The Mouse Scores An Ace

April 23, 1998

Imagine two men going head to head, in a sport that tests not only your physical conditioning but also your mental, instinctual and sheer desire to win. For the brief hour or two a 3 set match lasts, you get to marvel in the culmination of all of the hard work it takes to compete at the professional level. If you've never seen a professional tennis match, you've no doubt denied yourself one of life's visual cookies. You have from now until Sunday, April 26, 1998 to catch the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Tuesday I witnessed the World's #13 ranked Michael Chang vs. Paraguay's #1 player Ramon Delgado. Normally, an early round match is won quite predictably by the higher ranked player, which probably explained the low crowd attendance, but for those present, an exciting finish determined the winner of this one. Chang and Delgado split the first two sets, with Chang firmly extinguishing Delgado in a third and final set tiebreaker. The outcome, however, was only part of the splendor.

Being a recreational player, I can attest to how difficult it is to consistently hit that small fuzzy ball. Both Chang and Delgado demonstrated extreme control and uniformity in their play. Their styles are unique - Chang a relentless counter puncher and Delgado a punishing aggressor, with the net effect yielding similar results: a ball seemingly spinning from their racquets as if attached by a string and placed exactly where intended. Big deal? Maybe if done once, but to see it flawlessly repeated time and time again is close to frightening.

Treat yourself while you can. Experience the awe that is professional tennis. Check out Orlando's only professional tennis tournament of the year. You will not be disappointed. For tickets, contact Ticketmaster (407) 839-3900. Prices range from $12 to $32 for reserved and general admission seating.

Don May
If I were president I'd have a talk show so that I could report all of my scandals before anyone else. My first scandal would implicate me and the Spice Girls allegedly wrestling in an enormous bowl of jelly. Of course none of it would be true, but then again, what audience ever let facts cloud the way of a juicy story. Jerry Springer wouldn't stand a chance!