Russell Storms Into Final

Michael Russell's play has become stronger wiih each victory at the 2009 JSM Challenger. After trading breaks for the first four games of the match with Ricardas Berankis, the No. 3 seed pulled away with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. Berankis had chances at different stages of the match but each time Michael elevated his game and was either able to convert on his break point opportunities or fight off break points against. This is Russell's first appearance in the singles final of the JSM Challenger of Champaign-Urbana. He awaits the winner of the second semifinal match between Kevin Kim and Taylor Dent.

In doubles, Treat Huey and Harsh Mankad stopped the tremendous run of Martin Emmrich and Andreas Siljestrom. Huey and Mankad took the match in a third set super tiebreak. Emmrich and Siljestrom were hoping to earn their third Challenger doubles title in as many weeks after wins in Charlottesville and Knoxville. Treat and Harsh are hoping to win their third Challenger doubles title of 2009 together and await the winner of the match between Brian and Dann Battistone and Jamie Delgado and John Paul Fruterro.

Today's evening session will begin at 6:00 pm with doubles first, followed by singles. General admission tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Fans who paid for admission earlier in the day will be admitted with their ticket stub.

Finals Set for 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 21

The 2009 JSM Challenger finals will begin at noon on Saturday, November 21 beginning with doubles play. The singles final will begin immediately following the conclusion of the doubles final. General admission tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Come see tomorrow's tennis champions showcase their skills. Visit www.illinoischallenger.com for the latest tournament news, results, and updated schedules.