Blue Glove Open: Winter 2022-23, Week 5
It's rare that the exploits of two players are so evenly regarded by the BGOWA (BGO Writers of America) that both demand induction into the esteemed hall of Players of the Week.
But fittingly on the same weekend that the tandem of Scott Rolen and Fred McGriff is confirmed for enshrinement in Cooperstown, Alvaro Orlove and Jai Arora produced massive results to be named co-Players of the Week.
Following months of injury and time away from the court, Orlove only defeated the top-seeded player among all five groups, Spencer Weiss, who at 3-1 remains in first place in Group A. The 8-6 match continued a trend dating to last week of as-close-as-possible matches.
Surely Orlove also secured Comeback Player of the Year honors as well with that magnificent display.
Just an hour before that, perennial power Yael Lan was locked in a struggle with Jai Arora, who broke through 7-5 to claim sixth place in Group A with his first win of the campaign. His victory over the two-time finalist places him just one spot ahead of Orlove due to games won percentage.
That made an incredible nine consecutive matches decided by the slimmest margin possible dating back three weeks to January 9, when the last match of the docket between Jake Snow and Elina Ipakchi finished 8-6. David Gong nonchalantly snapped the streak in the weekend's third matchup and overtook Alexandru Cana for the lead in Group B.
But no wonder it was impossible for the committee to chose between Orlove and Arora, hence the third weekend in history for two players to share the award.
The Winter Season continues! Join us on our RACE TO CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND when the Group Finals will be played. Continue the journey through the fall and winter with our outdoor and indoor BGO matches, our Travel Team, and the new USTA and UTR tour---the Sweet Spotter Series.
TOURNAMENTS - SWEET SPOTTER SERIES
Each weekend Tennis Central hosts two USTA or UTR tournaments. Earn points for reaching each successive round just like at the ATP/WTA Tour, and qualify for the season-ending TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP, all while earning USTA and UTR points too. If you love the BGO, you'll love the Sweet Spotter Series.
Coming soon in 2023!
BGO Power Rankings - Jan 26, 2023
Top 15 - Currently registered players.
BGO Winter Group Standings - Jan 26, 2023
Top two from each group automatically qualify for group final.
Players are ranked by points (three for win, one for draw), then wins, percentage of games won, and games won.
Game scores are not included for wins by higher group players against lower group players.