The Final Eight have been decided! After two rounds of Knock Out play, the following players have reached the quarterfinals - John Christie (NZ), Ahmed Nasr (EG), Peter Landrebe (AUS), Felix Webby (NZ), Hamy Erian (EG), Mohamad Karem (EG), Reg Bamford (SAF) and Jenny Clarke (NZ).
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#24 Clarke had a huge 7-3, 7-3 win against England's Stephen Mulliner (#17) to secure the eighth spot. And in the category of huge Sweet Sixteen matchups, #4 Nasr defeated #10 Duncan Dixon (NZ) 7-5, 7-6 to claim his spot in Final Eight, while #6 Webby took down #9 Amr El Ibieri (EGY) 7-2, 2-7, 7-5. And #2 Erian advanced with a 7-6, 7-6 win over #11 John-Paul Moberly (ENG).
The other notable upset on the board would have been #31 Landrebe knocking out #7 Mohamed Nasr (EGY) 7-5, 2-7, 7-4.
Unfortunately for the USA, Sherif Abdelwahab and Mohamad Kamal were knocked out of the main draw and then out of the Bowl today.
I will continue tomorrow in the second day of Plate as will Matt Griffith. Three blocks have been set up and a double round-robin format is being used. After playing each player in their respective blocks, they will switch to a different venue tomorrow and play each player one more time before eight players will be selected for the Plate Knock Out.
Australia's Peter Freer in Block B action at the Belmont Croquet Club near Geelong. Photo by Bill Bromley