she was physically and emotionally spent, having scored upsets over four top-ranked opponents,

including a former two-time Mecco Cup champion and a former top-10 player, to reach the final.

Sequera also weathered her share of tough matches, twice being pushed to three sets, including in

yesterday’s semifinal.

Sequera once again got out to a slow start today, hitting several unforced errors and getting in an

extremely low percentage of her first serves. Fink took and early 2-0 first set lead when she broke

Sequera’s serve on a double fault on her fifth break point opportunity of the game. Little did Fink or the

crowd realize that this would be the last game Fink would win in this year’s Mecco Cup. After having her

serve broken, Sequera quickly worked her way into the set. Though Fink’s level of play did not

noticeably drop off, Sequera began showing the form that took her to the top of the WTA Tour a year

ago, winning the next four games to take the first set 6-2.

In the second set, as Sequera continued to raise the level of her game, Fink began to become visibly

frustrated and perhaps lost her focus for the first time in the tournament. The veteran Sequera had a

very specific strategy in mind, explaining after the match, “I tried not to give her two of the same ball

because she likes to get a rhythm.” This seemed quite effective as, serving at 0-4 and with the game

score at 15-15, Fink netted an easy forehand swinging volley, and screamed in frustration. In retrospect,

the match may have been decided for good in that moment. In winning her twelfth consecutive game on

a Fink crosscourt backhand unforced error, Sequera took the second set 6-0 and won her first singles

title of 2008.

Sequera was overcome by emotion in the immediate aftermath of the match. Today was her first

tournament victory since coming back from a foot injury last August that knocked her out of action for

seven months. Additionally, her win today earns her valuable WTA ranking points as she attempts to

return to the top of women’s tennis. Sequera also holds a very special place in her heart for the Mecco

Cup. Thinking back on her entire week, she said, “It was fantastic. Everything was very organized.

[Tournament Director] Fernando Perez really did a good job in making it very home-like for us,” adding,

“And hopefully, I’ll be back next year.” Sequera moves from Allentown to Philadelphia, where she will

Philadelphia Freedoms tomorrow night. Ultimately, Sequera hopes to get her ranking high enough to

earn a berth into the main draw of the US Open.

Though Fink was understandably disappointed at the result of her first professional tournament final, she

also expressed gratitude and displayed grace as she reflected on what she called “a week I will never

forget.” Indeed, Fink began her unprecedented run by upsetting 2006 Mecco Cup finalist – and 2008

FL), currently ranked no. 258, in yesterday’s semifinal. Fink’s amazing Allentown experience was not

limited to her triumphs on the court. She walks away with great memories of the people and events that

made this the most special tournament of her career this far. “Everyone’s so nice here,” Fink said after

the match. Reflecting back on Monday night’s Player’s Party, Fink exclaimed, “I’ve never seen a player’s

night like that; the Monte Carlo party.” She definitely plans to return for next year’s Mecco Cup, at which

point she will likely be a full-time pro after graduating from USC with a degree in psychology.

Singles - Final

Milagros Sequera (3), Venezuela def. Amanda Fink, United States, 6-2, 6-0.

************************************

On behalf of the 2008 Mecco Cup Tournament Committee, we would like to recognize and thank our

many loyal sponsors and patrons.

another great eight to come!

We would also like to recognize our Presenting Sponsor Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West for their

generous support in their first year associated with the tournament, as well as Platinum Sponsors Limo

Today and Westend Racquet Club.

The following were our Gold Sponsors: Advanced Windows Concepts, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.,

Alvin H. Butz, Inc., Applebee’s, Brown Printing, Inc., Holiday Inn Conference Center, The Morning Call,

Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical Contractors, Pro Image, Workhorse Design, VSAS Orthopedics.

Silver Sponsors included: Daniels BMW; Fred Keller; Garden of Eden Florist, Inc.; Gwin M. Krouse,

Attorney at Law; The Institute for Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery; Sovereign Bank;

Roberson Butz Architects; USTA Middle States.

Bronze Sponsors: Art & Frame Shop; Davis Beverage Gorup; Dr. Steve Farbowitz; Dr. & Mrs. John Gray;

Jeannette & Clive Byala; e Mortgage Management, LLC; FASTSIGNS; Gary’s Tree Service; Debbie &

Gary Wagner; Interior Workplace Solutions; Myers & Lentz; Red Robin; SHS Insurance; Stooges Bar &

Grille; Gordon & Sue-Anne Stuntz; Wachovia Securities; West End Associates, Inc.

We’d also like to thank and recognize the 2008 Mecco Cup Tournament Committee for their extensive

time and effort in making this tournament happen:

Fernando Perez – Tournament Director

Renee Lentz – Assistant Tournament Director

Neil Curtis – Assistant Tournament Director

Gwin Krouse, Ron Pierantozzi – Steering Committee

Anthony Taibi, Walter J. Brown, Gary Wagner, Matt Cordes – Marketing

Sue Phillips, Lu Ann Silberg, Sue-Anne Stuntz – Sponsors & Patrons, Grants

Bruce E. Kisthardt – USTA Liaison

Laurie Schwepfinger – Hospitality & Volunteers

Arlene Pierantozzi – Special Events

Ellen Bishop – Transportation

Shari Butz McKeever – Housing

Jeannette Byala – Web Designer

Jon Blitzer – Media Coordinator & USTA Press Aide

Jerilyn Covert – Assistant Media Coordinator

Jan Martin, Hernan Hernandez – Tournament Racquet Stringers

Thanks to everyone for a great tournament. We hope to see you again in 2009!