January 27, 2012

Tech opens weekend with 6-1 loss at No. 46 Memphis

Tech got a three-set victory by Syrym Abduhkailikov in the top singles spot, but that was the only points the Golden Eagles were able to muster in dropping a 6-1 match Friday at No. 46 Memphis.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Junior Syrym Abduhkailikov claimed an impressive win over his ranked opponent in the top singles match of the contest, but it was the only point that Tennessee Tech was able to win in dropping a 6-1 dual match to No. 46 Memphis Friday night at the Racquet Club.

Abduhkailikov outlasted David O'Hare, who came into the match ranked 50th nationally. After winning the first set, 7-6 (7-5), Abduhkailikov saw O'Hare fight back to claim a convincing 6-1 win in the second set. The third and deciding set was a tight contest, with Abduhkailikov winning, 10-8, to claim the point.

Memphis won the other five singles battles in straight sets, including a 6-0, 6-0 decision by Johnny Grimal at no. 2 over Alex Chen. Joe Salisbury topped Alejandro Bueon, 6-4, 6-2 at no. 3 singles, while Conor Clennon took a 6-1, 6-1 contest over Artem Tarasov at no. 4. In the no. 5 spot, David O'Leary beat Justin Kirstein, 6-0, 6-2, and in the no. 6 position, it was a 6-2, 6-1 win by Leon Nasemann over Vasily Eremeev.

The singles run followed Memphis' sweep of the three doubles matches, including an 8-1 decision at no. 1 when O'Hare and Salisbury downed Abduhkailikov and Chen.

The Golden Eagles (0-3) continue their quest to break into the win column for the first time when they play against UNC Greensboro Saturday at 1 p.m., also at the Racquet Club of Memphis.

#46 Memphis 6, Tennessee Tech 1

Singles competition

1. ABDUKHAILIKOV, Syrym (TTU) def. #50 David O'Hare (MEM) 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 10-8

2. Johnny Grimal (MEM) def. CHEN, Alex (TTU) 6-0, 6-0

3. Joe Salisbury (MEM) def. BUENO, Alejandro (TTU) 6-4, 6-2

4. Connor Glennon (MEM) def. TARASOV, Artem (TTU) 6-1, 6-1

5. David O'Leary (MEM) def. KIRSTEIN, Justin (TTU) 6-0, 6-2

6. Leon Nasemann (MEM) def. EREMEEV, Vasily (TTU) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles competition

1. #47 David O'Hare/Joe Salisbury (MEM) def. ABDUKHAILIKOV, Syrym/CHEN, Alex (TTU) 8-1

2. David Henry/Connor Glennon (MEM) def. BUENO, Alejandro/TARASOV, Artem (TTU) 8-3

3. Johnny Grimal/Leon Nasemann (MEM) def. KIRSTEIN, Justin/EREMEEV, Vasily (TTU) 8-