Tag: hawaii tennis pro

Duke vs Gary Gold Alpha

In the world of tennis, there battle and there are wars.  The history between the Mad Duke and the Gary Sakuma Experience is long and sordid.  From early victories by Duke in three sets twice to two victories by the GSE (The Gary Sakuma Experience—so named in Samui because it’s an experience to play Gary).  The ever strategist, the GSE, had a tricky formula to play the Mad Duke—simple yet complex involving numerous twists and turns of the game, the angles, and the short court while the Duke continued his pummeling style.  Fresh off a victory at the prestigious Olympian Tennis Summit Universe as the Champion of the Mighty 3.0 Category.

“Hey Gary, can you play for me TSU?”

“Sure “He Who Should Not be Named?” but what level?”

“Gary it’s 3.0”

“Voldemort…. They won’t let me play that low.  (thinking if they do that’s kind of insulting.)

“Gary, they said yes.”

“Oh, you mean they said I suck…”  And the rest is history as GSE unleashed his lethal barrage winning five matches and the final 6-0 over someone who barely beat one of the 4.5’s in TPTL Tournaments along the way, he battled a truly great TPTL player and beat him also.

Mad Duke suffered an adductor injury and should be resting for one month but nonetheless was not perturbed. 

He dropped the gauntlet in Gary’s face—outdoor at Siripot Tennis Courts 2.

Gary considered it as training and laughed at the idea of a slightly faster surface, but in reality, the GSE was confident and did want to lose weight.

To Siripot with its straight lines and even surface, they battle in the cool shade of 36 degrees.  With a bit of lethargy in the legs of the GSE, Mad Duke pounced and took the first set 6-3 as they streamed it live.  

THE GSE unleashed the whole dimension of his attack with his powerful dropshots and pounding lobs, he attacked.  The Mad Duke was like WTH.  In a crucial point at 2-3, the Mad Duke pushed the crosscourt to the backhand where GSE lunged to get I back short, as the Duke slammed the down the line finish, the GSE guessing correctly powered a lob over the outstretched backhand of the Duke, but combined with the sun and the awkward angle he came in on, he staggered backward luckily breaking his fall with his butt as he tumbled to the court.  The only sound was the sound of the GSE laughing followed by an “Are you alright?” and more laughing.  The Mad Duke was unflustered and undamaged.

For the video go to:  https://youtu.be/aKBeBJ1Ry14

The match slowed to a crawl and the temperature pushed up.  Energy levels were draining and ice chips and wet towels were not helping the GSE.  The turning point came on the changeover at 3-4.   With a quiet ping on his phone, a message. 

“Hey Babe, how is your match going.” The text read. 

The GSE quickly sent the link.

“What is this? Oh, you’re playing someone.  Good luck.  Thank you for the link.”

The GSE’s legendary G-Babe is going to watch him play for the first time.  Gary was like well that means I can’t lose now.  The GSE unleashed his Serve and Volley game and coming to net, Chipping and Charging.  Throughout the match, he had held back the energy output and thought, it wasn’t the ideal strategy, but when your girl watches you play for the firs time, you can’t be dropshotting and slicing.   The shift in strategy caught the Mad Duke by surprise.  

“Why didn’t you play like this before?”

Gary thought because you like pace… and I chose to.

The renewed vigor and ferociousness of the attack as the temperature hit 37 and 1130 am brought a quick end to the set.

“Let’s play a full third set.” Duke demanded.

“Let’s not and say we did.” Gary replied.  Actually, he said no.

The tiebreaker was tense and close with the Mad Duke pulling away 6-3, but the GSE went back to his guile and skill bringing things to a heated 8-8 score.  But with an error, faced 8-9 on his serve. 

We are going to serve backhand body, make Duke hit a backhand by his left knee, serve and volley taking away the cross court, so he will try go down the line and pull it out.  Gary Thought as he tossed the ball, “Perfect” The sweet impact and sound had the right spin and pace, he followed it.  The Mad Duke swung at it seeing the down the line hole.  Gary lunged fruitlessly as the Mad Duke’s passing shot landed.

“CALL IT OUT GARY!” His bad side screamed.   But the balled landed square on the line.  Match.  Dejected, the GSE said, “Great shot.”  And walked to shake hands.

The Mad Duke started screaming as he is wont to do but it was a solid shot and a great match.  No matter what happens, there will always be the video of the Mad Duke falling on www.youtube.com/hi10spro please subscribe today.

Ohana means family and no one plays alone.

