Heard Around The Courts…

Mixed Doubles Tournament Update

The weather was not kind to us last weekend, however we had many exciting matches and made great progress.  I will quote Scott Zenack’s email to the participants:

All three 2022 mixed doubles championship teams were in action.  In the B division, Sue and Dan Greenfield started out strong and withstood a spirited comeback run from the 2022 B division champions Randy and Allen.  Sue and Dan's 5-2 lead narrowed to 7-6, but they were able to secure the last game to win the pro set match 8-6.  The other B division semifinal will involve Irv Torbin and Michelle Fitzgerald facing Yun Lester and Matt Ames.  Yun is on the aforementioned USTA team heading to districts, so this may have to wait until next week.

In the A division, Sonya and Jim, the B+ division champions two years ago, were not able to match their Saturday magic against Lisette and Russell – who are seeking their 2nd A division title in three years.  In the other semi in that division, Larissa and Jeff left everything on the court – including some skin in Jeff's case as he slipped changing direction to chase down a drop shot and skinned both knees.  Fortunately there was no serious injury there.  Despite the blood and sweat (no tears as far as I know), Julie was too good as she and I were able to get a couple of early breaks and carry the momentum for most of the pro set match.

Several of the remaining teams have members who are competing in USTA District tournaments this coming weekend, so several matches will need to be scheduled later and the tournament will in all likelihood not be competed until the middle of September.  

Please check our TeamReach group (STCTennis), for scheduling updates, as the situation is “fluid.”

Challenge Ladder Rules and Registration

OK, we finally have our Challenge Ladder software solution.  We will be using globaltennisnetwork.com.  You will need to register on that website in order to participate.  (Note that the website will occasionally bug you to “upgrade” to a premium subscription, but the free version will work fine.)  Please register even if you have sent me your name or if you indicated interest in our initial “survey.”

Please consult this document for the Ladder Rules and for instructions on how to register for the ladder on the GTN website: https://bit.ly/3yDRcKL.

The ladder is already active, so you may start challenging/playing as soon as two of you sign up.

Singles Tournament Signup

The Singles Tournament is scheduled for the weekends of Sept 7-8 and Sept 14-15.  Ram Chakrapani is running the tournament again this year.

To sign up, please add your name to this spreadsheet: https://bit.ly/4fR9bOp

Please sign up by 8/31 if you wish to play.  If enough women sign up, we will run a separate women’s division.  Otherwise women will be placed in the appropriate mixed division.

See you on the courts!

Dan Smith

President

dsmith9.stc@gmail.com

info@sharontennisclub.org