Phillip Squires avenged his defeat to Jeremy Miller in last year’s tournament to win the men’s singles title of the second edition of the Le Meridien, Pegasus Lawn Tennis tournament on Tuesday last at the hotel’s hard courts.
Last year Miller recorded an upset victory over the then dominant Squires in straight sets to claim his first Pegasus title.
However, one year later fortunes changed as the four-time champion Squires defeated the top seeded Miller in three sets to reclaim the men’s singles title.
According to a press release, Miller started with the fire and zeal of a true champion as he pounded groundstroke winners playing exceptional tennis to put pressure on Squires who lost the set 2-6.
The second set saw both players on common ground as they tried to seize the initiative with the score on 2-2.
Squires hit three big first serves to easily stay afloat before upping the pressure on Miller by smashing deep returns.
Despite the pressure being applied by the unrelenting Squires, Miller dug into his reservoir when he was down 15-40. Squires at that point seemed to realize that his serve and volleying were better options against Miller who was chipping his service returns. Squires then secured the vital break to go ahead 5-3.
Unable to convert a crucial break point in front of the big crowd cheering him on, Miller lost the set 6-3 as Squires forced the decider.
The third set was of a high quality as the two top seeds pressed on in their determination to claim the title.
Miller saved three break points on his first service game and despite seeming to tire, was able to stay with Squires whose tactic was to drop and lob Miller at one point.
Tied at 3-3 Miller made a big effort and eventually went ahead 4-3 after some exhausting rallies which had the spectators on their feet before the serve and volley game of Squires allowed him to capitalize on the miss hits of Miller who faltered to lose the set 6-4.
The presentation ceremony was held immediately after the games and the players received their respective prizes.
