Red-hot Chilean springs shock

Jun 16 2008 by Staff Copytaker, Liverpool Daily Post

ARGUABLY the first major upset of the Liverpool tournament took place in Saturday’s bright sunshine, when the tall and experienced American star Robert Kendrick was unexpectedly knocked out of the men’s singles by the Paul Capdeville of Chile.

Kendrick, a player who hits the ball immensely hard, started as clear favourite and soon went in front.

At 5-3 he seemed about to claim the first set, but Capdeville gradually developed his own game. He hit the ball just as hard but showed more control overall, catching his adversary off balance time and again.

Having hit back to reach 5-5, he soon demonstrated his determination, and held his own continually until he reached 10-10, when he snatched two points in succession against his despairing adversary.

Kendrick just did not know how to regain command as Capedeville’s confidence steadily improved, and the latter’s excellent control enabled him to break through again, and claim the second set 6-4.