Wildcard Draper “The Power” triumphs in UTS Grand Final, defeats Rune in comeback win

Wildcard Jack “The Power” Draper is the 2023 UTS Grand Final champion, beating Holger “The Viking” Rune 12-14, 15-12, 13-10, 19-7 to win the title.

Draper had never played UTS before Friday – but claimed the trophy having dropped just two quarters across his five matches in London.

“It’s been amazing,” said Draper after his triumph. “I’m so happy I’ve been able to play the way I can – and hopefully bring that into next year.”

He added: “We both brought the best out of each other there. It’s not easy with this format – it’s very difficult to stay consistent and play each point as it comes.”

After a slow start and a racquet smash, Rune used his bonus card smartly to bring himself level 8-8, and kept at his tough task to take the first quarter 14-12 – assisted by Draper’s failure with his own bonus card again.

But The Power finally got his bonus card working for him to move 14-11 in front in the second quarter – and despite a brilliant rally with amazing shot-making from both players as the clock ticked past zero, he held his nerve to level up, 15-12.

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Rune smashed a ball into the crowd with frustration during the third quarter as he fell 8-4 behind, and it did seem to fire him up to narrow the gap. But Draper’s defence was superlative, and Rune tried to gather himself before serving again, leading to his second time violation of the match. The Power served the quarter point to wrap it up 13-10 and move in front for the first time in the final.

The Viking used his bonus card early in the first quarter to try and claw back some of Draper’s 3-0 lead, but he could do nothing to stop Draper’s fizzing return diagonally across the court and out of his reach.

And very soon The Power was out of Rune’s reach on the scoreboard as well. With coach James Trotman reminding him to take his time and allow the clock to tick down, Draper’s beautiful forehand was by now almost perfect.

And when Trotman nudged him to take his bonus card, it was the forehand again that got the three points, sending the ball across the net at the acutest of angles.

He wrapped up the quarter 19-7 and with it claimed the title.

“I don’t know where you found that from!” said coach Trotman as Draper took a seat for a rest at the end of the match.

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