EXAMINER.COM: COURIER BEATS MCENROE IN CHAMPIONS SHOOTOUT FINAL IN ATLANTA

 Jim Courier defeated John McEnroe 8-6 in the final of the Powershares Champions Shootout at the Gwinnett Arena on Saturday night to take the overall points lead in the 2012 Powershares Series.

Courier and McEnroe were joined on the night by Michael Chang and Matts Wilander. In their careers these four champions won nineteen majors singles titles and together, they put on a great display of tennis with the same range of shots, power and skill as they always had. The evening provided a perfect opportunity, and the Gwinnett Arena was the perfect venue, to watch some great tennis played by some great champions.

But was it competitive? All four players worked and fought hard for every point and while the overall atmosphere was relaxed – Courier joking with Chang about being a new father as he stopped play because of a crying baby – McEnroe was as intense as he ever was!

Mostly impatient with himself, McEnroe was never shy to let his emotions show! He frowned, he shook his head, he swore at himself and he threw his racket; and on those occasions when the line judges or the umpire got a close call wrong, McEnroe’s stare and muted verbal outburst let everyone know that he wanted to win and win badly.

John McEnroe may be older but his passion for the game and for winning hasn’t diminished and it was brilliant to watch! The same deft touch and the same competitive fire was great entertainment.

But last night McEnroe wasn’t the winner. Jim Courier’s forehand was working and it sent McEnroe to his second loss to Courier in as many nights. McEnroe has now finished as runner-up in six of these events with only one win and one thing is certain – he’s not happy about it!

Semifinal 1: Courier def. Chang, 6-3 

Semifinal 2: McEnroe def. Wilander, 6-3

Final: Courier def. McEnroe, 8-6

Written by Andrew Snook.
http://www.examiner.com/article/courier-beats-mcenroe-champions-shootout-final-atlanta