Arnold Spangler of New York added another level championship to his collection by winning the 2011 Burke Cup in Newport this past weekend. Hesitant to travel because of the weather forecast, Spangler opted to make the trip to Newport at the last minute. Good decision as the weather turned out to be nice and Spangler was on his game!
Playing two matches on Saturday, Spangler played the match of the weekend in the Saturday night semifinal against Ken Forton of Boston. After losing the first set 6/3, Spangler fought back in the second to win 6/5. The third set started at three-all. Spangler won the first game to go up 4/3, at which point it looked like he might cruise to victory. But Forton found his length and came alive. After a few seesaw games, the score was tied at 5/all, deuce. Spangler fought off 11 of 14 match points to win the match! It was a nail-biter!
On the other side of the draw, #1 seed, Berry Packham of Newport, had a much easier time, dispatching both of his opponents in straight sets.
The first game of the final on Sunday lasted for 12 minutes! After that, though, it was Spangler all the way, as he beat Packham 6/1, 6/0. Packham’s volley, deadly when it is on, was off. Spangler played a steady game with excellent retrieving. He served a tight drag bobble, which gave Packham some trouble. Subsequently he could get no length off the serve. All-in-all Spangler played a good match and while the final score was decisive, it was a good match. Spangler is a former two-time winner of the Wharton Cup!
John Murphy beat fellow Newporter, Dan Paquette, 8/6 in the final of the back draw.
The draw is attached.
