The second of a series of four “Grandes Dames” Women’s tournaments is going on now in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and finishes Sunday. This year, in addition to USTA members earning USTA Super Cat II points, players with IPINs will earn ITF Grade 1 points. The tournament is sponsored by Lamita Jabour.
The events being held are women’s 55/65/75 singles and doubles. 35/45/85 were on offer but not enough people entered to make a draw.
In the 55s, the top three seeds won, Shelly Works, Terri Thompson and I won. MJ Pachl, the #4 seed played fellow Canadian Jeanie MacEarchen. MacEarchen looked to be on her way to a comfortable win, leading a set and 41, but MJ rallied to force a third and led 42 and 54, but MacEarchen stopped missing altogether and won 75 in the third.
There were no upsets in doubles either.
In the 65s, Becky Timmis, the 4th seed, had to fight hard to beat Miriam Morey in three tight sets…her reward is a semifinal meeting with Wendy McColskey. Sue Bramlette takes on Lil Peltz-Petow on the bottom half of the draw.
In 65 doubles, all the matches were tight except for the McColskey’s who won 62 62. They face Bramlette/Kerry Young while Leprevost/Ann Stanley face the hyphenated team, Kirkland-Cochran/Peltz-Petow in the semis.
The 75 singles semis are set with CarolAnn Castell to take on Cathie Anderson for the 2nd time this year already and Donna Fales will play Susanne Clark.
The 75s doubles final will take place tomorrow: Anderson/Fales vs Castell/Delfausse.
There’s a dinner tonight and there were free box lunches this afternoon. The weather was sunny, warm and breezy.