WPH’s 2013 Top 10: #5
The WPH is pleased to countdown the 10 most memorable moments/matches in 2013. 2013 was filled with incredible play on the court and milestone achievements working with juniors and mass media. Stay tuned between now and the end of 2013 to relive the WPH’s Top 10 highlights!
#5. Hall of Famer and living legend John Bike, Jr. qualifies on the WPH Race 4 Eight Tour at 46!
At 46 years old and 10 years removed from winning his second USHA National 4-Wall Pro Singles Title, John Bike, Jr. continued to amaze by qualifying for the WPH Race 4 Eight II Stop #3 in Houston. Bike played through back spasms in a thrilling qualifier final against Anthony Selestow (who would upset Sean Lenning in his next match) to become the oldest qualifier in Race history. Bike would lose a spirited battle with Emmett Peixoto in the round of 16, but defeated Morales and Montijo to clinch 9th place in the Race Playoffs. Bike won four matches in the qualifier and playoffs combined with just one loss in Houston, defying Father Time. “I would pick John Bike in a one game match against almost anyone in the world right now,” stated WPH play-by-play announcer Dave Vincent. “He has amazing control and defense and he can hook the ball both ways on the serve and during the rally. We are very lucky to still have him playing in our events.”
Vincent honored Bike by awarding him a special Qualifier Jersey (some 27 years after first qualifying on the USHA pro tour as a youngster).