And the winners are ... Lynn Adams and Mike Yellen !

[Photo: National Racquetball, September 1987]

head to head men's finals!
Yellen def. Monchik: Sudsy has never “toured” the court as much as he did in this match. Forced to hit his backhand splat from shoulder high, it was only a matter of time until Yellen capitalized on Sudsy’s “showmanship.” Yellen always played his best in the crucial matches and was inevitably able to find some way to win. Sudsy plays tough when ahead, but fights himself for the pressure points in the pressure games. Over time, Sudsy will learn how to handle the pressure of “big events,” but as of now, he is still learning.

Yellen’s ability to keep Sudsy on his heels, moving backward, forcing Sudsy to hit what other players feel are impossible shots (but to Sudsy are usually routine) allows Yellen to work his game plan. Yellen’s footwork (maybe the best ever) always seems to put him in the right place at the right time, and thus ready to execute the right shot. Unable to overpower Yellen, Sudsy is left with his speed and uncanny shot-making ability. Unfortunately for Suds, he always seemed to be hitting off-balance, leaving Mike the opportunity to end the rally with his pinpoint passes and patented backhand pinch. At least for now, it’s brain over brawn as Yellen captures the Player of the Century crown in five games — but watch for Sudsy in the 21st Century title playoff!

head to head women's finals!
Adams def. McKay: Heather started the match fast, playing a percentage game and mixing up her reverse pinches and passes very well, then controlled center court to take the first. Lynn came back pumped up and started playing most of her shots to Heather's forehand. Heather fell behind and started shooting and passing from the deep right side, allowing Lynn to capitalize on setups. The third game was a war, with both players having figured out what was working for each of them, which led to incredible shot-making and rallies. Determined to keep Lynn off balance, Heather mixed in wide angle and deceptive cross court passes to take a narrow third game win. Game four went to Lynn, as she pressed the issue and became very aggressive, pinching and splatting at every opportunity, yet mixing in low, hard passes which found Heather out of position much of the game.

The tiebreaker was an amazing test of wills, with both players executing on offense, covering shots and re-killing at every opportunity. Heather stuck to her basic game plan, and was extremely effective in executing her drive serves and reverse pinches. Heather tried to control center court, which she needed to do to win, but Lynn began mixing up her serves and shots -- which proved to make all the difference. Lynn won this amazing match, 12-10 in the fifth.