Raul Bermudez and Dinko Halachev through to the Semis

Local Doubles Team Still Hot Rebsamen Tennis Center pro, Raul Bermudez, and former UALR top singles competitor, Dinko Halachev advanced today after defeating the Chilean team of Julio Peralta and Guillermo Rivera-Aranguiz, 6-3 Ret. Originally from Venezuela and Bulguria respectively, the pair will face off against Christopher Kilngemann (USA) and Milan Pokrajac (CAN) in the semi-finals on Friday. Roberts Still Going Little Rock native, and fan favorite, Matt Roberts advanced further into the main draw today after defeating Canadian Pierre-Ludovic Duclos, 4-6,6-4 (7-6(6)), in the second round of singles play. The crowd stood behind Roberts as he took Duclos, the tournament's number 2 seed, to three tough sets before closing the deal.  Number One Seed From Qualifier Continues to Roll The Qualifying tournament's number 1 seeded player in singles, Marcus Fugate, advanced today in an upset after defeating the main draw's number 8 seed, Luigi D'Agord (ITA) 6-3, 4-6 (6-4). Originally from New York, Fugate is an energetic young player who makes every match exciting and interesting. Fugate will take the court tomorrow morning at 10 am. against Great Britain's James Ward, the tournament's number 4 seed, in what promises to be an exciting match.  Number 1 Seed Sitak Advances One of this year's most exciting players, number 1 seed Artem Sitak of Russia, continues to advance into the tournament. Today Sitak defeated former Wake Forest sensation Todd Paul, 6-4, 6-1. Sitak will attempt to prove his top seeding tomorrow against the U.S.'s Bryan Wooten in the second round of singles play.

A Taste of Tennis

It started out as an idea to bring back a high end social event to the tournament with the move to Pleasant Valley Country Club. The full experience last night caught even some of the committee members by surprise as close to 200 people enjoyed a Taste of Tennis beyond what we had imagined. There was food paired with wine from four different countries signifying the international competition we are experiencing on the courts during the day. The guests were a diverse group ranging from college students who work with the tournament, players and officials, sponsors and guests. And there was a message of hope presented by Ballet Arkansas dancers that perfectly communicated what this tournament is all about.

The heart of this tournament week is a passion for the mission of New Outlook Cancer Recovery for Women. It's a desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals fighting to survive and live each day. Cancer is not selective in who it chooses and we've all been touched in one way or another by this terrible disease. The young Ballet Arkansas dancers, accompanied by two electric violinists, presented a dance of hope through trial that was powerful and beautiful. Christina Munoz, President of the Ballet Arkansas Board and a dancer herself, introduced the performance with a personal message of her family's experience with cancer. Music and the arts are a powerful way to deliver a message of hope and perserverance through trial. The performance brought us all back to the roots of our tournament and the mission of New Outlook.

We really appreciate everyone who made this a very special evening.

Breakfast on the Green at PVCC

On the Veranda, overlooking the Golf Course

Sunday 10:30am before the Finals Matches

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