Misner captures National 16s title

Published 5:00 am Thursday, July 20, 2000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -Stuart Misner of Brookhaven captured thechampionship finals of the USTA Boys 16s National Open Thursdaymorning. Misner defeated Shan Tenu Dhaka of Chelmford, Ma., insplit sets. Both players had won five matches to reach thechampionship showdown.

In the title match, Misner and Dhaka split sets, forcing a thirdset. Misner lost the opener 5-7 but regrouped and won the secondset 6-4. He soundly beat Dhaka 6-2 in the finale.

Misner, seeded third, defeated Gerrick Willis of Birmingham,Ala. 6-1, 6-0 in Sunday’s opening round. Misner rallied to beatStuart Row of Austin, Texas, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the secondround.

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On Tuesday, Misner beat Matthew Christian of Troy, Mich., 7-5,6-4. In Wednesday’s sizzling semifinals, Misner defeated TrevorMcLeod of Kalamazoo, Mich., 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. McLeod had upset No. 1seed Byron Cole of Encinitas, Ca., 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to reach thesemifinals.

Misner and Christopher Rea of Madison have qualified for thefinals in Boys 16s Doubles. They defeated Will Colmar ofNorthfield, Ill. and Alec Kempster of Oak Park, Ill. 6-3, 6-1 inthe quarterfinals.