Oct. 7, 2001

LOUSVILLE, Ky. – Rahim Esmail defeated Gustav Pousette in an all University of Kentucky singles final at the University of Louisville Invitational on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Esmail topped Pousette in two thrilling sets, taking a tough first set, 7-6, before overpowering Pousette 6-3 in the second for the victory.

Esmail defeated Jon Magnes of Indiana on Saturday in the quarterfinal round to advance to today’s semifinals where he would face Lewis Smith of Vanderbilt. Esmail defeated Smith in two powerful sets, 6-3, 6-4 to qualify for the championship round.

Pousette advanced to the championship round after defeating Indiana’s Zach Held in quaterfinal action on Saturday. Alex Siversten of Louisville was Pousette’s opponent in semifinal action today where Siversten was shut out by Pousette 6-0, 6-0, advancing Pousette to the championship.

“To have two of our top players against each other in a championship is a great achievement,” Coach Dennis Emery said. “It is just too bad that one of them had to lose.”

The Wildcats will continue action of the fall schedule Oct. 18-20 at the University of Tennessee Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn.

AGATEQuarterfinals (Saturday, Oct. 6)Rahim Esmail, UK def. Jon Magnes, IU         6-2, 6-3Gustav Pousette, UK def. Zach Held, IU6-4, 3-6, 7-5

Semifinals (Sunday, Oct.7)Rahim Esmail, UK def. Lewis Smith, VU6-3, 6-4Gustav Pousette, UK def. Alex Siversten, UL6-0, 6-0

ChampionshipRahim Esmail, UK def. Gustav Pousette, UK7-6, 6-3