MANILA, Philippines — Ivo Karlovic carried the Philippine Mavericks to a thrilling 24-23 victory over UAE Royals in the second day of the last leg of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League Season 2 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
The Royals forced a super shootout when Marin Cilic defeated Karlovic, who was replaced by Edouard Roger-Vasselin late in the set, 6-4, to knot the overall tally at 23 games apiece.
How good was ‘s serve in the 5th set! He now takes on in the Super Shoot-Out! pic.twitter.com/DhesMNeCtS
– IPTL (@iptl)
It proved to be a good tactical substiution as Karlovic got enough rest to outlast Cilic, who played three straight sets, in the super shootout, 10-9, to give the Mavericks the win after a heartbreaking setback to the Japan Warriors on Friday night.
What an ace by to win the sudden death point, the Super Shoot-Out AND the match! pic.twitter.com/n39Jc1eHBs
– IPTL (@iptl)
The Mavericks came out with renewed energy after shocking loss to the Warriors as they took the first two sets in this match.
. wins the Coca-Cola Powerpoint to take the first set 6-4 for the ! pic.twitter.com/r6nvPH1Gd3
– IPTL (@iptl)
. holds serve and wins the 2nd set 6-3 for the ! pic.twitter.com/twV3ogX5t5
– IPTL (@iptl)
The Royals got back at the mixed doubles play and threatened to give the Mavericks another heartbreaker.
. are right back in it with a 6-1 win in the 3rd set! The match is poised at 13 games apiece. pic.twitter.com/sDMVTROvjj
– IPTL (@iptl)
But Fil-Am netter Treat Huey teamed up with Roger-Vasselin to win the men’s doubles play giving the Maverciks a two-point cushion heading into the men’s singles.
The take the 4th set 6-4 to break the deadlock! It’s 19-17 to the ! pic.twitter.com/tjzmUOnxUV
– IPTL (@iptl)
Cilic tied the match but Karlovic had the last laugh.
