Maverick Magic: Karlovic lifts Mavs past Royals in thriller

The Philippine Mavericks with team manager and co-owner Jean Henri-Lhuillier taking a group selfie after a thrilling win against the UAE Royals. 

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. 

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.

The Mavericks came out with renewed energy after shocking loss to the Warriors as they took the first two sets in this match. 

The Royals got back at the mixed doubles play and threatened to give the Mavericks another heartbreaker. 

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. 

Cilic tied the match but Karlovic had the last laugh. 

 

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