Tennis

Singapore Slammers is your 2016 IPTL Champion! #Repeat

Slammers retain the IPTL crown

Singapore Slammers is your 2016 IPTL Champion! #Repeat



Hyderabad, December 11th 2016

FINAL: INDIAN ACES 14-30 OUE SINGAPORE SLAMMERS

After an 10-day 3-nation tour, the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) 2016
culminated in an exciting grand finale with an epic showdown between the two table-shoppers,
here at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in the historic city of Hyderabad.

The OUE Singapore Slammers retained the IPTL title in a rematch of last’s years final although this
time was played in the Aces home ground. A stunning 30-14 and a marvelous display for each
player of the Singapore side.

“We are waiting for the final”, said the Slammers coach Purav Raja. And he didn’t lie. The Indian
professional tennis player was aware of the comfortable Head-to-head that the Aces have had in
this 2016 edition: a 3-0 in matches, with narrow, tight and strong wins. But he also knew that this
previous results could go in their favor.

As for the match, there is absolutely no doubt that Carlos Moyà could still play on tour. The
former world number one, now retired, was once again in spectacular form. With an outstanding
seven wins in a row, the Spaniard started things off precisely the way that coach Raja wanted.
Beating Mark Philippoussis and also setting a very high standard for his team.

Kiki Bertens continued with her sensational powerful game and the Dutch-woman not only beat
Kirsten Flipkens. She also defeated the Belgian’s substitute, the queen of Hyderabad herself,
Sania Mirza. The Indian tennis star played her first singles game of the year and was close to
upset Bertens, who was extremely relieved once the set was over.

In the Mixed doubles set, Marcelo Melo came with great confidence and, alongside Bertens,
neutralized the power of the Indian duo Mirza/Bopanna. Everything looked on the Slammers
bright side. Two more sets and the title would be renewed.

Nick Kyrgios joined Melo and both took over Feliciano López and Ivan Dodig. All their sets have
been spectacular this season and the final one was not an exception. After four sets, the four
were on the Slammers side. It all came down to Marcos Baghdatis who sealed the final victory
with a great win over Feliciano López.

Raja was right. His team delivered when it mattered. For a second straight year, the OUE
Singapore Slammers are the IPTL champions.

IPTL Update: Home Sweet Home For The Aces

IPTL Update: Home Sweet Home For The Aces

Hyderabad, December 9th 2016.

MATCH 1: UAE ROYALS 20-25 JAPAN WARRIORS

They know each other so well that the margins are narrower. And that makes the Coca-Cola
International Premier Tennis League more exciting. Because in close matches, you never know
which will be the outcome. Who will be the star of the match.

The UAE Royals and the Japan Warriors faced yesterday in Singapore and today, already in busy
Hyderabad, the two bottom teams had a second encounter in just over 24 hours. And once
again, it was a victory for the Japan Warriors (25-20), who keep faith on making the final on
Sunday. Will they be there? There is one thing sure: they are on the fight. And going up in the
standings.

MATCH 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Marat Safin had enough knowledge yesterday in his defeat against Goran Ivanisevic and today
had the perfect revenge taking the first set for the Warriors.

Same situation, but this time for the Royals’ benefit, was the reaction from Ana Ivanovic. After
tough losses in her first matches, the 2008 Roland Garros champion redeemed herself and beat
Kurumi Nara with a strong 6-1.

Alongside Daniel Nestor, Ivanovic also played the Mixed Doubles set but this time was another
Serb-woman, Jelena Jankovic, who came out as victorious in a Shoot-out with Rojer. That was the
perfect reaction for the Warriors.

After taking the Mixed Doubles set, the Men’s doubles was a superb 6-0 for Rojer and Verdasco
against Tomas Berdych and Pablo Cuevas. The turning point.

Both Berdych and Verdasco played the definitive set and the Spaniard lifted even more the
momentum even though the Czech took the match to overtime. A great win to start the last leg
of this 2016 IPTL.

MATCH 2: INDIAN ACES 24-18 OUE SINGAPORE SLAMMERS

There’s no place like home, and the Indian Aces took advantage of that fact. The local team
landed in Hyderabad already as the leaders of the Coca-Cola International Premier League. But
that was not enough; they wanted more. They wanted to start the last leg, at home, with a win
and the Aces were simply unstoppable.

The Indian side beat the reigning champions OUE Singapore Slammers with a sensational 24-19
the same day that Sania Mirza got to enjoy a sweet homecoming, playing in front of her
hometown crowd.

MATCH 2 HIGHLIGHTS

After delivering yesterday the most spectacular set so far in the competition, Marcelo Melo/
Marcos Baghdatis and Feliciano Lopez/Ivan Dodig offered a new chapter of this special rivalry.
This time, though, Aces duo Lopez and Dodig didn’t give their opponents any chances.

