Nov. 15, 2004

Madison, Wis. - Junior Pramod Dabir lost his opening round match and freshman Ruben Gonzales fell in his second round bout, but the two Illini responded like champions today as they claimed the first and second round consolation championships at the Big Ten Singles Tournament in Madison, Wis.

Dabir first beat Michigan State's Nick Rinks, 6-4, 6-1, in a semifinal match this morning, then followed it up with an impressive 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Steve Peretz of Michigan in the noon final.

"This was a great response for Pramod after losing his first match," said Illinois associate head coach Brad Dancer. "He had gone deep in this tournament before so he wanted to repeat that. It was a very professional statement by coming back and winning this, but Pramod knows he can play better."

Illinois' other consolation winner was the freshman Gonzales, who defeated Andres Osorio from Minnesota 6-4 and then retired from the match in the semifinal. In the final, Gonzales challenged James Dwyer from Penn State and won by the score 6-2, 6-1.

"I think Ruben and I got a clearer stance on where his game is this weekend," said Dancer. "There is still a lot of work ahead of him, but his attacking game looks good right now."

Today's matches wrapped up Illinois' fall tennis season. The Fighting Illini will compete next in the Puerto Rico Invitational Jan. 13-15 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Big Ten Singles Results
No. 68 Pramod Dabir (ILL) def. Nick Rinks (MSU); 6-4, 6-1
No. 68 Pramod Dabir (ILL) def. Steve Peretz (Mich.); 6-7, 6-2, 6-2
Ruben Gonzales (ILL) def. Andres Osorio (Minn.); 6-4, Retired
Ruben Gonzales (ILL) def. James Dwyer (PSU); 6-2, 6-1