Yousuf Khan's serve was too much for Paredes
Manbeater Yousuf Khan Destroys Paredes 6-2, 6-2
On Thursday, EBT Junior Yousuf Khan took on the second winningest player in the three-year GSC Tennis Tournament, Segundo Paredes. The match wasn't even close as Khan easily dismantled Paredes 6-2, 6-2. Khan stunned the two-time finalist with an array of shots, but most particularly a wicked kick serve which Paredes was unable to handle. All of this transpired under the watchful eye of Khan's coach Virgil Aponte.
During the first set, Paredes grew irritated as Khan's backhand slice proved tricky for Paredes. He even yelled at Khan during one game to "Play real tennis." In the second set, Khan went to his power game and his forehand obliged with fierce winner after winner. At the end of the match an elated Khan launched a tennis ball through the air and onto the football field. Paredes congratulated Khan on his impressive victory before preposterously offering the youngster some tips on how to improve his game. Rarely does one see a 2-6, 2-6 loser giving out advice on how the winner can improve. He wants a re-match after the break.
Meanwhile, Coach Aponte pointed out that after beating Girl's Tennis Coach McFarlane two weeks ago in straight sets, and now Paredes in straight sets, that Team Khan has its sights set on John Zarcone (a semifinalist last year). "I think Zarcone is an exceptional athlete, but coming off of maternity leave it looks like fatherhood has added a few pounds to Z. I just hope he gives us a match before the tournament. I mean, he did beat Yousuf during the summer, but that was not the Yousuf we saw today." Aponte then added, "Ofcourse, the ultimate target is Estenger, but we have two months to figure that out and Yousuf is way ahead of schedule."
This year the tournament will only seed four players and right now that order beyond Estenger looks like Zarcone, Khan, Paredes. The pre-tournament seedings will proceed on a 2 out of 3 match formula. If a player does not compete for a seeding he/she will not be seeded.
