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2020: Canadian Train Odyssey with Alaska Cruise (8965)
23 days from Toronto to Vancouver
This cross-country train adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada's most popular cities. A highlight of this Canada train tour is the 3-day, 3-night journey on VIA Rail's the Canadian-a premier continental train-from Toronto to Jasper. In refurbished art deco rail cars and domed observation cars, enjoy views of the ever-changing landscapes as you leisurely travel through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The spectacular landscapes on your train trip are not the only stunning scenery you'll witness on this Canada rail tour. Marvel at hypnotic Niagara Falls on your boat cruise past the falls. In the Canadian Rockies, ride the Ice Explorer-an all-terrain vehicle-on Columbia Icefield, an expanse of ice that is 1,200-feet thick. Stop in breathtaking Lake Louise, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Spend time in stunning Jasper National Park-with its rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, rivers, and abundant wildlife-and Banff National Park, home to majestic mountains and picture-perfect scenery. Also stop in Yoho National Park, with its famous fossils, and Glacier National Park, with its abundant wildlife. From the Pacific Coast, sail to Victoria through the scenic Gulf Islands, a diverse archipelago. In Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of floral displays. Plus, enjoy a 7-night Alaska cruise through the stunning Inside Passage, one of the world's most picturesque sea lanes. Hear the roar as ice breaks off and 'calves' into the sea-it's spectacular! Your cruise stops include Juneau; Skagway, an important town during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898; and Ketchikan. See Canada's spectacular mountain scenery, stunning lakes, picturesque towns, gentle prairie fields, and exciting cities on this Canadian rail tour-with Alaska cruise!
Call (800) 728-1506 for more information or to book today! Mention code 14885736
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2020
- Duration
- 23 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
|Day 1
|Welcome to Toronto! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
|Day 2
|Leave bustling Toronto and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Sightseeing here includes a SIGHTSEEING BOAT CRUISE past the world-famous falls. Later, visit picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. Return to Toronto and spend the evening exploring the city sights on your own, including Harbourfront Centre, Ontario Place, and Chinatown.NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When unfavorable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
|Day 3
|Setting Toronto's exciting architectural pace are City Hall; the downtown banking district; Roger's Center; and stunning CN Tower, more than a third of a mile high. See all this and more on your city sightseeing tour. This evening, join the optional outing that combines dinner with the spectacular sight of Toronto's lights from the CN Tower. Afterward, transfer to Union Station for a late-evening departure on the CANADIAN, VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada's heartland. Your Sleeper Plus class rail cars are refurbished art-deco cars from the 1950s. Domed observation cars let you enjoy views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario's landscapes. All meals are included, and you won't want to miss any of them, as the chef offers a tempting array of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts.
|Day 4
|Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway's breathtaking mainline. (B,L,D)
|Day 5
|An early arrival into Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital, a city rich in history and culture. Mid-morning, we continue our journey through Manitoba's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B,L,D)
|Day 6
|Jasper National Park
|This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast as you continue on the Canadian into the very heart of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper this evening. An orientation tour includes Jasper's unspoiled beauty. The evening is free to enjoy the ambiance of this delightful mountain setting. (B,L)
|Day 7
|Jasper National Park
|With free time this morning, maybe hike on the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper. This afternoon consider an optional trip to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise to much-photographed Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. Perhaps an optional float trip on the Athabasca River to end the day?
|Day 8
|Banff National Park
|Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through JASPER NATIONAL PARK, stopping along the way at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice that is 750 feet (250 meters) thick. Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in BANFF NATIONAL PARK for a leisurely 2-night stay.
|Day 9
|Banff National Park
|This morning, consider an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. The day is free to independently explore this resort town located within Banff National Park. Stroll Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare of boutiques and souvenir shops. The surrounding 2,564 square miles of parkland are home to wildlife including elk and grizzly bears. This evening your Tour Director will suggest an optional horse drawn wagon ride along scenic trails followed by a BBQ Steak dinner.
|Day 10
|This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through YOHO NATIONAL PARK, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops.'
|Day 11
|As you travel through the Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forests. Board your afternoon ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Sightseeing in Victoria includes the world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider strolling along the Waterfront Promenade.
|Day 12
|Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and fine shopping along Government Street.
|Day 13
|This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes STANLEY PARK, Gastown, Chinatown, and many other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia's premier shopping and entertainment location.
|Day 14
|Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafes. Or, re-visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.
