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 @cilic_marin's serve in the 5th set! He now takes on @ivokarlovic in the Super Shoot-Out! #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/DhesMNeCtS
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 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 @ivokarlovic to win the sudden death point, the Super Shoot-Out AND the match! #IPTL2 #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/n39Jc1eHBs
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 The Mavericks came out with renewed energy after shocking loss to the Warriors as they took the first two sets in this match.
.@JRBlake wins the Coca-Cola Powerpoint to take the first set 6-4 for the @PHLMavericks! #IPTL2 #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/r6nvPH1Gd3
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 .@tennis_jarkag holds serve and wins the 2nd set 6-3 for the @PHLMavericks! #IPTL2 #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/twV3ogX5t5
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 The Royals got back at the mixed doubles play and threatened to give the Mavericks another heartbreaker.
.@UAERoyals are right back in it with a 6-1 win in the 3rd set! The match is poised at 13 games apiece. #IPTL2 pic.twitter.com/sDMVTROvjj
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 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 @PHLMavericks take the 4th set 6-4 to break the deadlock! It's 19-17 to the @PHLMavericks! #IPTL2 #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/tjzmUOnxUV
— IPTL (@iptl) December 19, 2015 Cilic tied the match but Karlovic had the last laugh.