RACQUETOLOGY

Week 3

Adam Osterholz--Baton Rouge, LA
As an aspiring figure skater, Adam "Princess O" Osterholz hopes to try his delicate grace on the court. Furious with the fact that Will Farrell's movie "Blades of Glory" made fun of his true passion, Adam will take that furry and unleash with his racquet. Do not let Adam's warm hearted, gentle demeanor fool you, for inside he is not quite the delicate flower he appears to be. A heavy impression could very well be left on the clay by the Princess. Strengths: Stong ankles and a beautiful Triple Sowcow. Weaknesses: Tennis.

Sarah Talbot--Charlottesville, VA
If grace could be defined in a movement it would be Talbot's forehand. Opponents have been caught flat footed and watching as Talbot will send another beauty down their throats. But all is not pirouettes with her game, her backhand will make a mule kick and a bull charge. Known around the circuit as Les Backhandhauser, she has spent the past several weeks with expert backhand coach Harry Jazzercise. If Jazzercise can improve her backhand look for Talbot to go far.

Ralph Ledgerwood--Alexandria, VA
One word - Ralph Ledgerwood. This former IBA superstar is favored by many to go all the way. He placed 2nd in the George C. Scott Bi-annual Wildlife Refuge Charity Tour, 3rd in the Pocahontas Freedom Invitational Tournament of Champions, and won the Santa Anna Children's Society Benefit Foundation Cup Classic. Even though these were all karaoke competitions, he is expected to go far. Strengths: Experience and a solid short game. Weaknesses: Distracted easily by the ladies.

Kyle Rabe--Greenville, SC
Rabe bounced around the Snapple Wooden Circuit (SWC) for years before his first big win. He's managed to add a couple trophys to his mantle since and isn't looking back. He received an at-large invitation with his strong play and 2nd place finish at the Savannah Open. Rabe is known as a serve specialist. He will keep you well behind the baseline with his 63+ MPH serves. If you can return it, then you have a chance. Look for Rabe to come unraveled in the second round when a potential match-up with Max Bergmann will keep Rabe running.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Sharon Kirby--Previously of Greensboro, NC
Kirby has opted out of the tournament to deal with her ailing husband's pride. Kirby could not be reached for comment, but sources inside say that she is distraught over her husband's desire to live in the past.