Ann Moore wrote this article and provided these photos. Thank you Ann.             

American Team Wins 2009 Wilson Friendship Cup

                               June 4 – 8   Portschach, Austria

              Womens 75 and Over International Team Competition

 

The ninth Annual Friendship Cup, sponsored by Ralph and Mary Wilson included  U. S. players from California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington  and International players from Australia, Canada, England and Germany.  Captains were Elaine Mason, U.S. and Shirley Critchley, International.  

Over 200 women have participated in the Friendship Cup over the past eight years,

and each has brought back memories of a beautiful town in Austria and amazing friendships through this tournament, which was the goal of the Wilsons when they began this event in 2000.  All the women who played were also invited to participate in the European Championships which took place June 8^th- June 14^th. Room and board was provided for the players for both tournaments The players were treated to special dinners, cocktail parties, team vests and more… plus a full day bus tour of this beautiful area of Carinthia, where they were treated to visits to castles, panoramic views of the Alps and tours of neighboring towns and cities.

 

The matches could not have been more exciting.  At the end of two days of play, both the International and U. S. teams were tied.  In case of a tie, it had been decided that the team losing the least amount of sets would be the victor.  The United States team lost one less set in singles and one less set in doubles to come out the victors for the 2009 Friendship Cup. 

Singles Results Day 1:

Boots Van Nostrand, U.S., defeated Rose Preckel, Germany, 6-2, 6-0.

Anneke Balics, U.S., defeated Shirley Critchley, England,   6-2, 3-6, 6-1

June Wurden, U.S., defeated Wilma Fitzgerald, Australia, 6-2, 6-1

Elsa Jablonski U.S., defeated Vera  Coley, Canada, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3

Toni Strauss,  Germany, defeated Elaine Mason, U.S., 6-3, 3-6, 12-10

Sheila Kerin, Australia, defeated Dorothy Maloney, U.S., 6-2, 6-3

Marjorie Niccol, Australia, defeated Janet Davis, U.S.,  6-2, 4-6, 7-6

Hannelore Pagels, Germany, defeated Doris Claypool, U.S. 3-6, 6-3, 6-1

 

Doubles Results Day 2:

Van Nostrand/Balics, U.S., def. Preckel/Critchley, International, 6-4, 6-2

Mason/Wurden, U.S., def. Fitzgerald/Nichol International, 6-2, 6-1

Kerin/Coley, International, def. Maloney/Claypool, U. S.,  2-6, 6-4, 7-6

Pagels/Strauss, International, def. Jablonski/Davis, U.S., 6-3, 6-0  

In the European Championships, Boots Van Nostrand won the 75’s Singles and 75 Doubles with partner Sheila Kerin.  Elaine Mason partnered with Dorothy Maloney to win the 80’s Doubles.  June Wurden won the Consolation 75 Singles.

 

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Carol Clay took the photos showing above from the 40/50 Indoors in Detroit.

Susan Wright beat Tracey Thompson for the 50 singles title 61 62 and Kathy Vick took third over Chris Ramsower-Pearlstein  63 60(referred to as CRP from now on!).

Thompson/CRP beat Tracy Worley/Vick in a tough, tense three setter for the doubles title, 75 26 75; Hiko Fritz-Krakow and Cathy Farrell won the bronze.

Amy Alcini won two gold balls in the 40s, beating Miramar Alonzo 57 63 61 in the final after going three sets in the semis to subdue Sue Kaleel; Kaleel took the bronze 62 61 over Kim Cashman.

Alcini and Joanne Russell beat Sue Keane/Mary Dailey in the doubles final; Cashman/Kaleel won the bronze.

For all results, click here.

The fact sheets have been posted on the ITF Seniors website for the super senior world championships in Perth.

Click here for a link to all of the fact sheets for Perth.

From the ITF Seniors website, the dates and locations of the 2010 World Championships

Seniors - San Luis Potosi, Mexico (Hard) - Teams 29 March - 3 April & Individuals 4-11 April

Super-Seniors - Antalya, Turkey (red clay) - Teams October 11-16 & Individuals October 17-24
For future changes, check this link.

