April 5, 2007
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By Brana Vlasic |
I played four events (Under 18 girls, Women’s Round Robin, Under 2300 and Under 4200 doubles). In the first event by advancing from my group, I met Erica Wu in the finals and defeated her 3:0. In the Women RR, after the round robin Dianne Chen was waiting for me in the semi finals. The first two games I won by using my backhand and forehand topspin on her pips and deep to her forehand. The next two games she kept changing the pace of her forehand, which threw me off a bit, but the last game was 11:6 for me. In the finals of this event, I played Zheng Jiaqi. The first game was 11:6 on my side, but after that game, she proved her 2400 level by playing her powerful forehand to my weak spots. The final result was 1:3. This match was definitely a great experience. My doubles partner for U4200 doubles was Mark Wei (we didn’t plan to play together, but Dinh Ngyen matched us up). We were both really relaxed and so we made it to the finals after beating two other teams, and having one team default to us. In the finals, we played Khoa Nguyen and his partner and were defeated 3:0. This was a really fun event, and overall a good tournament.
I’ve been practicing with Stellan (a three time World and seven time European Champion) and Angie Bengtsson (a ten time US National Champion) over the last three months with the rest of the San Diego juniors. We play three times a week, and the rest of the week I practice with my dad. They have helped me a lot, but there are still many improvements that I need to make for the US Open and for the future. For example my serve, footwork and adding more spin to my shots.
Butterfly has helped me a lot, not only with equipment I use but also with their support. So, thank you very much.
Brana Vlasic, San Diego
