Mark Philippoussis eliminated his second 20-something "Kitten" and third 40-something "Cougar" during last night's broadcast of NBC's Age of Love reality dating series, however the 31-year-old Australian professional tennis player had different reasons for sending each home.

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Adelaide, a 26-year-old Esquire magazine editor from Manhattan Beach, CA, became the second Kitten eliminated after Mark spent some one-on-one time with her and realized the two didn't connect on a romantic level, while Lynn, a 40-year-old makeup artist from Nashville, TN, was the third Cougar eliminated despite the fact she and Age of Love's bachelor never had a chance to spend alone time together.

Age of Love's third episode began with host Mark Consuelos explaining to Mark that he had to pick a Kitten and Cougar who he wanted to spend some more time with.  For the Cougar, Mark chose Kelli, a 40-year-old legal secretary from Los Angeles, CA, because "she just seems more sexual" and "like a lot of fun."  For the Kitten, he selected Amanda, a 25-year-old financial planner's assistant from Nashville, TN, because she "seems so genuine" and has an attractive smile. 

The twist was that both girls thought they were going on "individual dates" with Mark.  When each saw the other step out of a separate limousine at the restaurant where the date was taking place, Kelli said she was "completely shocked" while the surprise caught Amanda "completely off guard."

"Ladies, I know you both thought you were having individual dates with Mark.  Technically you both are... just at the same time," explained Consuelos.  "Kelli, you're going to sit on one side of the restaurant.  Amanda you're going to sit at another table at the other side of the restaurant.  Mark, you can go back and forth as much as you like during the 60 minutes."  Consuelos then gave Age of Love's bachelor a watch, informing him that when the alarm on it sounds the date is over.  Whoever Mark was sitting with at the end of the date received "bonus time" with him over dessert.

Mark started at Amanda's table, but could see Kelli from where he was seated and "felt bad," so after seven minutes he ventured over to her.  He went back and forth from table to table throughout the 60 minutes, with Kelli confident she'd be able to keep Mark's attention.  However Mark commented how he wanted to end with Amanda so he could have dessert with her, but Kelli had other ideas, prolonging Mark's stay at her table as time expired to ensure she received the alone time.  Kelli was happy with herself and Mark walked Amanda back to the waiting limo.

"Is it okay if I give you a kiss goodbye?" Mark asked Amanda before the two locked lips.  "That really meant something, the first [kiss]," said Mark once it was over.  "I'm not the type of person where I just kiss one girl, then kiss another girl... I like kissing Amanda.  And I want to kiss her again!"  Needless to say, Amanda "couldn't stop smiling."

As Mark had dessert with Kelli, Consuelos gathered the other four Kittens -- Adelaide; Mary, a 24-year-old hemodialysis technician from Albuquerque, NM; Megan, a 21-year-old Loyola University student from Chicago, IL; and Tessa, a 23-year-old executive assistant from Peoria, AZ -- as well as the other four Cougars -- Lynn; Jayanna, a 38-year-old mortgage loan officer from Newport, CA who has been married once before; Jennifer, a 48-year-old executive assistant for the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers from Carson, CA who has been married twice before; and Maria, a 42-year-old photographer from Playa Del Rey, CA who has been married once before.

Consuelos explained that each group would have to create the "perfect date" for the other group to go on with Mark, with the opportunity to potentially make it a difficult, awkward experience for them.  The Cougars decided to send the Kittens to an indoor playground, where they had a play-date with 20 little kids and Age of Love's bachelor.  The Cougars chose wisely, as the Kittens commented that spending time with the kids took time away from Mark, who spurned a chance at conversation with Mary and instead opted to hang-out with Adelaide, whom he took for a ride home in the limousine.

"I feel like she's sort of genuine," said Mark.  "I want to see if there's something there."

When the other Kittens arrived back at the apartment sans Adelaide, Amanda immediately grew nervous, adding she would feel "very, very hurt" if the bachelor liked her more.  Despite his previous comments that he's not one to "just kiss one girl, then kiss another," Mark smooched Adelaide before dropping her off.  "Wow... I hadn't felt that giddy feeling in a long time," said Adelaide after the kiss, not revealing to any of the other Kittens that it took place.  It still didn't stop Amanda from being more jealous.

The Kittens decided to send the Cougars to a water aerobics class with a group of women who appeared to be much, much older than in their 40s.  But the plan backfired on the Kittens, as the Cougars donned skimpy bathing suits that flattered their figures.  Besides their bodies, Mark was also impressed by the "vibe around" the Cougars, but he was mostly impressed by the bodies.

"Some of them had bodies that would have made some of these younger women pissed off," said Mark.  "I mean they're in their 40s and they look incredible... I don't really know if the 20-year-olds thought the date through too much because I had so much fun.  I had so much fun to be honest."

Mark decided to spend some alone time with Maria following his date with the other Cougars, however she was disappointed at the way he sat with his arms folded across his chest and looking straight ahead.  "I was hoping to get a sign of a connection," said Maria.  "The only thing you have is his body language and what he says."  At the end of their alone time, Mark gave Maria a kiss on the cheek. 

"I didn't feel a connection," she said.  "It just felt kind of cold.  I just don't like to waste anyone's time... especially mine."

That night the Cougars and Kittens both prepared for elimination, with Lynn describing her mood as "anxious."  Maria told the other Cougars about how she didn't feel the "love connection" with Mark, and made the comment that she was planning on eliminating herself if Mark didn't do so.  Mark first dealt with the Kittens at the elimination, and revealed Adelaide would be sent packing.

"You were great with the kids yesterday and I really wanted to spend some time with you so I asked if you would ride back in the limo with me," explained Mark to Adelaide.  "I felt like I really stepped out of my shell and really put myself out there for you with the kiss.  And for me, I feel like a kiss, even if it's small, can say a lot... When I kissed you, I really honestly didn't feel like you were giving me anything... I just don't think it's going to work out."

"He was right about the kiss," said Adelaide.  "If the kiss is bad, there's nothing there and I feel very sad because I feel like I wasn't being honest with myself about the connection I was having with Mark."

Age of Love's bachelor then turned his attention to the Cougars and made it clear he had no intention of eliminating Maria, who had previously stated she "had enough" and was "out of here."  Mark said he always has fun with Maria, and while he might have struggled in conversation with her, he was "looking forward to spending more time" with her.  He hoped she felt the same way.

"I just... What I was feeling before I stepped up here was I couldn't stay," she said, calling Mark tough to read.  He reiterated he wanted her to stay, and she asked him to make him feel like he wants "to be really present," and if he did so she'd stay.  The other Cougars were surprised that Maria would not be departing due to her previous comments.

"Thank you for being honest.  You gave me an awakening," said Mark to Maria.  "I understand that it's time to step-up."  Maria described herself as "definitely crazy" and joined the other remaining bachelorettes.  Mark then eliminated Lynn.

"We haven't really spent a lot of time together," said Mark to Lynn.  "You told me from the beginning you're really shy.  I just feel like this whole experience is definitely something that you're not comfortable with.  And I just felt like you're just uncomfortable to show me who you really are."

"The hardest part right now is just leaving so soon," said Lynn.  "I would have liked to have at least had the one-on-one with Mark just to find out... That's not going to happen.  My grandmother is always telling me, 'I pray to God every day that He lets me live long enough to see you get married.'  I hope she gets her dream..."

Age of Love's fourth episode will air Monday, July 9 at 9PM ET/PT on NBC, with the four remaining Kittens moving-in with the four remaining Cougars to add some extra cattiness between the two group's vying for Mark's affection.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio

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