            

USTA ADULT/SENIOR COMPETITION COMMITTEE UPDATE

 

                                             By Kathy Langer

 

          Since the beginning of the year, when the ITF decided to seed all ITF sanctioned tournaments using the ITF ranking exclusively, our committee has been working tirelessly to gather information to present to the ITF as to why we don’t think that method of seeding is better than the USTA’s All Factors method and to suggest other changes in their rules.  Since all of our age 35-85 (men) 35-80 (women) Category I National Championships and several of our Category II USTA Tournaments are sanctioned by the ITF, we must either follow their rules or discontinue the sanctions.

          The information gathered has included a survey of the players and Tournament Directors (those results are now on the USTA Adult/Senior web site).  We did an analysis of the first five ITF tournaments in 2009 using both methods of seeding.  There have been discussions with ITF representatives by two of the USTA’s past presidents and discussions with ITF staff and our ITF Sr. Committee member, Carolyn Nichols and the USTA Staff Coordinator, Theresa Bowen, while they were at the Cup Team and World Championships in Spain in April.

          The information and discussions are still ongoing, and a final decision will not be made as to our further involvement with ITF until the end of the year.  This year, since these events are still ITF sanctioned, we are continuing to abide by the ITF rules, except for our decision to continue to seed by the All Factors method.  We have informed the ITF of that decision and they understand that we are continuing to explore all of our options.

          The discussions with the ITF have been positive.  We are hoping for a compromise on the seeding issue, the IPIN number (International Player Identification Number, a fee charged similar to the USTA membership fee) and some other rules that we feel are not in our players’ best interests.  They have asked us for suggestions.  We are in the process of providing that information.

The player survey (click here to see details) indicated about 2/3 of players did not think it was important to remain involved with ITF since most players do not play out of the country.  Many may not have realized that all of our national tournaments are ITF sanctioned and players can earn ITF rankings by playing them, without leaving the USA to play.  One-third of our players like being affiliated with the ITF.  Having a world ranking is important to many players as it helps to ensure they will be seeded correctly when they are representing the USTA in World Team and  World Individual Championships.  It will also help those players who play in other countries.  Even though the number of players who are able to play in other countries is small, we want them to be treated fairly.

Every other country in the world that has a tennis federation is a member of the ITF.  The USTA is the biggest tennis organization and it is important that we consider carefully our decision to withdraw or remain affiliated.  The IPIN will  not be an issue until approximately 2013 when ITF becomes computerized.

 

 As anyone who follows world politics knows, it takes lots of time and lots of discussion to reach accord between organizations that believe their way is the best. Hopefully, each will compromise some things in order to live peacefully. Some issues are too important on which to compromise and our goal is to stand firm on those, while being open to ideas in other areas.

The ITF Senior Committee will meet in late November.  We will

know then how they respond to our suggestions.

 

Regarding the ITF and other issues: 

·        The Adult/Senior Competition Committee has voted to review all new  ITF rules each year to determine if those rules are compatible with USTA rules.  The committee will vote each year on whether or not to continue having our events be ITF sanctioned.    

·        A new Feed-In Championship (FIC) points table has been posted which makes it easier for the USTA computer program to accurately update points.

·        A call item on optional Bye placements will be voted upon at the Semi-Annual Meeting in New York.  This will help Tournament Directors get FIC matches played so players can finish without having to stay an extra day to complete the tournament.

·        We are continuing to monitor and update the web site.  www.usta.com.

·        Circuit Chairs/Seeding Assistants are working closely with TDs to help them with seeding and to communicate player concerns so the event is fun and successful.

 

Please contact me if you have any questions.  kathy_langer@yahoo.com

 

 

 

AddieCup (Named for Pauline Betz Addie) is a team event between senior women from New England, Mid Atlantic, Middle States and Eastern USTA sections in the 40-70s.

This year it rained the entire weekend and the matches were played indoors.

Here are some photos taken and submitted by Abbi Neuthaler. Thank you Abbi!

Amy Alcini had a great tournament in Detroit, taking home the 40 singles and doubles titles (with Joanne Russell). She beat Alonzo in the final and combined with Russell to beat Mary Dailey/Susan Keane in the doubles final.

