The 2nd Annual STC Mixed Doubles Tournament was held July 29-30, and once again proved that mixed doubles is very popular amongst our members. Last year’s mixed doubles tournament was held in March, and although very well attended, many of the players suggested that we hold it later in the year, when people are gearing up for mixed doubles leagues (or are already playing 50 Mixed). So this year’s mixed doubles tournament was moved to July, and as expected, much of the talk at the tournament before and after matches centered on finding teams and players for the fall mixed league season.
There were three divisions, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0, and plenty of tennis, as the tournament included a full consolation draw, ensuring that every team entered got to play at least two matches. The consolation draw has been included in all of the recent STC tournaments and seems to be a real crowd-pleaser, as several players mentioned that the reason for entering our club tournament, rather than a nearby USTA NTRP tournament, was due to the guarantee of two matches.
The 6.0 and 7.0 divisions were the most popular, with ten teams entered in each. Cindy and Kenneth Ng emerged as the 6.0 champions, defeating Daisy Poon and Alan Rupp 7-5, 6-1 in the final. In the 6.0 consolation final, Anita Lusebrink and Vrishab Sikand defeated Julie Brittis and Ed Gong 7-5, 6-2 to take the consolation title.
In the 7.0 division, the #2 seeds Laura Finkelstein and Krishnan Viswanathan defeated #1 seeds Carrie Chiang and Robert Chiang 6-3, 6-4 to take the title. In the 7.0 consolation final Anne Valta and Roger Okamoto prevailed in three sets over Dianne Alexander and Rich Wong, 5-7, 6-1, 6-0.
The 8.0 division was a little smaller, with seven teams, but the matches seemed to be even closer, with most of them going three sets. The 8.0 champs were Fiona Wong and Kip Anderson, who defeated Marti Norberg and Don Moon in the final 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. The consolation title was won by Sally McElravey and Bob Danisch, who defeated Rachel Choe and Chester Okuno 6-4, 6-0.
Congratulations to all of our champions!
Prizes for the main draw winners were a fleece jacket, which the recipients were able to custom order in the color and size of their choice. Main draw finalists received a Sunnyvale Tennis Club hooded sweatshirt, and consolation draw winners received a canvas folding chair. All players in the tournament received a club t-shirt or tank top, and water and snacks were provided by the club for all the players as well.
Another popular feature of the tournament was a raffle, with prizes donated by local merchants. Our hearty thanks go out to the prize donors: Staybridge Suites Hotel (www.staybridge.com/sunnyvale), C.J. Olson Cherries (www.cjolsoncherries.com), Orchard Supply Hardware, Starbucks and Jamba Juice. We encourage all STC members to show your appreciation by supporting these local businesses in our community.
The raffle prizes and prize winners:
Jamba Juice free smoothie cards were won by Anne Valta, Lisa Blagof, Sunil Koduru, Geoff Ainscow, Myrna Brown and Tom Anthony
Bags of Starbucks freshly ground coffee were won by Padmaja Adusumilli, Billye Kay Wells, and Portia Saul.
A selection of Starbucks chocolate-covered grahams was won by Tory Lillie.
A $25 gift card from Orchard Supply Hardware was won by Don Moon.
A gift basket from C. J. Olson Cherries was won by Bob Danisch.
A free night’s stay with all amenities at Staybridge Suites Hotel was won by Basem Alsheleh.
Many thanks go to our tournament directors, Roger Okamoto and Carrie Bell, and tournament referee, Philip Stromer. A number of volunteers also helped to ensure a smooth week-end, including Aings Aingaran, Anne Valta, Liz Kung, Betty Seto, Geoff Ainscow, Karen Kenton, and Emi Kawamoto, and our deepest thanks go out to them as well.
All in all, it was a delightful week-end of tennis—the weather was ideal, the competition was excellent, there were new friendships made, and tennis was once again demonstrated to be the best recreational sport of all!
