Friday, April 12, 2013

RCC Wins Bronze Ball at Spring Nationals


Jack Dabek of Dublin and Robert Cash of New Albany battled through the best players in the United States to reach the final four at 2013 USTA National Spring Championships Boys 12's Doubles held at the ATP site in Delray Beach, Florida.

In round of 64, RCC defeated Brandon McKinley of Georgia and Ben Koch of Louisiana 6-4 6-1. They continued their success in the round of 32 beating Mike Andre of Nevada and Redd Owen of Utah. After dropping the first three games, the boys battled back to win 12 straight games resulting in 6-3, 6-0. In the sweet 16 Action Jack and Robo defeated two Floridians Dylan Breslaw and Jordi Redelijk 6-2, 3-6, 10-4.  In the elite 8, Robert and Jack defeated the number one team from the Eastern section, the number 11 and 25 ranked players in the country, blue chips Steven Sun and Cannon Kingsley 6-3, 5-7, 10-6. 

After capturing two match breakers in one day to reach the final four, Robert and Jack were awarded the Spring National players of the day! In the semis the RCC boys played the number 2 seeds from Washington, twins Thomas and James Yu.  After winning the first set 6-1, they fell in 3 sets.

In the most exciting match of the tournament Dabek and Cash defeated Robert Hammond of Florida, and the number 11 ranked player in the country, James Ignatowich of Connecticut. The first set started with 9 broken service games until Jack held at 5-4. After dropping the second set 3-6, and falling in the third set to a 4-3 30-love deficit, the boys from RCC battled back to break serve.  Robert held to go up 5-4 and they played an amazing last game to break serve with fantastic volleying on their second match point. For their success the boys from Racquet Club of Columbus received their first USTA bronze ball! 

Playing apart the RCC boys also have had success. Jack captured a regional with JJ Mercer of Huntington, WV in Cincinnati. Robert recently won two regionals: one with AJ Woodman of Toledo in Kalamazoo, and one with Ian Brady of Carmel, IN in Dayton. In addition, Robert won the Midwest Winter Championships with Nathan Jose of New Albany.

In the past 15 months the dynamic duo recently captured the prestigious USTA National Open in Monroeville, PA defeating 4 top 25 National players winning the final 8-2. For their success the boys were awarded an automatic spot in the doubles draw at Spring Nationals.

Last summer, Jack and Robert also helped the Racquet Club 14s Team win the Midwest Championships, and finish top 10 at Team Tennis Nationals in Columbia, S.C.

Previously, Action Jack and Robo were champions at Midwest Doubles Fest, Court One in Michigan, the OVTA championships and the Midwest Open. Jack and Robert are coached by RCC Director of Juniors, Gabe Higgs and RCC Head Pro, Bryan Nibert.


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