Susan Wright cruised to the indoor 50s title, losing no more than 4 games in any match all week. She beat Tracey Thompson in the final. Kathy Vick won the bronze over Chris Ramsower Pearlstein. Chris took home a gold though in doubles, combining with Thompson to beat Tracy Worley/Kathy Vick in a tough 3 setter 75 26 75. Cathy Farrell/Hiko Fritz Krackow took the doubles bronze.

 The match of the day if not of the tournament was the 35s men's final between Jake Bragonier and Dougal Williams. Dougal overpowered Jake in the first set, using his forehand from all parts of the court and making it hard for Jake to find his backhand. But ast the match progressed, Jake grew accustomed to the pace, countered it well and used his excellent backhand to lengthen the points. The match ended in a third set tiebreaker won 86 by Bragonier.

The tournament committee, led by Susan McShannock and Chrissie Costamagna raised $15,000 in prize money this year.Thank you so much to all the sponsors, you can see their signs in many of the photos on my website.

In the 40s, Rick Kepler sliced and diced and drop shotted (good thing Federer has made dropshotting "cool") his way past top seeded Curtis Dunn. Kepler's big lefty serve also helped out on some big points. Rick's doubles partner, Brian Cory seemd a bit concerned when he found out Rick was still out playing singles when he arrived (that wasn't in the plan!), but he and Rick won the 40 doubles nonetheless 62 75 over Garber/Willoughby.

Another marathon match took place between Geoff Cykman and Robert Van Malder, (55s) but Cykman ran all over the court (Van Malder also is a dropshot proponent), and ran off with a three set win 57 63 62. He also won the 55 doubles with Stanley.

Chuck Bleckinger upset the 2nd seed, Gary Pybass in three sets in the semis of the 65s, but was powerless to stop Don Long in the final. Long won the semis and finals with the loss of only 1 game. Long got in enough court time though, as he also played 60s and reached the semis in that division.

Brent Abel was nearly as stingy against Roger Khan in the 60s, winning the final 61 61. Khan had played 2 marathon matches to reach the final. Brent combined with Steve Cornell to oust Khan/Upton 62 76 in the doubles.

Mai Ichikawa-Abel,  won the 35 singles over L. Grimshaw 60 62 and reached the doubles final in the 35s.

Erika Smith and Alissa Finerman won the 35 and 40 doubles. Tracy Houk and Judy Newman Rakela, both stiff from their 3 set marathon a couple of days earlier (and Tracy from another 3-setter yesterday) held off Roland/Smyth (who upset the 2nd seeds, Johnson/Stillman-Scott in the semis), winnning in 3 sets.

Tina Karwasky won the 55 singles and doubles again; and Linda Bucklin/Judy Louie won the 60s over Andi Polisky/Claudia Giacomini.



I won the 50 singles over Leslie Airola Murveit 63 62 and teamed with Carrie Zarraonandia to beat

Hello from Mill Valley, CA. If you are tired of the heat in the summer, this is the tournament for you...if it gets to 68, locals comment about the "muggy" weather...

Tracy Houk gets the roadrunner award again. She played three hours yesterday to beat Judy Rakela 62 67 62...Tracy had a match point and a relatively easy backhand passing shot in the 2nd set and missed it and was still talking about it after the match. Judy played well and came to the net a lot but Tracy was too steady and mentally tough in the end. Tracy beat Shelly Scott in the final in another 3 setter. 62 36 63. It was under three hours but very physical, the two of them using every part of the court...Shelly hit short angles and came in, Tracy hit passing shots and lobs, great points. Both players were cramping in the third set and nursing injuries, but it was not obvious, as the points remained long and grueling.

Pam Schulz upset Kathy Barnes in the 55s 63 63. Fresh off winning her first USTA ball, a bronze in the 55 indoors (and winning the consolation singles), she was full of confidence and the lefty attacked the net well. She takes on Tina Karwasky tomorrow.

In the 65s, Anne Russ came back from a set down to beat Heather Fiscallini; Fiscallini upset Nancy Garcia in the previous round.

Greta Watson won the 3 person RR in the 60 singles. Carolyn Wei won the 40 singles with a decisive win over tournament referee Chrissie Costamagna. Carolyn Nichols and Leslie Murveit play the 50 singles final tomorrow; Murveit had a good win over Carrie Zarraonandia in the quarters.