Gold Gamma Likasit vs Royce

In the thrilling world of the Toroline Gamma Beta TPTL League, drama, skill, and a touch of flair are never in short supply. The latest showdown was no exception, as the seasoned pro Royce, affectionately known as “The Wily Veteran,” faced off against the flamboyant and ferocious “Topspin Maniac” Likasit. This wasn’t just any match—it was a rematch. And oh, did Likasit come to settle the score.

The first set was a battle of wits and grit, with Royce pulling every trick out of his veteran playbook. Drop shots? Check. Strategic lobs? Of course. A stare so intense it could wilt a houseplant? Absolutely. But Likasit, armed with his blistering topspin and youthful energy, was having none of it. After a tightly contested set, Likasit edged out Royce 6-4, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Then came the second set, where things took a dramatic turn—or rather, a dramatic nosedive for Royce. It was as if Likasit had unlocked some secret cheat code, unleashing an unstoppable barrage of winners. Meanwhile, Royce looked like he had accidentally stepped onto a treadmill set to maximum speed. The scoreboard? Brutal: 6-0. A bagel for Royce, and not the tasty kind.

While the veteran may have been outgunned this time, he certainly wasn’t outclassed. Royce’s sportsmanship shone through as he graciously acknowledged Likasit’s dominance. As for Likasit, his victory celebration was as animated as his playing style—complete with fist pumps, a twirl, and what appeared to be an impromptu salsa move.

In the end, the rematch proved one thing: the torch may not have been passed, but it was certainly yanked out of Royce’s hand with gusto. Fans can only hope these two meet again for another chapter in their electrifying rivalry. Until then, we’ll be marveling at Likasit’s topspin magic and Royce’s enduring grit. Game, set, match: Likasit.

Tennis is just a game and games are meant to be fun. Ohana means family and no one plays alone. July sign ups are ready.

Toroline Strings explained

The Toroline brand specializes in 17 gauge polyester strings. The featured model begins with Kpop–a hybrid string with two polyesters strings of different shapes –square Wasabi with hexagonal Caviar. This is the perfect starter for any player interested in changing their game. The focus for Toroline is power, spin, comfort, feel, and durability. If you want more power, up the line above Kpop is

KPOP-> KPRO->Wasabi Pro/Pro hybrid->Wasabi X->Otoro spin->Otoro Green->Otoro Tour

below Kpop power is Caviar->Snapper->Enso Pro colors->Absolute->Ether->Super Toro

The relationship follows inversely for spin. Snapper gives really nice spin but lacks the pop of the the other strings. There is a meeting in the middle at Kpop–when you get to Otoro as long as you are a full hitter, the string will give you both power and spin. But you must have full strokes to maximize this. Some players will find the power from Otoro is overwhelming and move down the spectrum. Racquet type, string bed, and tension will also affect this. For maximum play, ask our string professional today

