STANFORD FINANCIAL
CHAMPIONS CUP HOUSTON

HELD AT THE WESTSIDE TENNIS CLUB - NOV. 10-13, 2005 - HOUSON, TX



Champions Cup Houston website

The first ever Stanford Financial Champions Cup Houston brought champions tennis in the States back to life with a bang. Fans cheered on eight of the world’s most renowned tennis greats as they battled in Houston from November 10-13th for the inaugural Champions Cup title. Rivalries re-emerged and intense competition ensued amongst the competitors. 4-time Grand Slam champ Jim Courier emerged victorious, capturing the cup in the final versus Todd Martin and stunning the crowd with his best tennis of the tournament. “I knew I had to raise my game against Todd,” said Courier “and thankfully I was able to do it at the right time.” Martin, unable to capitalize on two break points early on, fell prey to Courier’s punishing serve and overpowering ground strokes 6-2, 6-3.

To reach the finals, Courier fought relentlessly through two tough three-setters under the lights against Mats Wilander and Goran Ivanisevic. He also brought down Aaron Krickstein along the way. Todd Martin worked through his bracket with ease, upsetting former world #1 Thomas Muster, handling Mikael Pernfors, as well as knocking off the legendary crowd favorite and former world #1 John McEnroe. McEnroe did not go down without his usual display of theatrics in front of an ever-captivated audience. Even further riled up from his loss to Martin, McEnroe was able to clinch 3rd place on Sunday, defeating Aaron Krickstein 6-4, 6-2.

Aside from fierce competition in the arena, fans and sponsors alike enjoyed a slew of additional crowd pleasing elements. To kickoff the event, the players participated in a Charity Pro-Am benefiting the Menninger Clinic, an international psychiatric center for treatment, research, and education. Further into the tournament, Jim Courier and Todd Martin brought smiles to the faces of several aspiring young stars from the Houston Community at Saturday’s “Kids Day,” where the two pros hosted an instructive and inspiring clinic. As the DJ’s tunes subsided at the turn of the day sessions, Mikael Pernfors and Mats Wilander were often spotted chatting with fans as they guest bartended at the much acclaimed “Bacardi Bar.” John McEnroe stepped up for a book signing of “You Cannot Be Serious!” at Friday night’s “All-American Night,” which drew countless fans eager to snap a photo and shake hands with the 7-time Grand Slam champion. The Saturday night player party was one for the books. Returning to the spotlight of center stage, this time off the court and in the Outback Steakhouse Hospitality center, McEnroe and Wilander jammed on the guitar with Courier anchoring the band on the drums, as fans danced and mingled with their idols.

Next stop on the 2006 Champions Cup Series schedule is March 10-13 in Naples. Other stops include Boston (April 27-30), Memphis (October 5-8) and Houston once again for the 2nd annual SFCC-H (Nov 9-12).