Three sets the norm in finals
Backhanded brilliance is shown by Dave Vernon of Qualicum Beach during the Grass Court Classic at the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club.
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Numerous three-set finals brought the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club’s Grass Court Classic tournament to a dramatic conclusion.
“There were lots of good matches,’’ said tournament director Louise Dwyer. “Even in the semifinals, we had lots of three-setters.’’
One of the best was saved for last in the men’s 45 doubles final between Dave Pentland of White Rock and partner Paul Shellard against Ed Bakker and Mark Davies of Victoria.
Pentland and Shellard wound up winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-5.
“They entertained us,’’ said Dwyer. “They were diving for the ball, rolling in the grass, jumping up and hitting the ball between their legs.’’
All but one of the men’s singles finals went to three sets.
The only sweep was by Geoff Bourne over top-seeded Hannes Blum 6-4, 6-3 in men’s 35 singles.
Men’s 55 singles winner George Lea dedicated his 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Allan Lawry to late SCLTC member Franco Biondo.
The men’s 60s singles final between George Shaw and Charles Mangham seemed to go on forever. Shaw eventually won 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.
Complete results of all the finals can be found at www.scltc.bc.ca.
Scheduling was a bit different due to the July 1 holiday falling on a Wednesday.
“On a weekend like this one, it’s really difficult because a lot of people want to go home Sunday,’’ said Dwyer.
Games started Friday at noon and went till 4 p.m. Monday. A lot of people stayed around for the Monday finale.
Long matches and Saturday night rain complicated things for Dwyer. “You just schedule according to the formula and hope for the best,’’ she said.
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