals was Artem Baradach who was ultimately defeated by Attila Bucko of Baylor in straights sets (6-2, 6-3). "Artem played very well this weekend and I think his performance is deserving of the recognition," said Neufeld. Finally, sophomore Brian Griffin lost out in the fourth round after being dismissed by TCU's Kriegler Brink in straight sets (6-2, 6-0).
In round two Consolation Finals, Tobias Flood competed into the round of 16 where he was defeated by Yanick Mandl in three sets (0-6, 6-2, 1-0). "Tobias persevered after his initial loss to come back and beat the best emerging freshman in the region, Mindaugas Celedinas of UT-Arlington. I feel that he took great strides in this tournament," said Neufeld.
Sophomores Darren Walsh and Adham el-Effendi both placed into the round of 32 in round two Consolation Finals.
At the conclusion of match-play, Neufeld said, "I thought we had a great ending tournament for the fall, and it is something to build on going into the spring. Right now, I perceive that most of the athletes are playing the best tennis of their lives. This is a testament to their being one of the hardest-working and focused teams I have ever coached. I am proud of the fact that we played so well, and this has always been our goal."
