Spectators who had not followed the play of third seed James Wan and fourth seed Brendan Evans throughout the week may have been baffled by the style and strategy displayed in the Boys 16s singles Championship match. Evans, of Key Biscayne FL, whose powerful serve and forehand are big keys to his tennis success and aided his run to the title match at Kalamazoo, was determined to avoid a repeat of his 6-1, 6-1 loss to Wan in last month's Clay Court tournament.

Wan's classic counter punching game is tailored for a slow surface like clay, but even on the hard courts of Kalamazoo, Wan has been frustrating opponents. "I don't know how to beat someone who only makes one unforced error (in a match)," stated John Isner, Wan's quarter final opponent. Indeed, Evans was aware that Wan's style of play could neutralize his power advantage. "I didn't want to give him any pace," Evans said. "Every time I hit with pace, he hit a winner."

So on Saturday, Evans adopted a less aggressive game plan, replacing powerful ground strokes with loopy moon balls and deep slice shots.

The strategy paid off for Evans in the first set, when lenghty moon ball rallies, at times lasting more than 60 strokes, led him to five set points on Wan's serve at 5-6. But each time Evans had a set point, Wan kept returning Evans' would -be winners and was able to force the tie break. One hour and twenty minutes after it began, the first set ended as Evans blasted a forehand inches wide to give Wan the tie break 7-4.

In the second set, Evans was unable to continue following his game plan, making numerous unforced errors. Wan maintained his steady play and took the set 6-0.

Wan's game is reminiscent of another former Kalamazoo Champion's, Michael Chang, and with good reason. Wan and Chang are cousins (their mothers are sisters). Chang won the 18s title over Jim Courier in 1987.

Source: Colette Lewis (Tournament Office)