It was a the same story in the Men’s singles, as López needed just 17 minutes to deny Kyrgios a
single game. After two sets, the Aces had already made a statement and were leading 12-2.

Kiki Bertens gave the Slammers a boost when she beat Kirsten Flipkens 6-2 before Spaniard
Carlos Moya carried over her momentum to beat Aces coach/player Thomas Enqvist.

Just as the Slammers were closing in, home hero Mirza and her fellow Indian partner Rohan
Bopanna beat Melo/Bertens in style to wrap up a memorable win for the Aces.

IPTL: Sania Mirza Comes Home Hyderabad

After two intense legs in Tokyo and Singapore, the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League lands in Hyderabad, India, December 9 which will be the decisive leg where the final will take place. 
Home superstar Sania Mirza, one of the leaders of the local team, the Indian Aces, is ready to be the main protagonist as she hopes to guide her side to the IPTL crown. 
“I am looking forward to go to Hyderabad”, said Mirza. “Actually the city has a very rich culture of sport, with amazing athletes coming from there. People follow the tennis all year round and have a deep knowledge of the sport in general. I really hope they come to support us.” 
Mirza, women’s doubles world number one and owner of six Grand Slam titles, grew up in Hyderabad, where she lives when the tour gives her time to do so. It will be the first time since April 2015 that she plays in front of her hometown crowd. 
“It is very special for me to play there. The last time was almost two years ago and before that it was actually in 2005 so it is always special to play back home because it reminds you where you come from, your beginnings, the journey you have had,” said Mirza. 
The 30-year-old is not just the best women’s doubles player in the world, she is a global icon. Her near-five million followers on Twitter make her the second most followed female tennis player right behind Serena Williams. 
Playing for the IPTL for the third time, Mirza says she loves the format.  
“As tennis players we play such an individual sport that it’s great to be part of a team. It is a really fun format but also a very competitive one,” she added.
“Even if you play just one set, you are living every point with them because all the emotions you go through. Actually I think it’s tougher to watch than to play, at least in my opinion. Emotionally, when you finish the match, you feel like you have played the five sets. That’s what makes the format so special.” 
From December 9-11, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, the best tennis stars from past, present and future will be in Hyderabad. 
For the latest photos, videos and updates please visit: 

IPTL: In an Epic Comeback, The Aces beat the Slammers

Photo Credit: PhotoConcierge S. Srinivasan
December 8th 2016. MATCH 1: UAE ROYALS 20-27 JAPAN WARRIORS From being at the bottom of the table to find themselves in contention. The Japan Warriors had a resurrection match against the UAE Royals with a 23-20 win over the Emirati side. 
The momentum switch right on time for the Japanese team, who came back from a 1-2 set deficit. It was all about faith. Kurumi Nara proved it so. She was the star and oxygen to her team, right when it was needed. 
“Without Kurumi we wouldn’t have won the match”, said her Warriors coach Josh Eagle. “She is our secret weapon”. 
MATCH 1 HIGHLIGHTS  
Fernando Verdasco handled the Japan Warriors leadership perfectly by taking the first set against Pablo Cuevas with a stunning 6-2 to open the match. Both players faced each other again in the Men’s doubles set, and Verdasco, alongside Jean-Julien Rojer, saw like Cuevas and his partner Daniel Nestor neutralized a break to take the set to a Shoot-Out, where the Royals leveled the match.
The Mixed doubles was a monologue from the Royals side. Martina Hingis and Daniel Nestor were unstoppable and took a 15 minute win over Jelena Jankovic and Rojer. 
The MVP award went to Kurumi Nara. In her second set of this year’s IPTL, the Japanese-woman was simply spectacular. She beat a combined rival between Ana Ivanovic and Martina Hingis, taking the set with a perfect 6-0. 
It all came down in the Legends set. Goran Ivansevic versus Marat Safin. First, the Warriors Russian star assured the bonus point for his team when he won the game number 20 and then, the 2001 Wimbledon champion took the match to overtime and also, got the bonus point for the Royals. Safin finished the job with his serve and although he lost the set, his team won the match.
MATCH 2: OUE SINGAPORE SLAMMERS 22-23 INDIAN ACES 
Historically the two strongest teams, the OUE Singapore Slammers and the Indian Aces faced for the last time in Singapore before flying to Hyderabad. The Slammers wanted to make a perfect 3-0 at home and the Indians get a win to land in India as the IPTL leaders. 
The reigning champions were very much the favorites halfway through the match. And then, the Aces reproduced one of the most epic comebacks. The 2014 IPTL champions will go home as the leaders after a stunning 24-23 win over the Slammers.
MATCH 2 HIGHLIGHTS  
Carlos Moya showed once again that his footwork and forehand are still intact when he beat Mark Philippoussis to give the Slammers the first set. 
After a nervous Japan leg, debutant Kiki Bertens has been vital for the local team in this leg. The Dutch-woman took the second set with a strong 6-1 win over Kirsten Flipkens. 
Could have been the excitement of going home, but the truth is that Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna rallied with a one-sided 6-0 set over Bertens/Melo that kept the Indians alive. From 12-5, the match entered the fourth set with a tight 12-11. 
Melo and Marcos Baghdatis kept coming back against Feliciano López and Ivan Dodig. But in one of the most electrifying Shoot-outs in this IPTL, the Aces leveled the match before the decisive set. 
All came down to Nick Kyrgios and López. The Men’s singles set would be the one. The match finished in a decisive Shoot-Out. And it was the experienced Spaniard who close out the epic comeback.

