Summary: <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://iws.punahou.edu/user/lcouillard/Ryan%20Harrsion.m4v">Download file</a> (right-click and "save as...")</p> <p>WAIPAHU, Hawaii January 30, 2011 - No.6 seed Ryan Harrison defeated Alex Kuznetsov 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 for the singles title of the 2011 Honolulu Challenger, a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Challenger event, at the Pasty T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, January 23 - 30.</p> <p>"I was really happy with the way I was playing today, especially in the third set," said Harrison who lost his serve rhythm in the second set due to a two-hour rain delay, "I'm looking forward to continuing it throughout this season." <br> "He came out playing much better after the rain delays," said Harrison who was up 5-2 in the third, but gave away two games before closing it out and taking the title. "I had to settle back in, settle myself down and start to play a more positive, aggressive game style towards the end of the game."<br> Harrison earned his place by taking out No.1 seed Michael Russell in yesterday's semifinal match. Harrison who won this year's USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoff and competed in the 2011 Australian Open last week The 18-year-old Harrison had a breakout season in 2010, establishing himself as one of the rising stars in men's tennis.</p> <p>"He's one hell of a player," said Kuznetsov who has beat Harrison twice before. "He's young and has a bright future ahead."<br> Kuznetsov, who took out two seeds - No.8 Jesse Witten and No. 5 Bobby Reynolds, each in three sets, en route to the finals. This is Kuznetsov's third showing in Hawaii. In November 2004, he played both the Waikoloa Futures and Honolulu Futures and lost in the semifinals, both to Wayne Odesnik.</p> <p>"This match could have gone either way today," said Harrison. "He's obviously been a dominance on the tour for the U.S., especially on the Challenger Circuit for the last couple years. I look forward to having more battles with him in the years to come." <br> No.1 seed of Harrison and partner Travis Rettenmaier, claim the doubles title by walk over. Robert Kendrick -of the No.2 seeded team together with Kuznetsov - pulled out due to injury. </p> <p>The 2011 Honolulu Challenger presented by American Saving Bank was held at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park Tennis Complex, 94-801 Kamehameha Highway in Waipahu, and runs January 23 - 30, 2011. </p>
