Ewan Halliday edges Shahid Sayed in men’s semifinal; will face Matthias Hoenisch after win over Kieran Halliday

A composed Matthias Hoenisch stayed in control to win his Yukon Championships men’s singles semifinal match.

Hoenisch beat Kieran Halliday 6-2, 6-1 at the Mount McIntyre tennis courts Thursday night to book himself a spot in tonight’s final.

“I kind of went into the match hoping to just stay composed and just keep on playing every point by itself,” said Hoenisch following his win.

Halliday and Hoenisch started tight, but Hoensich was able to break him early in the first set.

“I was in a couple tough moments but I think I got a few good first serves and that kind of pulled me through those points,” he said.

Since he started attending St. Michaels University School in Victoria last fall, Hoenisch has been working on his mental strength during tennis matches.

“I used to have a lot of problems getting pretty angry about points,” he said. “So every time I made an error I was really not happy with [or] I made a bad choice or missed an easy shot, I’d just think to myself, It’s not that important. It’s just one point. Focus up. Focus up.”

He’d take a few phantom swings and empty his mind of the point that had passed.

He remained in control as an emotional Halliday occasionally threw his racket in between points.

It’s a strategy that should serve him well tonight when he takes on Ewan Halliday, who won the other men’s semifinal against Shahid Sayed 6-0, 6-3.

“I actually really enjoy playing him. I think it’s pretty evenly matched,” said Halliday of playing Sayed. “He’s so good at moving the ball that you have to be prepared to run.”

Ewan Halliday describes himself as a baseliner.

“I like to think of myself as someone who waits and is patient until I get a good opportunity,” he said.

Ewan Halliday also attends St. Michaels University School, where both he and Hoenisch are members of the tennis team.

He said he has no idea what to expect in tonight’s game.

“It’s always a surprise when I play Matthias,” he said.

Hoenisch believes the title may go to whoever can pull off something unexpected.

“We know each other’s style a lot, which means I think it’s really going to come down to who can be the most consistent and can kind of change things up to make a difference,” he said.

The men’s finals start at 6 p.m. tonight at the Mount McIntyre tennis courts.