In the 35 men's singles, Jake Bragonnier upset the #2 seed, Shibu Lal in straight sets, avenging his final round loss the year before to Lal.

In the 40s, Rick Kepler and Curtis Dunn won, and play the final tomorrow.

Dad and I won the Father/Daughter "Ultra Senior" (aka the Father/Daughter 80+) Hard Courts last weekend in San Diego at the Barnes Tennis Center. We beat last year's grass and clay court champions, Ann Jacobs and Dick Phelps in the final. One of the best matches of the tournament was between Jacobs/Phelps and this year's indoor champions, Appleby/Payne, won 64 in the third on a cold, windy day in San Diego. Appleby/Phelps won the back draw for the 2nd year in a row. The Settles won the bronze with a tough 76 75 win over Bentz/Matelski.

There was a nice dinner on the beach on Friday night at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and the tournament hotels were the LJBTC and the adjoining La Jolla Shores Hotel, both on the Pacific, really nice.

There was also open, 60+ 70+ (won by Herm Ahlers/Krista O'Connor for the 3rd straight year) and Mother/Son.
All results.

Clem Hopp successfully retained his 80 hard court singles title, beating Graydon Nichols 62 64 in the final. Jason Morton and Leonard Bunge upset Nichols/Wayne Hippenstiel 26 64 64 in the final. The 80s division was riddled by injuries the most severe of which was that of Roald Flater who partially tore his achilles in his first round match was was wearing a knee length boot when he was watching matches the next day. Nichols/Hippenstiel as a result reached the doubles final without having to play a match. Jack Graham, Flater's doubles partner also had to retire in his singles match in the first round.

John Powless hurt himself feeding his rabbits (he fell and banged himself up) and wasn't able to play in the 75 doubles. However, George McCabe and Chuck Nelson were playing well and took up the slack, winning the doubles over Neil Hurlbut/Dennis Nielson. Hurlbut won the singles over Buddy Lomax in a topsy-turvy match 06 64 63. Lomax took out defending champion Saul Snyder in 3 sets.

Marvin Henderson won the 85s over Bob Sherman...Sherman goes into the 90s next year! They combined to win the doubles over Dyle Anderson/Austin Sellery of NorCal.

For all draws, click here.

This is a bit late...but the final between Martha Downing and Brenda Carter was intriguing. Carter was the defending 60s champion and Downing the defending 55s title holder. Downing started well, forging a 31 40-0 lead, but Carter won 4 straight points and took a 5th to narrow the gap to 3-2 when Downing fell and though she got up quickly, seemed to move gingerly on her left leg, the one with the knee brace. However, she continued to play, and played well. Carter won the first set 64 but Downing adapted (it was only their 2nd meeting, the other coming several years ago in the 55s on hard courts and won 75 in the third by Carter). Downing finally won the match 75 in the third, with the critical game being the one at 5-5, Downing serving at 0-40 and rallying to hold. Downing also won the doubles, with Kathy Bennett, over Carter/Wachob.

Carol Clay took the bronze with a strong 75 60 win over Betty Wachob. Molly Hahn/Judy Louie took the bronze over Clay/Ellen Goodman. Pat Keleman beat both Wilma Lee and Molly Hahn on the last day of play to place 5th in singles.

In the 50s, Pam Cooke and Carolyn Nichols beat Chris Ramsower-Pearlstein and Kim Lackey 61 63 to take the bronze. Lackey and Cooke were both suffering from sprained ankles and Cooke from a very sore shoulder (surgery soon)...welcome to the 50s Pam and Kim. Chris took 5th in 50s singles over Rita Giles 60 76.

As always it was a really nice tournament. There were discussions of the ITF clothing rules (logo size limitations, matching outfits for doubles); chairs calling all lines...(but it was nice to have so many umpires for matches); but there were 2 nice dinners, a beach party and also a fabulous cocktail party on Tuesday night; lots of great tennis and it was a priviledge to be a LJBTC member for a week. Many thanks to Bill Kellogg, Pierrette Featherby and the staff, volunteers and sponsors for a great week, and to the LJBTC members for letting us play at their club.

