I had the day off today but otherwise play was heating up and the three setters were abundant.

In the women’s 50s, Gretchen Rush came one point away from making it an All American final, when she held match point on Klaartje Van Baarle at 54 in the third, but the Belgian player, winner already of the 45 singles in Turkey at the world championships, held off her hard charging opponent to reach the final against Fran Chandler. This will be a repeat of the 2010 final won by Chandler in Mexico (on hard courts). Chandler barely won 76 in the third. The volley below was 5-4, 30-0 for Gretchen.

In the women’s 55s, there was much less drama in the singles; Chris French beat USA’s Kathy Vick 61 60 and Ros Balodis too out #2 seeded Barbara Koutna 63 63. Susan Wright/French won their doubles semis 60 60 and face Balodis/Leeann Swaysland in the final.

In the women’s 60s, I had a walkover while Tina Karwasky beat Lyn Mortimer (AUS) in three sets to reach the final for the fourth straight year.

In men’s 55, Mike Tammen edged Val Wilder 75 in the third to advance to the final against Glenn Busby, who won 3/1 retired. Tammen and Mike Fedderly also reached the doubles final.

In men’s 60s, Danny Waldman won the semis of the singles 62 60 over the #2 seed and then combined with Sal Castillo to win the doubles semis.

In mixed, it was the end of the road in the semis for Diane and Jack Barker.

Nora Sherri Wendy and Dale taking in the action.