IPTL: Ivanovic, Happy to be Back with the Royals

Photo credit: Photo Concierge E. Ling

It was big news for the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League. Ana Ivanovic joined the UAE Royals in Singapore with her more than one million fans on twitter accompanying her virtually. 
“It’s lovely to be back in Singapore. I have really nice memories from here, specially from 2014”, said Ivanovic, who qualified for the WTA Finals two years ago, and competed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium that is playing host to the IPTL second leg this week. 
The former world number one and 2008 Roland Garros champion missed the first leg in Japan but couldn’t stay away from her team any longer. Martina Hingis, the only woman on the UAE Royals squad before Ivanovic’s arrival, had a wish a couple of days ago. “I hope that Ana can join us soon”. Ivanovic quickly obliged and the Serb’s first hitting session in Singapore was of course, with her team-mate, Hingis. 
Ivanovic was a part of the Indian Aces team that won the inaugural IPTL tournament in 2014. She moved to the UAE Royals for the second season and today joined the Emirati side. 
It has been a long layoff for the winner of 15 WTA titles, who pulled the plug early on her 2016 season to recover from a recurring wrist injury after the US Open and has now made her return to the courts for the first time in three months. 
“It was my first match after a long time and it was quite challenging so I hope I can improve little by little in the next few matches”, said Ivanovic. There is something sure. Her team and fans are over the moon with her comeback.

IPTL: Singapore Slammers Hopeful to get on Top in Home Ground

The Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League has landed in Singapore, where the defending champions will try to make their way up to the top of the table on home ground. 
The OUE Singapore Slammers currently lie third in the standings behind pace-setters the UAE Royals and second-placed Indian Aces. The Japan Warriors are at the foot of the table, with the same number of points as the Slammers (4) but with a deficit in the overall sets accumulated thus far.
The session will start with a duel between the top two teams. Last Sunday, the UAE Royals had a spectacular win over the Indian Aces and the 2014 champions will be looking for revenge. The Emirati side will welcome one of its biggest stars, former world number 1 and 2008 Roland Garros champion Ana Ivanovic. 
The Singapore Indoor Stadium will be the venue for the next three days of competition. But, how have the teams arrived to the second leg of the league and which players are topping the leaderboards? 
So far, Rohan Bopanna from the Indian Aces, has been literally an Indian Ace, leading with 24 aces. Next on the list is Nick Kyrgios from the OUE Singapore Slammers with 20 and rounding off the Top 3 is Tomas Berdych with 16.
The UAE Royals and Japan Warriors dominate the winners category, with the experienced Daniel Nestor from the Dubai-based team leading with 29 winners, same number as the Japanese side’s star, Kei Nishikori. 
Here are the teams and players in action in Singapore: 
Indian Aces: Feliciano López, Ivan Dodig, Kirsten Flipkens, Mark Philippoussis, Rohan Bopanna, Sania Mirza and Thomas Enqvist. Japan Warriors: Fernando González, Fernando Verdasco, Jean-Julien Rojer, Jelena Jankovic, Kurumi Nara and Marat Safin. 
OUE Singapore Slammers: Carlos Moyà, Kiki Bertens, Marcelo Melo, Marcos Baghdatis, Nick Kyrgios and Rainer Schuttler. UAE Royals: Ana Ivanovic, Daniel Nestor, Goran Ivanisevic, Martina Hingis, Pablo Cuevas, Tomas Berdych and Thomas Johansson. 
This has been a challenging year for the League and we expected to get passed them. With the global economy struggling and ticket sales at what they are, we’ve reached out to Serena. She has been super supportive the last two seasons and we look forward to having her back next year.