|Day 15
|Continue your stay in Vancouver for the evening.
|Day 16
|Embark on your cruise ship. (D)
|Day 17
|One of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world, the natural beauty here is unbelievable, featuring thick emerald-green forests and expansive turquoise glaciers. (B,L,D)
|Day 18
|Accessible only by air and water, history, Native culture, wildlife, and nature come to life here. Shop for gold nuggets, saunter through the swinging doors at the Red Dog Saloon, or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier (B,L,D)
|Day 19
|Step back in time as you stroll along wooden boardwalks, visit the Red Onion Saloon, explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, or ride the antique White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway. (B,L,D)
|Day 20
|This incredible Biosphere Reserve protects a unique ecosystem, hosting an amazing spectacle as tremendous slabs of ice break off and 'calve' into the sea. (B,L,D)
|Day 21
|This self-proclaimed 'Salmon Capital of the World' boasts the largest totem collection on the planet and a former red-light district-turned art district on historic Creek Street. (B,L,D)
|Day 22
|Cruise through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, and other wildlife. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and onboard entertainment. (B,L,D)
|Day 23
|Your cruise ends this morning. Please schedule flights after Noon. (B)
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.Any applicable Goods and Service Tax (GST) and/or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for Canada are additional. Taxes will be calculated and listed at the time of booking, prior to payment being collected. Pricing is based on inside category L; upgrade to inside cabin category K or J from $30 to $60; upgrade to an outside cabin category E, D, or C from $350 to $480, or to a verandah cabin category B, AA, or A from $1,320 to $1,960.Cruise line non-commissionable fare, government taxes, and fees of $485 to $495, depending on date, are additional and mandatory. These fees will be added to your Vacation Estimate.Prices are per person, based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: from $1,845, based on date and cabin category.Triple Room Reduction per person: from $290, based on date and cabin category.Triple rooms on the Canadian may be one room or two separate rooms that may or may not be located near each other on the train.Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes
- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Cosmos menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
Booking your Vacation with Air
For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) - please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).


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Lean Hog futures are mixed at midday, with nearby Feb up 32.5 cents. The CME Lean Hog Index was up 25 cents from the previous day @ $54.10 on January 8. The USDA pork carcass cutout value was up $2.08 on Thursday morning at average weighted price of $71.75. The belly primal was up $7.13 with the loin $3.28 higher. The national base cash hog carcass value 27 cents lower in the AM report, with a weighted average of $50.89. This week's FI hog slaughter through Wednesday was estimated at 1.423 million head, which was 54,000 head larger than the same week last year.
Feb 19 Hogs are at $64.100, up $0.325,
Apr 19 Hogs are at $67.975, up $0.425
May 19 Hogs are at $73.950, down $0.250
--provided by Brugler Marketing & Management

subset: commoncrawl


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Month: July 2016
July 7, 2016
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ADD sufferers be warned, a new utility could make your information overload worse. For the rest of us who subscribe to RSS feeds or Twitter, it may make life easier.
Meet FeedRoller, a handy program that turns your RSS and Twitter feeds into on onscreen ticker and puts it at the top of your desktop. The program scrolls headlines from your favorite news sites, blogs and twitter account in one easy to read convenient place.
The lightweight program comes with a variety of twitter tweating options. You can tweak the age of the information it displays, colors, and hotkeys that control different features like pausing the ticker or opening headlines for more information.
FeedRoller works with Windows (sorry, no Mac version yet). You can download FeedRoller for free from the companies website.


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It's not that much of a stretch for these two artists to get together, but they've created a strong follow up to their earlier self-titled debut. The Ghetto Blaster EP lays out a mere seven songs, including a couple of high profile covers: M.I.A.'s Paper Planes and LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out. Seven tracks, but no fluff.
The title cut, Ghetto Blaster, hits hard with a hard rock guitar riff and rocking drums. This has a Red Hot Chili Peppers' sound of hard rock/soul/funk, like Give It Away. It's a solid start, with a fast rap vocal flow on the verses:
I'm from the land of the free labor that planted the plan of theThe frantic drive carries the tune.
Black and branded to scram it over to Canada
A fan of radical bandits in bandannas
Who slam in the banana clip and rat-a-tat-tatata
This yields to the funk rap of Everythang. Riley's group The Coup released a version of this on Party Music with more of an electronic backing groove, but Morello's guitar work is stripped down to the perfect accompaniment. The real story here, though is the incredible drum work: the driving syncopation, stretched beats, and tight breaks.
