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Last updated 01/10/2002

ANOTHER POWER FAILURE - by Martin Bronstein

Jonathon Power in disappointing performance in front of 1000

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Too Easy for Nicol in Boston

January 9, 2002 Back Bay, Boston, MA--

An estimated 1000 specatators packed the Sheraton Boston for the US Open finals --- -Photo © 2002 D. Tessier.

Sorry to have to report that there is very little to report on the final of the US Open.

Peter Nicol came to play and Jonathon Power turned up. It was another very easy victory for the world champion and another night he'd rather forget for the Canadian.

Pity, the joint was jumping like I have never experienced before. I've got a feeling that promoter John Nimick has been forced into the perfect venue. The tournament was scheduled to take place in September in the Boston Symphony Hall. The vents of 9/11 forced a postponement and Nimick was forced to go to the Sheraton Hotel because the Hall was not available. But the Ballroom has perfect proportions for a glass court and seating. I'm sure that someone could work out a perfect ratio between volume of the glass court against the volume of the hall. On second thoughts, just measure the venue in Boston this year and you've got it.

PACK 'EM IN

Power had Nicol on even terms until 8-8 in game one. © 2002 D. Tessier.

From my days in the theatre, I discovered it was better to have 150 people in 200 seat theatre than 500 people in a 1000 seater. The British Open in Abderdeen was a disaster in the sense of lack of atmosphere; the glass court was stuck in a huge arena and even with a thousand people, it looked empty and desolate. The Sheraton Ballroom with 600 people felt full. Tonight with added seating all over the place - I guess about a thousand people - the feeling and mood in the place was like New Year's Eve. It's just a pity that Nicol found himself playing the old year out.

HALF A GAME AND IT WAS ALL OVER

Power complained of back spasms. -Photo © 2002 D. Tessier.

The match looked pretty interesting for about ten minutes; nothing unusual, just the usual feeling each other out before getting down to brass tacks. The first hint came with Nicol leading 7-5; he put in a nice little forehand boast which found Power flatfooted.

Power normally reads the game so well that very few players can leave him stranded. Nicol got to 9-5 on a stroke due to Power's very loose shots, and then it was all over. Four errors in quick succession, and those who have been around the circuit, knew it was Nicol's title. Nicol won the game 15-7 in a surprisingly long 19 minutes. In the second Nicol really only needed to play at half speed - Power was obviously wanting to get it finished with. Second game to Nicol 15-5 and the third game 15-6 in under ten minutes. Goodnight folks and thank you, one and all, for your sixty five bucks.

NEXT STOP NEW YORK VIA PITTSBURGH
There's a small tournament in Pittsburgh next week - Joe Kneipp will be there- and then it is on to New York for the Tournament of Champions at the end of the month. I shall be there reporting and looking forward to a full 32 draw with David Palmer, Ong Beng Hee and Thierry Lincou back in action. Do you think Power will make the final? No emails or postcards, please.

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