Roger Federer Is A True Sportsman On and Off the Court

Contributing writer: Joe Messineo
For well over a decade, Roger Federer has been delighting tennis fans around the globe with his display of tremendous feats on the court. He has won nearly every title imaginable including, wracked up an impressive number of weeks consecutively with the number one ranking, and has earned the respect of his fellow players on the ATP Tour. The Swiss gentleman, however, is perhaps best known for his quiet demeanor. He does not attract attention to himself, goes about his business, and lets his racquet do most of his talking. That is why it is perhaps surprising to some to discover how much work he truly does away from the tennis court.
For someone who obviously spends much time on the practice court perfecting his game, not to mention playing in actual tournaments more than half of every year, it is difficult to see how he has time for anything else. Oh, there is also the fact that he is husband to a lovely wife and father to four young children. That is enough to cause most men in this world to just relax at home and enjoy what they have. Not Roger Federer, however, as he spends much of his time away from the court directly involved in charity work.
Similar to other big name professional athletes, Roger Federer does have his own charity foundation. Federer takes a more hands on approach than many, however, as he actively visits the very locations where his foundation is providing assistance. Last year, he found time after Wimbledon to go to Malawi to see first hand the preschool that his charity helped to built. This area of Southern Africa is impoverished, literacy rates are among the lowest in the world, and access to quality education is severely limited. Federer’s mother is South African, and he still holds a passport for the country. As a result, he has a heart felt interest in helping the nation rise out of the poverty he feels they have been ridden with for far too long.
Nobody would have blamed Federer for just sending the money to open the school and then returning home to Switzerland to rest after a grueling Wimbledon final. That simply is not his style. He does not publicize his work, yet he is deeply involved in it. He sincerely wants to improve the lives of African children across the continent. He puts his actions behind his money and mouth, and this is perhaps why he is so well respected.

At the age of 36, Federer is entering the twilight of his playing career. He has expressed, however, that his life is just beginning. He has no desire to retire and live out his life in luxury. While he is certainly comfortable, he will continue his charity work long after he has played his last tournament. These values have always been more important to Roger than selling U.S. Open tickets. He has said that he wants his children to grow up with a father who demonstrates compassion and care to all peoples of the world. To that end, he certainly appears to be on the right track. 

Novak Djokovic King of Clay now! Best Ever? 12 grand slam titles



Novak Djokovic has captured the title that has eluded him for many years. He has been to the French Open Finals 4 times, he lost twice against Nadal and last year to Wawrinka. This year Djoker was a man on a mission. He was up against his closest friend Andy Murray world number 2 who dispatch Wawrinka in the semis in 4 sets. Djokovic lost the first set after breaking the first service game of Murray. Andy was able to capitalize on 3 straight games and thus he won the first set 6-3.

It may seem like it was going Murray’s way but the World #1 was out for war after the questionable call that favored Murray on a service that was called out but after reviewing it was in, from that point on Novak was in beast mode. Novak went on to win the next 3 sets beating Murray 6-1, 6-2, 6-4,

With the win Novak has 12 grand slams two behind Nadal and Sampras, 5 behind Federer’s 17. In my opinion even if Novak doesnt get 17 Grand Slam Titles he can be considered the greatest of all time yet due to the competition that he had to go through.

 Djokovic is also only the 3rd tennis player to get all Grand Slams within the same year, the only other 2 are Rod Laver in 1962 and Don Budge in 1938. 

Novak will be the favorite to win the 2016 Wimbledon open in June 26 and the Rio Olympics.

Here is the replay of the Match courtesy of Tennis Highlights:




Written by:
Aldrin 
Team Powcast

Angelique Kerber 1st German to win a tennis Australian Open Grandslam title.

Kerber first reaction after beating Serena Williams.


The 28 year old almost retired and had doubts if it is possible after saving a match point from the first round of this tournament she is now the world #2 and gets her first Grandslam Title. 

Kerber fought a champ that only lost 5 times out of 26 grandslams in Serena Williams with scores of 6-4,3-6, 6-4. My entire family was rooting for her because she fought hard like she really wanted it and as if it’s really her last hurray. She was able to break Serena Williams in the opening set twice and probably the nerves got into her thus she needed to beat one of the greatest Female champ in 3 sets. 

Williams had a lot of miss shots but also powered her way at certain time getting Kerber out of balanced if not out stretched. The match was Epic because the trophy presentation was very touching, Serena proved to be great champ and an even greater person, Kerber was so ecstatic and so thankful. 

Kerber stopped Williams from getting 22 GrandSlam titles to tie the great Steffi Graf who happens to be a German was well but is more of a US Citizen comapred to Kerber who has represented Germany through out her tennis Career. 

Here is the match highlight and awarding ceremonies





Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast


Novak Djokovic is the Australian open KING! 6 out 6 finals!

Novak Djokovic lifting his Australian Cup Trophy! 

Novak Djokovic made history in the open area and tied the great Roy Emerson with 6 Australian open Championship Title! 