The big single from The Ghetto Blaster EP is a cover of M.I.A.'s Paper Planes. The original has a bouncy ska feel over a sample of the Clash's Straight To Hell. M.I.A. contrasts a cynical, mercenary lyric with her pretty and mild delivery. SSSC takes a simpler approach: the music is edgier with a faster tempo and Riley's voice is all gangster. They've also changed the lyrics fairly extensively to shift the message of the song. Now, it's less about being a dealer and more about surviving the system: "Everyone's a winner, now we're making that fame" becomes "Dog food for dinner, the world is in flames". Comparing it to the original is what makes this version so interesting.
The New Fuck You has high intensity intro before settling into a repetitive funk rock groove straight from Living Color. The lyrics are political social commentary:
Take care is the new healthcare
Big business get welfare
The middle east is the new gold rush
We've made a new hell there
My favorite track is Scars (Hold That Pose). It also has a driving hard rock start reminiscent of Living Color, but the verse drops is down with Riley giving us an MC 900 Jesus style flow over a cool, trickle down guitar riff. The chorus kicks in with serious crunch to balance out the mellower verses. The total effect builds a tension through the course of the song. The verse lyrics are self-deprecating about being broke and cheap:
This old ripped jacket is cause I am an artistThe chorus and bridge pull the humor back into social commentary.
I'll burn rubber on you if my car gets started
3rd month avoiding landlords is the hardest
It's only funny cause you don't see where the scar is
Mama Said Knock You Out is a modern updating of the LL Cool J classic. It stays fairly true to the original, but owes a lot to Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine. It's hard rocking, with some heavy guitar from Tom Morello and a monster bass line. Fitting a modern style, the mix is a lot punchier than the original.
Finally, Promenade (Guitar Fury Mix) revisits a song from Street Sweeper Social Club's debut. The mix might be slightly different, but this is effectively the same as the radio edit version.
Rage Against the Machine has been working this beat between rap and hard rock for a long time, but Boots Riley's vocal style adds a lot more rap veritas to the mix. This differentiates Street Sweeper Social Club from Zack de la Rocha and Rage Against the Machine, while keeping the political message. Philosophically, the right drink is grapes of wrath, but today I'd suggest a coffee flavored stout (fair trade, of course) for the right mix of energy and bitterness.


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Israel Open II
PTA Challenger Tour - Monday (1st Round) - Ramat HaSharon, Israel - Hard
- Teenage star Marcuss Deane was too good for his lowly Canadian opponent Michel Paquette overnight Israel time with a 6-1, 6-3 victory. The heavily-bandaged West CWLander has apparently struggled with a thigh injury as of late, but showed no signs of weakness as he tore past the World No. 208 in breezy fashion. On one of the outer courts of the Israel Tennis Centre, Deane's powerful serve and aggressive volleying served him well as the defensive Paquette failed to create enough chances. Deane's win sets up a second round clash with 25-year old Croatian Stipo Vučemilović who who produced an upset of sorts with a 7-5, 7-6(6) win over the out-of-form seventh seed Ross Onwye.
- There was no luck for Campsfield champion Roy Daniels as the World No. 144 was comprehensively beaten by Swedish fourth seed Henrikk Henrikkson. To Daniels' credit, he fought back from 0-4 down in the first set to lose it 3-6, but made too many errors and hit too few winners to oust the solid Swede who advanced to the second round 6-3, 6-3.
- Seeded players out: Waylon Jones; Eric Henson; Ross Onwye.
Dorogan can GAGF.
Serbia Open II
PTA Tour 250 - 1st Round - Belgrade, Serbia - Clay (Red)
- Red hot West CWLander Heath Davis has made a winning start to his Serbia Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-1 win over French lucky loser Christian Mary. Davis made the quarter finals in Rome last week, and goes from strength-to-strength on the red clay as he trounced the late replacement for Dane Kasper Buur in just over an hour. After a tight start, Davis roared into action as he punished the Frenchman with his big forehand to secure a second round berth in quick time. He plays Luxembourg's Oliver Engel who picked up a rare clay win; 6-1, 6-4 over Hungarian qualifier Imre Medgyessy.
- Elsewhere, unseeded Russian teen Boris Denisov returned to action with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Chilean veteran Jefferson Quezada to advance to a showdown with Jojo Mustard while eighth seed Tom Vollan was beaten in three by Nilikar Midid of Croatia.
