The women’s 40/50 Clay Courts started Tuesday. The draws are unfortunately small, since it’s a really nice tournament with a great atmosphere.
In the 40s, the shocker of the tournament and probably the year was Mary Dinneen’s first round upset of Julie Cass, the reigning ITF World Champion, 63 46 64. She followed it up with a straight set win over Rebecca Stapp. The 2nd seed, Vesna McKenna, had a tough semi over the speedy Sue de Lara, but prevailed 64 64 and meets Dinneen in the final.
In the 50s, Susan Wright goes for a gold slam against Diane Fishburne, the defending champion. This is a repeat of the 2009, 2008, 2007 (you get the drift) finals, all won by Fishburne, though last year’s match was very close, 75 in the third. Fishburne is also a reigning world champion, though she won the worlds on clay.
In doubles, the top seeds in both divisions advanced without trouble. Fishburne/Annmarie Brigandi take on Cass/McKenna in the 40s and Wright/Tracy Worley-Hagen face Kathy Vick/Frances O’Sullivan in the 50s.