6 out of 6 there aren’t too many athletes that can do that be it a team game or 1 on 1. To me Novak Djokovic is the Michael Jordan of Tennis, not because he is also 6 out 6 but the hard work and dedication that his guy gave is like that of a Michael Jordan. Jordan had to overcome Bird, Magic, Dr. J, Hakeem etc. Novak on the other hand needed to prove that he is up there with Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Agassi, etc. 

Djokovic beat Andy Murray the current world #2 rank in straight sets. 6-1, 7-5, 7-6. It wasn’t easy but many people believe that Djokovic played a better game against Federer. Djokovic only had 7 ace’s as suppose to Andy’s  12. Murray also had 40 winners and Novak only had 31. But the Serb was good enough on crucial moments to get his 11th Grandslam titles. Tied with the great Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. 3 Titles more to catch nadal and 6 titles away to tie Federer who might win another 1 if he doesnt retire in the next 2 years.

The Grandslam that eluded Novak is Roland Garros French open. We will find out this June.

Here is the highlight of the Match:




Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast


Djokovic settles the score against Federer to reach the Finals for Australian Open!


Novak Djokovic has finally settled the score against Roger Federer, he is now ahead by 1 match 23-22 something that he was able to do against Nadal as well, sure that his wins came at his peak but his defeats were during the times when he was not this good. Those who say Fed has declined a lot is simply making that as an excuse. 

Novak Dominated the match even if he lost the 3rd set, Federer had to earn his victory and almost got broken again through his serve. Federer won the 3rd set 6-3 but that was the last of it.

Scores:
6 – 1
6 – 2
3 – 6
6 – 3

Federer is a great champ no doubt but to discount the greatness of Novak is blasphemy just compare the top 10 players in his Era and to Federer’s Era

CURRENT TOP 10:
Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray
Roger Federer
Stan Wawrinka
Rafael Nadal
Tomas Berdych
Kei Nishikori
David Ferrer
Richard Gasquet
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga


Federer’s top when he reach world # 1 

Roger Federer
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Andy Roddick
Guillermo Coria
Andre Agassi
Rainer Schuettler
Carlos Moya
David Nalbandian
Mark Philippoussis
Paradorn Srichaphan

Out of all these guys Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick are the that good. Carlos Moya,JCF where already on the downside of their careers. You could just imagine if it was Djokovic in this Era he would have done the same. But dont doubt the career of Djokovic he is now 1 step closer to his 11th Career Grandslam and it doesn’t look like he would stop anytime soon. It is not going to be easy at all because these top 10 players can certainly beat anyone in their prime. 

Here is the highlight’s of the match:



Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast



Federer Vs Djokovic for the 45 time 22-22 all? Who would win? 1:30pm PST(PHIL)



Stats wont lie, Head to head they are even 22 wins vs 22 wins in 44 matches, Djokovic was way behind and was able to catch up and hasn’t really lost to one particular player that seems to be his kryptonite. This match will determine who is really superior between the two. I understand that this maybe past Federer’s prime but you are kidding yourself if you would say that he has declined a lot. It is just fair that Djokovic was able to catch up to Federer’s level through these years. 

Djokovic Quarter Finals performance:
6-3,6-2,6-4 against Nishikori 



Federer’s Quarter Finals Performance:
7-6,6-2,6,4 against Berdych



Who Wins? Of course my Idol Djokovic in 4 sets.

Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast



Novak Djokovic Survives against Gimon in 2016 Australian open in 5 sets!

Simon on the left congratulation Novak Djokovic on his victory.

Scores:

6-3, 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

The World #1 emerges out of this grueling battle against Gilles Simon the current world #15. Djokovic had a total of 100 unforced errors and yet managed to stay focus on the fifth set to be the victor, to move on to the quarter finals. 

Djokovic will face Kei Nishikori who dumped Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-4). People may think that Djoker is beatable and was rattled against Simon so Nishikori’s chances are better. I dont have any doubt on Nishikori’s playing style because its like Djokovic’s game when Novak was still starting. Nishikori is aggressive and loves to chase the ball and deliver that massive back hand, the Signature shot of Novak Djokovic. Kei was able to defeat Djokovic in the the semi-finals of US Open 2014. 

It maybe a bad sign for Djokovic and a good sign for Nishikori as they have contrasting victories yesterday. I wouldn’t be too fast to write off Novak, because when he gets it together he puts on  a phenomenal tennis play. 

This is the tournament that Novak has dominated for he has won this 5 times already (2008, 2011-2013, and 2015). He has surpassed Roger Federer who has 4 wins. (2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010).

Please keep it here @ powcast.net to find out the results from Austrialian open 2016.

Highlight of the amazing duel between Simon and Djokovic:




Written by:
Aldrin 
Team Powcast



Novak Beats Nadal for the 24th time to win Doha 2016! 6-1, 6-2



Rightfully so, Novak has beaten Nadal 24 times it is more than the combined victories of Federer – 11, Murray – 6, Ferrer 6. Its really an amazing fact that he is the only player to win more times than lose against Nadal even the great Federer.