Man, Vimes said Estoril was bad but this draw is pretty :sick: on clay. Would be pretty disappointing for Heef if he doesn't make the semis at least.
- Seeded players out: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Norway.svg.png Tom Vollan.
Well done Heath! :)
Estoril Open II
PTA Tour 250 - 1st Round - Estoril, Portugal - Clay (Red)
- Qualifier Ishan Narang has continued what will no doubt be a magnificent week for the young lad regardless of future results as he outgunned World No. 100 Roman Dorogan in three sets. The erratic Easterner bowed out first round last week in a Greek Challenger, but was dealt a winnable first round clash here in Portugal on clay for the first time this season. After three victories in qualifying, Narang was riding high as he took two service breaks in the opening three games as the Ukrainian No. 3 struggled to stay in the match. But after taking the first set 6-2, things took a turn for the worse as Dorogan stepped up to some rather lacklustre serving from the "usually" solid serving of the Indian-born player. After dropping the second set to one, Narang needed to find his feet fast and got lucky as Dorogan put a forehand wide to give him the early break. It turned out to be a game-changing moment as young Narang grew in confidence and secured a quarter final place with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 win. He now plays fourth seed Kim Vollan; a player who has yet to back up great Grand Slam results at these smaller tournaments.
- Another comeback kid was West CWLand's Brett Read, and he had half the trouble of Narang as he proved his class with a 6-1, 6-3 thrashing of Belgium's Mark Harmel. The veteran Belgian has been in diabolical form as of late, and year off or not Read is clearly a superior player on all surfaces. Despite a rough exit last week in Rome, Read is a steady player with good enough groundstrokes to get him past opposition of this quality. After struggling to find his feet over the past few weeks, Read will face a real litmus test on the red clay against Spanish sixth seed Ion Andueza. Andueza, fresh off a 6-3, 6-1 opening round triumph, will be hoping to put a new twist on a thoroughly disappointing clay court season with a good showing in Portugal.
- It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Westerners, though, as qualifier Rick Langley bowed out in straight sets to Romanian Bogdan Maurer. Having smashed little-known local Joaquim Santos one and love in the qualifying round on Sunday, Langley was disappointing against Maurer who was just back from injury. The tall and powerful Romanian showed that Langley has some way to go as he kept him well behind the baseline and denied the Westerner many chances to pass him with his long reach and great defensive play. Langley, meanwhile, struggled to get a read on the first serve of Maurer who found the sweet spot from the southern end and never really looked troubled on serve. The 3-6, 2-6 loss is a setback for Langley, but he will be grateful for qualifying points that will at the very least push him just a touch closer to the top hundred. He currently sits at No. 118.
- Second seed Sven Oxenstierna learned of his second round opponent as local wildcard Luis Amaral beat out compatriot Helder Lópes in three sets. It gets easier for him as possible quarter final opponent Yves Parmentier the eighth seed was beaten easily by Aldo Marín of Paraguay.
- Seeded players out: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...vil%29.svg.png Yves Parmentier.
BMW Open II
PTA Tour 250 - 1st Round - Munich, Germany - Clay (Red)
- Fresh off a quarter final run in Rome, Rob Bowenburg has come through a tough first round clash with Pörtschach champion Toby Brookes relatively unscathed after a come-from-behind win in Munich. Bowenburg was down a set and a break at 1-3 in the second set, but in a dramatic reversal took the second set in a tiebreaker 7-3. Brookes hasn't had many victories this clay season and looked desperate to oust the West CWLander, but in a dramatic final set he came from a break down twice before falling short in a second tiebreaker. Bowenburg, having failed to serve out the match once, was dynamic as his power proved too much for the Aussie as he secured a 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win. He now meets Brazilian qualifier after third seed Diego Hurtado dropped out in his return from injury 6-4, 1-6, 6-7(6).
- A quarter final clash with partner Jarkko Maxum could be on the cards after the ninth seed got the better of CWLand rival Scotland Rivers. The end of the clay swing cannot come soon enough for Rivers as he slumped to another loss to extinguish the last of the momentum he created in a dramatic post-Australian Open charge. In a competitive first set, Rivers had a number of chances on Maxum's serve but failed to secure any of them as Maxum claimed the set 6-4. He managed a break of serve in the second but that was it as a clinical Maxum made the most of his post-draw move with a 6-4, 6-1 win. He plays Austrian Heinz Hainisch who won his match 6-2, 6-2 against Switzerland's Pascal Schmidt.
