ATLANTA, GA (Nov. 10, 2012) – Jim Courier and John McEnroe rekindled their rivalry in a final for the second straight night, and Courier came out on top once again. Courier swept the Southern Swing of the 2012 PowerShares Series with an 8-6 victory in the Championship match of the Champions Shootout Saturday night at the Gwinnett Center.
The southern feel helped Courier capture his third title of the season, and with the win, moved into sole possession of the # 1 ranking on the 2012 PowerShares Series, with a 200-point advantage over McEnroe. This was the eighth event of the 2012 tour, with four events remaining on the schedule.
“It’s always special to win and it’s nice to take over the top spot, but we have plenty more ahead of us on this tour,” said Courier. “Andre is going to be coming on strong to compete in these last four events, and John’s been so consistent all season long. So I expect an uphill battle to try and finish in the top spot but it was great to be back on top in Atlanta.”
For McEnroe, his struggle to get over the hump in finals continued, as he dropped his fifth consecutive PowerShares Series Championship match. He now has one victory and six runner-up finishes on the season.
In the evening’s first semifinal, Courier carried over the momentum he gained from a comeback victory in Tampa Friday night, by sprinting out in front of Michael Chang early and he never looked back. Courier kept Chang off balance all night and powered his way to a 6-3 triumph.
In the second semifinal, Mats Wilander jumped in front of McEnroe until the lefty worked his way back into the match using his vintage feel to get the edge. McEnroe rallied to win six of the last seven games, and advanced to the final with a 6-3 win. It was Wilander’s second and final PowerShares Series appearance of the 2012 season.
The 2012 PowerShares Series returns to the court Friday night, November 16 for the BILT by Agassi and Reyes Champions Showdown in San Jose, California. Andre Agassi will join Courier, Todd Martin and McEnroe in action at the HP Pavilion where the action gets under way at 7:30 pm.
For news and stories regarding the entire 2012 PowerShares Series and ticket information for future events, log on to www.powersharesseries.com.
TONIGHT’S SCORES
Semifinal 1: Courier def. Chang, 6-3
Semifinal 2: McEnroe def. Wilander, 6-3
Final: Courier def. McEnroe, 8-6
UPDATED 2012 POWERSHARES SERIES RANKINGS
1. Courier 1400
2. McEnroe 1200
3. Sampras 1100
4. Rafter 800
5. Chang 400
Lendl 400
7. Wilander 200
8. Agassi 100
Martin 100