This article appeared in the online edition of the Daily Gazette on July 22, 1999. Electrics `perfect' in finale By BILL BUELL Gazette Sportswriter SCHENECTADY - It was just what Nitty Singh envisioned more than five years ago, when she first thought about bringing World TeamTennis to Schenectady: a beautiful night, a great crowd and splendid tennis. "I think that's a great way to finish the season," said Singh, whose Schenectady County Electrics defeated the first-place Delaware Smash in overtime Wednesday, 22-16, before the largest crowd of the season at the MVP Tennis Stadium in Central Park. "It was an absolutely perfect night, all the way around." The Electrics have two more matches, playing at St. Louis tonight and Kansas City on Saturday, but were eliminated from any playoff possibilities when Sacramento defeated St. Louis Tuesday night in a super tiebreaker. It was also the final match of the season for Martina Navratilova, who after playing four matches this year for the Electrics, hinted she might be back for the entire year in 2000. Before the match started, Navratilova addressed the crowd and said she'd like to return to Schenectady to play again next summer. Then, during the postmatch press conference, she reiterated her desire to continue playing World TeamTennis. "It takes lots of practice to get ready, and then I just played four matches," said Navratilova. "Yeah, it's ending too soon. Maybe next year I'll play more matches. I felt like I kept on playing better and better each match." Wednesday night's match was Navratilova's third at Central Park. Last Thursday, she played and attracted approximately 1,600 people. Last Saturday afternoon, however, the match was played in extreme heat and only attracted around 500 spectators. Singh didn't have official attendance numbers Wednesday night, but estimated the crowd at more than 2,000. Navratilova said the big turnout and the beautiful evening made a significant difference in the tennis. "Saturday, nobody had any energy," said Navratilova. "It was so hot, it was just too draining. I wouldn't have come to watch tennis in that weather. I thought it was amazing that anybody showed up. It was beautiful tonight, and the people came." Navratilova seemed intent on playing well right from the start Wednesday night, teaming up with Samantha Smith to give the Electrics a 5-2 lead after beating Lori McNeil and Lilia Osterloh in the opening set of women's doubles. Tuesday night in Wilmington, the Electrics lost to the Smash, 23-17, and Navratilova and Smith had dropped the women's doubles set to the same duo, 5-1. "When I saw Martina [Wednesday] morning, she looked at me and said, 'I guarantee a win,' " said Singh. "Sam said the same thing. I think they were ready to play." Delaware's Patrick McEnroe, however, moved the Smash into a 7-7 tie after beating Geoff Grant in the men's singles, 5-2. Grant visibly disappointed after losing the singles, regrouped and played some fine doubles with partner T.J. Middleton to defeat McEnroe and Jim Grabb, the 1989 French Open men's doubles champions, 5-1. Smith then defeated 1997 NCAA champion Lilia Osterloh in women's singles, 5-2, to give the Electrics a 17-10 lead. Although McNeil and McEnroe teamed up to win an exciting mixed doubles set over Navratilova and Middleton, 5-4 (5-2), to force overtime, Navratilova held her serve in the second game to close out the match. Electrics 22, Smash 16. Womens Doubles: Martina Navratilova-Sam Smith (E) def. Lori McNeil-Lilia Osterloh, 5-2. Mens singles: Patrick McEnroe (S) def. Geoff Grant, 5-2. Grant-T.J. Middleton (E) def. McEnroe-Jim Grabb, 5-1. Smith (E) def. Osterloh 5-2. Mixed Doubles: McNeil-McEnroe (S) def. Navratilova-Middleton 5-4 (5-2) OT (1-1). reply to Gazette Newspapers: gazette@dailygazette.com