Open Singles

Eight players advanced from the second stage Round Robins to enter Sunday's Quarterfinals. Quarterfinalists are guaranteed $145, but no one was aiming at that number, it was the $2,000 first place money that appealed to this group.

David Zhuang figured to advance past Barry Dattel, and he did, by scores of 6, 10, 8, 8 in a match up of New Jerseyans. Thomas Keinath of Germany had more of a fight on his hands in his match with Shao Yu. Shao was determined not to vanish at this level, and after two games, (10,-11) was tied with the International. Alas, it was all he could manage as Thomas was all business, 8, 5, and 8. Keinath is amazing, a solid 2700. Youth was on parade in the next match as Keith Alban, spearheading the Florida contingent, squared off with hometown hero Adam Hugh. Keith had been nursing a bit of a sore arm, but it was nowhere to be seen as he took the first game, 12-10. That was going to be his high-water mark, though, as Adam took the next four straight, 10,5,10,3 to secure a match with Keinath in the semis.

The biggest match in the round, however, turned out to be Gombos and Baboor. Chetan is a gentleman, at all times, but found his patience and poise sorely tested by Ludovic's game. After losing the first game at 8, Baboor restored order to the universe 11-7. But there is fire in Gombos's belly and 11-9 he grabs game three, a disappointment that causes Baboor to rap the table and draw a yellow card as he heads to his corner. That ire is translated into a tempo increase, and 11-3 Baboor tries to sap Gombos spirit. But what's this? A major upset! Gombos, willing to throw himself from pillar to post retrieves and counterloops with abandon and defeats a clearly stunned Baboor with fifth and sixth game wins at 7. You can feel the air leave the room as Baboor's many fans absorb the meaning of what they've just seen. There will be no Zhuang/Baboor match today!