Gus Fisher might have logged the most impressive performance of the weekend in ending his match against Group A's Connor Cornelius at 6-5 when time ran out. But it is William Green who emerged from a gauntlet of Group B contenders each level on nine points to take the second finalist spot.
Green's 8-4 defeat of another Group A mainstay, Elizabeth Vilardo, means he's earned the right to challenge unbeaten Alvaro Orlove for the Group B championship.
This comes at the crushing expense of Sasha Brooks, who came into the weekend needing just a few more games against Jeremy Chud in order to secure the final. The slimmest of margins keeps Brooks out of the final--five percentage points.
Of course, given the unique nature of the competition, he could still claim the title if finalists fail to meet. No fewer than five Group B players counted themselves in with a chance as play started on Saturday.
Elsewhere we saw no lack of drama. Chud could have capitalized on a slip-up from Ivy McConarty, but she took care of business with an 8-3 win against Neeky Vedadi. It was the most McConarty's been pushed this season. Now she'll face the toughest test--a showdown of undefeated Group A players. Darius Vedadi awaits her in the final.
John Ozenci made his case for the Group D final, but Thomas Mulita held off the charge. He'll play Renata Cavallo, who registered a performance to rival Fisher's for most impressive: a 7-6 set against Group C's Antony Gong.
They say they built the capital on a swamp? It felt true with a number of early retirements, even affecting final spots. Manuela Montoya occupied pole position to be favored Zain Khaishgi's opponent in the Group C final when Penelope Margas retired. Montoya in fact now leapfrogs Khaishgi, who saw his final chances almost melting in the heat. His three wins, though, secured his spot despite Anton Botelho's masterful work to win 8-1 in the stifling noon humidity.
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Final Match-Ups
Group A: Darius Vedadi v Ivy McConarty
Group B: Alvaro Orlove v William Green
Group C: Manuela Montoya v Zain Khaishgi
Group D: Renata Cavallo v Tomas Mulita
BGO Power Rankings - June 7, 2021
Currently registered players among the overall top 50 only.
BGO Group Standings - June 7, 2021
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.