Novak steemed past Nadal in amazing fashion, its not like Nadal is out of rhythm, Novak is just on another level. The brilliance of this guy is often denied by supporters of both Nadal and Federer but I believe he is just getting better. So watch out!

Here is the highlight of the finals:


Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast


PLDT HOME Fibr brings unforgettable tennis experience to young athletes with IPTL superstars


PRESS RELEASE 

In its second season, the world-renowned International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) is now in Manila for the second stop of the five-nation tennis tour. Once again presented by the country’s most powerful broadband PLDT HOME Fibr, IPTL kicked off Manila festivities with an exclusive tennis clinic conducted by the world tennis superstars for young Filipino athletes and Fibr subscribers. The star-studded mentoring session rolled together intensive warm-ups and exhibition games seasoned with valuable first-rate pointers, honing the skills of the young athletes in an unmatched level. Seen in the photo are (back row, L-R): tennis superstars Rohan Bopanna, Fabrice Santoro and Ivan Dodig.
PLDT HOME Fibr subscribers and young tennis players
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World no. 1 tennis legend Serena Williams to headline Philippine Mavericks in IPTL 2015
PRESS RELEASE
MANILA, November 26, 2015 – The country’s most powerful broadband PLDT HOME Fibr is set to bring in the world’s top tennis players for season two of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) once again.
Commencing on December 2 in Kobe, Japan, the IPTL’s three-day Manila-leg will be played from December 6-8 at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of a five-nation tour. Scheduled stops at New Delhi, Dubai, and Singapore will follow.
Headlining this year’s crop of tennis superstars for the newly-branded Philippine Mavericks team is none other than the current number one Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) pro, Serena Williams.
Known as ‘Meka’ and ‘Momma Smash’, Williams has won the most major singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles combined for active players, male or female. Her assault on the four major tennis competitions, also known as the Grand Slam—the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, played in that order—has elevated Williams to such lofty status that winning four of those tournaments in a row is now referred to as a “Serena Slam”.
She has achieved this twice in her career: once between 2002 and 2003, and recently with her win at the 2014 US Open and through the first three Grand Slams of 2015. Williams holds a total of 34 Grand Slam titles, putting her seventh on the record books.
Only the fourth player in WTA history to reach 250 weeks as the world’s top seed, Williams recently surpassed Chris Evert, who was ranked number one by a total of 260 weeks, by an additional week. The only players ahead of Williams are the retired greats Martina Navratilova (332 weeks) and Steffi Graf (377 weeks). Since Williams still actively competes and shows no signs of slowing down, it is likely that she will soon hold the all-time record.
A powerful server, Williams was once clocked at a peak serve of 128.6 mph (207.0 km/h), the third fastest in history, putting her behind her sister Venus (at 129 mph) and Sabine Lisicki (131 mph).
Accompanying Williams on the Philippine squad are Mixed Doubles Grand Slam titleholder Richard Gasquet, Wimbledon Championships WTA titleholder Lisicki, 2013 Australian Open Mixed Doubles titleholder Jarmila Gajdosova, the youngest Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) top 100 Borna Coric, ATP World Tour Doubles titleholder and Pinoy pride Treat Huey, and World No. 8 in men’s singles and Mavericks Team captain Mark Philippoussis.
The IPTL format will be similar to 2014, where world-class tennis pros will be grouped to represent teams from India, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Japan as an added fifth team in 2015.
                                                                                                                                   
“With its expanded lineup, season two of IPTL is definitely going to be bigger and more extraordinary,” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “The competition features more than 30 international tennis superstars, and with legend Serena Williams serving up our very own Philippine Mavericks, PLDT HOME Fibr is very excited to bring this level of premier entertainment to our Filipino sports fans.”
As a treat to customers, all PLDT HOME Fibr subscribers are entitled to a 20 percent discount for their tickets to the IPTL Philippine leg. They also get a chance to win VIP tickets complete with a red carpet treatment—two-way rides via the luxury car service Uber Black so that they can arrive at MOA Arena and go home in style.
PLDT HOME Fibr delivers powerful Internet of up to 1 Gbps, allowing high-speed browsing of multiple websites and the country’s first symmetrical speed service. Recently, it launched the new PLDT HOME Fibr Plan 2899 which offers 50 Mbps. Customers who apply before January 31, 2016 will have their speed boosted to 100 Mbps for the first six months of their subscription.

For more information on the country’s most powerful broadband, visit pldthome.com/fibr.


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Djokovic Beats Federer to even 1 on 1 score to 22-22 @ Wins another ATP World Tour Title!


Making a name for himself and what’s even more important is beating Federer again to even the score at 22-22 games each, yes it can be said that Federer maybe old but dont discount the fact that Novak beat Fed more than a handful during Fed’s Prime.

