University Games 2002 Page 4

The Auckland men's A team battle for the gold against Victoria A was a nailbiting and long affair with Anthony "I'm pumped….full of steroids!" Burnett was edged out in a three set thriller that showcased some spectacular shots. Johnny "the slapper" Tang won his match with ease while they both combined to take the doubles. It was two all as Risto "I'll just serve into his body then" Cvetkovic lost his singles while David "short shorts" Borland took out his singles match. The gold medal was in the bag on a countback as Anthony's singles match sealed the win. The final of the men's finals ended with a dummy doubles match between David against Victoria A and Risto. It had everything, drama, shotmaking and power especially in the serves.

The drama of the day though was the epic battle of Hayden "marathon man" Clarke's substituting for Stian "the Viking" Madshus. This was the match for the plate (which was in the bag already with sterling performances by Al, David and Daniel). What began as a substitute singles match became a four hour-long epic match of mind-numbing proportions. Hayden, brilliant with his shotmaking and fearsome power was playing Arantxa Sanchez Vicario from Victoria B for the match which was more noted for the long and boring rallies rather than the points won but the man did it! He persevered and along the way brought the entire Auckland team together, conquered sleep and boredom and ended the entire competition over three days with a resounding cheer and high note. There will be many legends to come out of this battle (Hayden, how did you stop yourself from falling asleep against that guy?).

Kerri laxing out