Tournament Summary May 24 2025

Series 30 Tournament Summary

When I turned 30, the bones creaked, the feet slowed, and my vision became slightly impaired. Toroline TPTL Series 30 began in a similar manner. Still sorting the entry system coupled with an event in Hua Hin and auspicious arrival of Mr. Gary’s lovely daughter’s 16 birthday—which included a reunion with mom in Japan. Tumultuous would be an appropriate word.
One advantage of the Japan trip was a synchronization with Japan time so the 730 starts at Impact, felt like a 930 start. The disadvantage was the temperature of Thailand was a furnace unleashed. As I sat there watching matches, the hope for cooler weather trickled into my brain. As my mother told me, “Gary-be careful what you wish for.”
There was a surprise addition of another member to our staff—another Fang to complete our Quad Squad. Multiple no shows tarnished the morning rituals but by glory and all, we were on time. At 1 pm, the clock was slowing down. Men 3.5 saw Mr. Ting of our Quad Squad easily play his last match as a 3.5 as he handedly dominated along with Mr. Sone (not losing a game and thus losing the right to play 3.5). Mixed saw the return of Mr. Nut and Pam as they battled to glory only to low to Mom and Son, Moo and Yok. Leilani started out amazing in the Men 5.0 but Walter snuck in and stole one as Leilani 2-0 faced Walter 1-1—Walter prevailed and took the head-to-head tiebreaker—Champion Men 5.0. Men 3.0 saw the rise of Mr. Pingpong but his calf and forearm betrayed him as Ran and Cedric rose to the occasion. In the other Men 3.0, Kia took it and it fell Kia, Champ, Mek, then Tobias.
As the crew enjoyed the Cinco De Mayo atmosphere with burritos and contemplations of margaritas, an ominous cloud appeared and winked at us. Like a scorned woman, she pounced on us—and the heavens opened to pour water and vindication upon us. An interesting point about Impact, the court is definitely lower than the surrounding land. Combined with the saturation of the environment from a week of rain, our tournament turned into a pond. Then, a lake as the water deluged upon us. The roofs poured water like Niagara, our bold contestants sought shelter, solace, and sustenance as we waited five minutes for the rain to stop. It did, but the damage had been done. The issue wasn’t the rain; the situation was the failure of the water to recede and drain.
Amidst the panic, people turned to their hero, Mr. Gary. He promptly pronounced the delay as five minutes long. Five hours and 30 minutes, later play resumed. The staff diligently updated the chat group with updates every 30 minutes from 3 pm as the situation looked devastating. Mr. Steven predicted the start of play at 6:30 pm. With hearts renewed and people unfazed by the absurdity of fishing and surfing while we waited. The battles unfolded.
Tang continued his 4.0 domination with a singles and double crown. Darut put up a much-improved fight, but alas, the Tang was just too spicy today. JJ battled Brent as Yok and Gabriel fell victim to time and cold weather—they played twice but JJ prevailed in both matches. JJ— “Gary, I only played one match.”
“Ok play Brent again but if you split, you play a super tiebreaker. (that’s called sportsmanship allowing Brent a second chance, but Popo failed to capitalize)
Men’s Doubles became the Royal Rumble as teams were cast along the wayside—ousted from the circle of life. Men’s Doubles 4.5 went to the Mighty Mites—Clara and Alicia (they got ITF junior rankings and spit fire and eat nails for breakfast. True, Alicia is like two feet tall and has a waist like my hand, but she is also left-handed and fearless winning two tiebreakers—one over Dream and Drew and the other over Mr. Gary and Leilani (WTF)). Men 4.0 saw Tang and Bomb blow up their opposition Boom/Boss while in the other Men’s 4.0, a three-way tie went to a count Nut/Bobby +5, Karn/Pokpa +3, and Mix/Pagon +2 so the Champions were the rising phoenix of Nut/Bobby. The mixed saw the return of Drew/Achara Champs with Vee/Pup second while 3.5 saw the rise of Jini Eak and Jit/Nin. Great took home his 4.5 Championship over the newbie Park–
“Gary—5.0 next time!”
The women were led by newcomers Pam and Por while the Men 5.0 saw the Shane take it over Ben. Men 5.5 saw Bryan rise up while Pon vindicated his new positioning. Men 4.0 saw Karn take it while Sunny squeaked out a games count. Sunny was 1-2 with a game count +4, Wee was 1-2 -4, -2, and +1 so -5. Jain was 1-2 with -2, +2, -4 so -2
As the Witching Hour hit, the players gathered together for a photo. Not a complaint and not a whimper, just laughter and high energy. As the darkness dimmed and Pon couldn’t get his car to start, a moment occurred.
“Gary, you do a good job with this monthly tournament”
“Pon—thanks bro.”
“No really Gary, you do a good thing. Thank you. I appreciate it.”
As the weary muscles from 5 doubles and an early start began to crinkle in the wee hours, Mr. Gary packed his car. Yeah, we did do some amazing things today.
There was an inflection point in the evening as the matches progressed and the clocked whispered 10 pm. The team gathered with 24 matches left.
Mr. Gary lamented, “It’s not working. Reduced format and it’s not working.”
Duke ever so quiet, “What do you want to do?”
“Super Tiebreakers.” But and like anything in life, everyone has one. Some people haven’t even started their categories.
Tournament meeting and let the people vote—4 ball serve warm up and play 4 games or Super, the consensus went to 4 ball serve and play 4 games. It wasn’t fast but it was fair.
The Toroline Thailand Premier Tennis League at its heart is a tournament of people, an Ohana. Ohana means family and no one plays alone. We try to be fair and fun because tennis is just a game and games are meant to be fun.
Series 30 you were a nasty lil __ but Series 31 June 21—here we go!
Special thanks to our diligent support staff from Impact tennis Academy—Boy, Nuey, and the custodians. Thank you to Mr. Steve Koons for letting his kids come in and dominate us. Thank you to Mr. Duke, Mrs. Nalin, Bryan, Dream, Drew, Fang 1, Fang 2, Yana, and Ting for being so important to the functioning of our event.
Thank you to all participants for your kind words and support. WE LOVE YOU.