Novak beat Federed in straight sets 6-3,6-4 victory to win his 59th title over all to keep his #1 record for more than 34 weeks now and still counting!

Here’s the highlight of the game!



Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast

Want to see your Tennis Idols here in MOA?INTERNATIONAL PREMIER TENNIS LEAGUE *3DAY PASS (DEC 6-8)


Its time once again to see our Tennis Idol’s! WORLD #1 DJOKOVIC AND SERENA!








SCHEDULES!

MATCH SCHEDULE:
DEC.06 (SUN) 4:00 PM
4:00 PM: SINGAPORE SLAMMERS vs JAPAN WARRIORS
7:30 PM: UAE ROYALS vs PHILIPPINE MAVERICKS
DEC 07(MON)
4:00 PM: INDIAN ACES vs SINGAPORE SLAMMERS
7:30 PM: JAPAN WARRIORS vs PHILIPPINE MAVERICKS
DEC 08(TUE)
4:00 PM: UAE ROYALS vs SINGAPORE SLAMMERS
7:30 PM: INDIAN ACES vs PHILIPPINE MAVERICKS



Written by:
Aldrin
Team Powcast




Novak Djokovic World #1 for 171 weeks surpassing McEnroe! 5th all time and still going strong!

Novak Djokovic

The Man of Steel in tennis right now, the best of all time maybe within reach but just early this month, Novak has been the #1 player for 171 weeks and counting, Yes that’s right he has surpassed the great John McEnroe on the all time list moving in to #5 at the moment and he has no plans of stopping after beating Kei Nishikori 7 hours ago in the ATP Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals 6-1 6-1. 


Novak’s greatest achievement as he mentioned is getting married and having 

a kid, that’s his biggest milestone. 

Here is the video that ATP World tour made to celebrate the dominance of the

DJOKER!


Courtesy of ATP World tour:



Written by:
Aldrin 
Team Powcast






IPTL – International Premier Tennis League preview

IPTL - International Premier Tennis League preview

2 MONTHS TO GO! The best in the game are all geared up to ‘Bring It’ to the IPTL once again! Get ready to watch them battle it out for the honour of their teams this December! ‪#‎BreakTheCode‬

the Best tennis players from around the world. Maria Sharapova Nick Kyrgios Rafa Nadal Kei Nishikori Agnieszka Radwanska Leander Paes Vasek Pospisil Belinda Bencic Goran Ivanišević Sania Mirza Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Karolína Plíšková Ana Ivanovic Daniela Hantuchová Gael Monfils Tennis Rohan Bopanna Tomas Berdych Serena Williams Marcelo Melo

Novak Djokovic: Is surely making a name for himself after winning the 2015 US Open

Novak Djokovic: Is surely making a name for himself after winning the 2015 US Open

Novak Djokovic 


Novak Djokovic has stayed as the world number 1 in men’s tennis for 164 weeks and counting, a feat that only the greatest of the great was able to do, names like Roger Federer (302weeks), Pete Sampras (286weeks), Ivan Lendl (270weeks), Jimmy Connors (268) and John McEnroe have spent more weeks at No. 1 since 1973.


Djokovic latest triumph happened during the 2015 US Open Men’s Single’s Tennis. Djokovic was able to beat Roger Federer in 4 sets 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4. But this victory still far from over, I for one among the millions that’s still awaiting the time when Novak gets the career grand slam with then next few years. Novak was able to get 10 majors titles and 8 runner up for the last 4 years. 

Novak has been declared world #1 even if the last quarter just started. Here is the official announcement from ATP

Chris Kermode, the ATP Executive Chairman and President, said, “Congratulations to Novak on yet another incredible achievement. To secure the year-end ATP World Tour No.1 ranking this early in the season just goes to show what an amazing year he has had. His remarkable level of consistency throughout the season and on the biggest stages has been quite simply awe-inspiring. He’s in his prime, unquestionably at the pinnacle of the game, and fully deserving of this latest accolade – a true credit to our sport.”
Novak is still at his peak and just 28 years old, he has been virtually dominant in all surface of the sport being a runner up back to back(2014 and 2015) in Rolland Garros he has won the Australian open 5 times since 2008. US open in 2011 and 2015. 

I will now be leaving you with the highlights of the recently concluded 2015 US open Final.



