The Atlanta Race For Eight Qualifier featured the top two seeds seeking redemption for upset qualifier losses in Fresno and the third and fourth seeds looking to qualify for the second stop in a row.

MDB Andy Nett was seeded first in the qualifier, and awaited the winner of Mike "Jerk" Schneider and The Teen Heartthrob (TTH) Anthony Selestow. Jerk and TTH played the match of the day, trading the lead throughout. TTH rallied from a 20-23 deficit on the heels of four consecutive Jerk hand-errors. TTH earned four setup opportunities on match point, but was unable to put the ball away. Jerk regained the serve and scored three consecutive point to win the match 26-24.

MDB started quickly against Jerk, building an 8-0 lead behind blistering serves and frightening power. Jerk appeared to be uncomfortable and overwhelmed by the opponent and the situation, but the Jerk rallied to a 15-10 halftime deficit. Jerk starting using his two-way hook serves to earn points and easy setup opportunities that he converted to tie the score at 19. Jerk made an error on a simple backwall killshot opportunity at 19-19, and MDB seized the momentum, scoring the final six points to earn the 25-19 win. MDB drew seventh-ranked pro David Fink for the third time this season in the blind draw. This rivalry has become one of the best on the Race for 8 tour with MDB winning two close matches earlier this season over Fink.

Luis Cordova quickly erased any lingering hangover from his blowout loss in the Fresno qualifier by dismantling 2010 Florida Player of the Year Nelson Quintero 25-6. Cordova drew Tommy Little in the blind draw in a rematch of the Tucson Race #3 Round of 16 match won by Cordova.

Former #1 ranked pro Emmett Peixoto faced former Top 12 ranked pro Andy "The Bourne Identity" Schad.  The Rock and The Bourne Identity dazzled the gallery with numerous 30+ shots rallies in a match that lasted well over an hour. The old school percentage handball showdown was a throwback to several generations passed on the pro tour. The Rock was clinging to an 18-15 lead when he hit three consecutive aces to pull away. An exhausted Peixoto prevailed 25-17, and drew Charly Shanks in the Round of 16. Peixoto has never lost to Shanks, but Shanks will be the clear favorite heading into the Round of 16 clash based on his results on the Race for 8 Pro Tour this season.

Chip Morales remained hungry and extremely motivated in destroying former rival Dan "The Hand" Armijo in his bracket. Morales was ruthless in his domination of The Hand, leading 24-0 and ultimately winning 25-2. Chip drew good friend and frequent sparring partner TBB Allan Garner in the blind draw.

My Fox Atlanta (Channel 5 sports) came out to the venue today to cover the event and will make return visits throughout the weekend.

Round of 16 action starts on Friday morning at 10 am est on raceforeightlive.com. Every point counts, so do not miss one second of the action!