June 19, 2008
Karuizawa, Japan – Former Notre Dame All-America Stephen Bass won his first professional tennis tournament this past Sunday, June 15, upending Chu-Huan Yi, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, in the final of the Japan F4 Futures 2008 to win the $15,000 prize.
Bass, 2007 BIG EAST Performer of the Year and ITA National Senior of the Year, moved into the semifinals with three consecutive straight-set victories. He knocked off Irish rising junior Takashi Yoshii, 6-2, 6-0, in the round of 32. After defeating third-seeded Kyu-Tae Im, 6-4, 6-3, Bass moved into the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Jun-Chao Xu.
In his semifinal match, Bass jumped out to a lead with a 6-4 victory in the first set, but dropped the ensuing set, 7-6 (4), before securing a spot in the finals with a 6-2 win in the third and deciding set. Bass once again grabbed the opening set in the tournament final against Yi. He took a hard fought, 7-5, victory before dropping a 6-4 decision. Bass would not be denied and captured the final set in convincing fashion, 6-3.
The Japan F4 Futures tournament marked Bass’ 16th competition since leading the Irish to the round of 16 in the 2007 NCAA Championship in Athens, Ga. last May.
Bass, currently ranked No. 756 in the world, has climbed as high as No. 754 and stands 8-2 this year. His previous best finish included a trio of quarterfinal appearances.
1st Round
Stephen Bass (USA) def. Takashi Yoshii (JPN) 6-2 6-0
2nd Round
Stephen Bass (USA) def. Kyu-Tae Im (KOR) (3) 6-4 6-3
Quarterfinal
Stephen Bass (USA) def. Jun-Chao Xu (CHN) 6-2 6-4
Semifinal
Stephen Bass (USA) def. Mark Nielsen (NZL) 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2
Final
Stephen Bass (USA) def. Chu-Huan Yi (TPE) 7-5 4-6 6-3