Dorothy Matthiessen repeated as the 70s champion here. She faced the #2 seed, Dori deVries in a rivalry that must exceed that of Chris and Martina. They met in every national final last year and also at the clay courts this year. Dori won the clay courts, but was 0/4 last year. She looked ready to put a claim in for the #1 player in the 70s when she rallied from 14 down to win the set 76 (5). However, Dorothy was just getting warmed up and won the final sets 61 61 and the 2009 Women's 70 Hard Court Championship. Kathy Langer finished strongly, upsetting Roz King, the 3rd seed 61 63 to win the bronze.

In 70 doubles, the top 2 seeds will meet in the final. Claudia Giacomini/Norma Veal beat Dorothy Matthiessen/Lyn Little, last year's winners, 62 63 while deVries/King edged Langer/Lynn Tietz in 3 sets. Giacomini has wonderful hands and her errors can be counted wth the fingers of one hands...combining that touch and consistency with Norma's flat shots is a tough ask.

Susan Wright started the final against Carolyn Nichols as if she had a 30 min reservation for the court and would be bumped if she didn't finish in that time. She played a flawless first set, winning it 60 in what seemed like minutes. The second set was more competitive, but Susan upped the level of her play in the tiebreaker, winning it 7-1, and successfully defending her title in La Jolla. (And no one bumped us). Robin Harris beat 4th seeded Kathy Vick 62 63 to win the bronze in singles.

In 60 doubles, Kathy Bennett/Martha Downing started a bit sluggishly, but finished strongly against last year's champions, Brenda Carter/Betty Wachob, using excellent net play and overheads to win 64 62 against their always consistent opponents. It was Bennett's second straight women's 60 doubles title. The 3/4 playoff is tomorrow.

In 60 singles, Carter edged Wachob 65 75 and Martha Downing played excellent, attacking hard court tennis to beat Carol Clay 63 60.

Tracey Thompson/Robin Harris, seeded second, put an end to the run of Tracey Worley/Jackie Heston, winning 62 63 in the 50 doubles final. Heston/Worley also took out the 3rd seeds yesterday, Cooke/Nichols, 75 75. The 3/4 playoff is tomorrow.

In the 80s, Jane Lutz beat Liz Harper and Louise Russ beat Rita Price to set up a repeat of the 80 singles final played a few weeks ago at the clay courts. In 80 doubles, Jane Lutz/ Elaine Mason take on the top seeds, Louise Russ/Doris Stephens in the final.

There was a terrific party tonight at the Beach Club...a big thank you to all of the sponsors, staff, volunteers and members for allowing us to play here and for providing such great amenities.

Another day in paradise...

Kathy Langer, seeded 7th upset 4th seeded Norma Veal 62 75 today...the rest of the 70s are still in action. Molly Hahn, seeded 9th beat the 7th seed, Janet Watanabe in the 60s. Tracey Thompson (3) and Robin Harris (6)are still playing in the 50s, but the remaining seeds advanced to the semis.

Robin and Tracey finished about the time the beach party was in full swing, and Robin won 36 63 76 (1)...what a match. There was a large crowd...we were playing a couple of courts away and could hear the roar of the crowd when one or the other of these players made a great shot.

Chris Pearlstein and Kim Lackey took out the #4 seeds in the 50 doubles in three sets, beating Mahan/Vick 75 in the third, despite Lackey taking a tumble and spraining her ankle in the second set. But an even bigger upset was that of Tracey Worley/Jackie (Barr) Heston taking out the top seeds, and current world champions, Marianne Robertson/Susan Wright 75 76. Robertson/Wright were up 41 in the first set when their opponents rallied, using great lobs (Heston) and aggressive returns (Worley). Then Heston/Worley went up 41 in the second before Robertson/Wright rallied to force the tiebreaker...it was a really good match to watch,  a lot of great points.

One other upset from yesterday, Liz Harper took out #3 seed Nancy Stout in the 80s and won again today to advance to the semis.

Photos from the tournament are posted here: Photos from La Jolla You have to create an account to view but it's free. I also have a few photos on my home page, but will be adding more during the week.