- Finally, Spas Delev is the only CWLander in the bottom half and had no troubles in his win over Argentina's Miguel Bertolotto. Delev was in damaging form as he put some hurt on the World No. 97 in a 6-2, 6-2 win. His form has been questionable since a fine American hard court swing, but against a lower ranked opponent like the steady Bertolotto that trademark forehand was on display in a great win. A tougher test awaits him with fourth seed Antonio Bachunelli surviving a tight match with a French qualifier.
- Touted as a real French Open contender, top seed Illya Altman's losing streak extended to three in a bizzare loss to Spain's Fernando Aguero. The Ukrainian has been under an injury cloud with a knee complaint, and many were surprised to see him take a wildcard into the draw this week. After claiming the first set, Altman looked concerned by his right knee and was bizzarely beaten 6-4, 3-6, 1-6 in an awful display. The confusing loss was compounded by an announcement on his Twitter that he has pulled out of next week's Madrid Masters.
- Seeded players out: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...kraine.svg.png Illya Altman; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Sweden.svg.png Björn Donaldson; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...lombia.svg.png Diego Hurtado; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ungary.svg.png János Varga.
Well, I can't complain about that result. I must be in the form of my career at the moment. Still, will have to ward of complacency as a good run here would be very helpful.
How many weeks off is the French Open now?
Good to see some other quality wins from the CWLand contingent too.
Also, lol@Altman.
Haha a win, gun.
Israel Open II
PTA Challenger Tour - 2nd Round - Ramat HaSharon, Israel - Hard
- Marcuss Deane will have a chance to avenge his Rhodes loss to top seed Ivars Emsis, but he must improve after a poor start against Croatia's Stipo Vučemilović. Deane fancied his chances against the World No. 168 but was pantsed in the first set as Vučemilović shot to an early lead with some assertive play to take the set 6-1. Deane was on the brink at 3-5, and was ready to pack his bags as Vučemilović surged to 40-15 to bring up two match points. But after he bottled the first with a double fault, Vučemilović left it to Deane to save the second as he threw a gutsy forehand winner in to stay alive. Deane ended up taking the set in a tight tiebreaker, and that was enough to cripple the Croat who had seemingly missed his chance and wasn't going to get another as Deane stepped on the gas to escape with a 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-0 win. Emsis won their last encounted 6-4, 6-4 and hasn't lost a set this week. He's the favourite this week having claimed the Rhodes title in impressive style.
- Seeded players out: Henrikk Henrikkson.
Nice to see I've got it in me to do things the hard way. Facing two match points is never ideal but it shows I've got bottle at least I guess.
Pumped for the next round though, up against the first seed, seeking revenge etc.
Hopefully the underdog can get up :)
Serbia Open II
PTA Tour 250 - 2nd Round - Belgrade, Serbia - Clay (Red)
- Third seed Jojo Mustard has survived a tough first up test in Belgrade as he was taken to three by highly touted Russian youngster Boris Denisov. The eighteen-year old possesses great weapons on both wings, and showed his mettle as he charged back from the brink of defeat to string three games together to take the second set 7-5. Mustard, who had started so well, needed to refocus between sets and a quick bathroom break no doubt helped things. (:naughty:) Surviving two break points early, Mustard used the slice well and began to control rallies as he secured a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win thanks to a backhand error from Denisov. He now meets unseeded Croat Ivan Čeljar in the quarters following his 6-2, 6-3 win over sixth seed Tal Cohen.
- Fifth seed Heath Davis had a far easier time of it in his second round match as he beat the enigmatic Oliver Engel of Luxembourg 6-2, 6-0. Engel is sort of a Davis-lite with a big serve and questionable court movement, but the ever-improving Davis who looks to have shed some pounds played thoroughly dominant tennis en route to his straight sets win. His inexplicable clay form will be put to the test on Friday against fourth seeded American Morgan Carter who started his week with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Polish qualifier Tomasz Chrzanowski.
- Seventh seed Jason Bradley may have survived a tough clash with qualifier Jochen Sas on Monday, but he was embarrassed by wildcard Srđan Ivić who advanced to his first PTA quarter final with a three-set win.
- Seeded players out: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...States.svg.png Jason Bradley; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Israel.svg.png Tal Cohen.