The early matches today don't look as delectable after a lot of upsets.
In the first stage, almost every you'd expect to make it to the final 64 did. Only upsets were Marc Bjisterboch, Jefrey Roda and Pijus Labutis, who has been disappointing since the PLP.
On Friday, Gorst wasn't as sharp as usual, but it still took a great performance by Capito to beat him. Capito then showed his usual inconsistency, losing to John Morra. Morra is a fine player, but someone Capito should beat to be one of the game's top guns.
Biado actually played very well, but Krause was in peak form and wouldn't let Carlo get back to the table enough. Krause still showed gaps in his game, though, that can be exploited.
Chua was up 3-2 vs FSR, then made a poor safety. His safety play has been exposed. He has been constantly overhitting or underhitting them. And he's been too aggressive. That combination will cost you against a savvy player like FSR, who is Chua's Kryptonite. Chua might need a coach. Disappointing year for him so far, and I say that as a huge fan.
SVB has looked the best of all so far. Really sharp. This tourney is there for the taking.
Thorpe almost lucked his way into the final 16. I had to stop rooting for him after too many not-smart decisions and poor execution. Two of the worst safeties I've ever seen he had in his loss last night. Played great in stretches, but quite subpar too. He was too amped up too often.
Shaw lived on the edge the whole tourney and if finally caught up to him.
Sky looked very good for a guy who hardly played this year, but the rust got him in the end. Especially his break.
I've always wondered why Atencio never shows big results. This could be the tourney. He's been terrific. Great shotmaker, great jumper. We'll see if he can handle the pressure and play smart. Morra will test him in that regard.