There's also a men's tournament here...it was nice to catch up with George Sarantos, Bob Duesler and Gordon Davis today.

For all results click here.

Hello from gorgeous La Jolla, CA. I was on a conference call the other day...and everyone was bemoaning the weather where they were...and I was here in La Jolla, looking at the sunny sky, enjoying the moderate weather....and felt pretty lucky.

It's amazing to think that last week we were on the Mediterranean at a different beach club, Beach Club Font de sa Cala in Mallorca, nearly half a world away (9 hour time change), and now on the Pacific in La Jolla.

The 50-90 hard courts begins tomorrow here with play in the 50s, 60s and 70s, singles and doubles.

From the tournament director, Rogier Liefbroer.

This tournament is one of the ITF circuit tournaments. There are now tournaments in the Netherlands two weeks in a row for anyone interested in playing tennis in the Netherlands. The link to the information for the tournament is at the end of this entry.
 

For me the tournament finished today. I lost singles and doubles. The silver lining is that Vesna McKenna, Tracy Houk and I are going to Palma tomorrow to do some shopping and site seeing, so are out of here early tomorrow.

Diane Fishburne is in the semis against Betty Michel and Pat Medrado, who beat Susan today is playing Chris French (who beat Marianne Robertson). However, Marianne and Susan are in the doubles final and are the heavy favorites.

In 45 doubles, it's an All American affair, with Myke Loomis/Mariana Hollman vs Fran Chandler/Mary Dailey.

As I predicted when I first saw the draw (have to be right some of the time :-)...it's an All American final in the 55s, Sherri Bronson vs Joanne Russell. Sherri took out the top seed, Lynn Mortimer of Australia in 3 sets while Joanne lost only a game in beating another Aussie, Helen Worland.

The French player who took out Myke and Tracy earlier in the week continued her success against the Americans in the 45s, beating Mariana Hollman in three sets. Mariana though did well to force a third set, coming back from 03 down in the 2nd set to win it.

Amy Alcini lost in 2 tough sets also in the 40s.

Phil Landauer and Tom Smith had a match point in the third set tiebreaker only to see the serve hit the line and take a wicked hop. They lost 76 in the third.

There are 3 Americans in the 50 men's singles tomorrow, Ross Persons and then Egan Adams (who plays Mike Fedderly).

In the 40s Amy Alcini won yesterday. Renata Marcinkowska won in 3 sets and plays Zelinka today.

I won 60 62 over Sabine Schultz of Germany, and played well. She is not a big fan of topspin, liuckily for me. I play the French #1 Betty Michel next, and she is an excellent player. It should be a good match.

Egan Adams beat another American today, Peter Markes, in three gruelling sets, a 4 hour match. Ross Persons also won in the men's 50s.

Mariana Hollman won a tough 2 setter, holding off set points in the 2nd set to win 64 76, so she's into the semis against the French player who took out Myke and Tracy...she must think everyone in the draw except her is an American.

In doubles, Fran Chandler and Mary Dailey won convincingly and play Tracy and me...we won by default over Chris French and her partner (the latter of whom was injured).  Myke and Mariana are on the other half of the draw and play some tough Aussies.

Tom Smith and Phil Landauer won their doubles and Phil played and won his third straight 3-setter in singles. Mike Fedderly and Val Wilder won in the 50s and I think Ross and Peter did too. Ching Ling Chang and Sherri Bronson cruised to a win in the 55 doubles. At one point Ching Ling fell during a point and was waiting for Sherri to pick her up when she realized the point was continuing without her help...Sherri hit 2 more shots and won the point while Ching Ling was scrambling off the court!

It was a gorgeous California sort of day today, though a bit breezy in the afternoon. Tomorrow the 50s play mostly between 11 and noon...

All for now..

Tracy Houk lost to an excellent French player who used to be ranked #2 in France in the open division before a 15 year hiatus.

Sherri Bronson and Joanne Russell continued to roll in the 55s and are in the semis.

Ross Persons and Mike Fedderly won in men's 55s.

Diane Fishburne, Susan Wright and Marianne Robertson all advanced, Marianne by default, in the 50s. Susan beat Anthea Stewart 64 60, avenging her Cup loss to Stewart under much different...less windy, conditions.