Keep it here @ powcast.net
Article Written by: 
Aldrin C. 
Team Powcast



Djokovic and Williams Secure Wimbledon Victories

Djokovic and Williams Secure Wimbledon Victories

Novak Djokovic Angry happy
This weekend saw the exciting culmination of Wimbledon 2015, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the most prestigious of Grand Slam tournaments, with the grand prizes won by Serbian wunderkind Novak Djokovic and tournament mainstay Serena Williams respectively.
Djokovic pipped Federer to the post after a nail-biting 3-hour match and 4 sets, making it the second year in a row Djokovic beat Federer to the much-coveted Men’s Championship trophy. Federer beat Andy Murray in the semi-finals to reach Djokovic, who beat French Richard Gasquet in order to qualify for the final. It was Federer’s tenth appearance in the Men’s Championship Finals, and if Federer had won the match he would have obtained a world record for most Wimbledon wins at eight times – edging ahead of Pete Sampras’ seven, with which he previously shared the record.
Djokovic’s tennis year is far from over following his victory though – he will join, amongst others, Wimbledon semi-finalist Andy Murray at the Davis Cup starting July 17th, and afterwards compete in the Rogers Cup and the next Grand Slam tournament, the US Open. Following his Wimbledon win, Djokovic remains No. 1 in world rankings, followed by Federer at No. 2 and Murray at No. 3.
Serena Williams’ rise to Championship victory saw her beat her sister Venus in the 4th round, Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals, and world No. 9 Garbiñe Muguruza in the finals, all in straight sets. Serena has won all four Grand Slam titles this year, having done so once before in 2003; this is her 6th Wimbledon win, and 25th Grand Slam final. Garbiñe Muguruza knocked out former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniaki in straight sets, making her an unlikely upstart ready to knock Serena’s crown, only to be knocked back herself in the finals.
Serena Williams raises both arms

Williams will head to the US Open next month in the hopes of winning there, and completing her first calendar year grand slam sweep. After her Wimbledon victory, she is placed at 11/10 to win the US Open, while Muguruza is placed at 16/1 and Maria Sharapova 8/1. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s odds on winning the Men’s US Open are 6/5 in comparison to Federer’s 6/1, while Murray’s odds lie at 10/3. For more tennis news, click here.
Nonetheless, in the brief Grand Slam season’s respite, good sportsmanship has countered some of the tournament’s nastier moments: Williams and Djokovic danced on stage at the Wimbledon Championship Ball, and Federer interviewed post-match with good humour as to Djokovic’s solid performance.

Photos courtesy of Dailymail.co.uk

Three of The Strangest Rule Changes Ever Suggested for Major Sports

Three of The Strangest Rule Changes Ever Suggested for Major Sports

Three of The Strangest Rule Changes Ever Suggested for Major Sports


If there’s anything we’ve learned from years of following sports, it’s that our favorites can have some truly strange and bizarre rules. From intentional walks in baseball to full timeouts in the final minutes of the NBA, there are some rules that just don’t make sense. Of course, we can’t all agree that the specific sports would be better without them, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be abolished anytime soon, but given the current trend, some fans haven’t been opposed to suggesting some strange rules themselves, including…

Three of The Strangest Rule Changes Ever Suggested for Major Sports
1. Shoot Fouls Where You Make Them The folks over at Deadspin came up with some truly strange suggestions, and a few years ago, these included one small modification to basketball suggested by a reader called “Randy”: “What if, in basketball, the shooter had to take their foul shots where they were fouled? Would teams completely alter their game plan? Would teams start hacking away immediately after the inbound pass? Would games even be watchable assuming teams just spend half the game mauling each other the second the other team touches it?” On the one hand, it could be quite entertaining seeing someone making a foul shot from inside their own half. Or maybe, it would cause complete chaos on the court. Either way, the likelihood of this rule ever being passed is very slim.

Three of The Strangest Rule Changes Ever Suggested for Major Sports
2. Impractical Footwear With Wimbledon underway, journalist Sean Calvert collected some of the weirdest rule changes proposed for tennis, including Will Leitch’s improbable suggestion: “Most women’s tennis outfits skirt the edge of usefulness anyway, so let’s take it all the way: men must wear heels, and women must wear Crocs. This will not make the games more enjoyable, but it will make them funnier.” Considering that there are no major sports currently being played with heels, this could take tennis to the absurd, and make it quite challenging too. We’d see thousands of new fans just coming to watch the sport to witness men fumble around in heels, and watch women cringe at the thought of wearing Crocs in public.

3. Paper-Thin Jerseys There’s probably no better place to gauge the opinion of the masses than via Reddit, and the Redditor rishinator made a rather amusing suggestion that could change the way football is played: “This one is rather silly but if we can start making jerseys/kits for players with a fabric that breaks rather easily then it will be easy to spot a player who’s shirt is being pulled and parts of it will be in the culprit’s hand. Although I can see many reasons as to why this one will fail, it will be time-consuming to that every time a shirt is ripped it will need replacing.” At the very least, it would please female fans of the game to see the likes of Ronaldo or Wayne Rooney (joke) having to take their shirt off several times a game.

Do you know any other weird rule changes suggested for your favorite sports?