The ITF Seniors World Championships concluded today in Miami with some great matches.
Susan Wright and Diane Barker cruised to their anticipated final in the women’s 60s. They both dropped double bagels on their opponents in the semis, saving energy for their three set three hour final. Wright went down 41 in the first set before rallying to win the next five games and the set. Barker rallied to win the second 64. So far it was a lot like their last meeting in August. The third set once again was tight, with Wright winning the first 11 points before Barker cut down on her errors and leveled the match, finally pulling away to win it 75. It was Barker’s 6th world singles title
Wright is still looking for her first but didn’t go home empty handed, winning her fourth or fifth world doubles title, this year with Pat Medrado over American Abbi Neuthaler and South African Jenny Cerff.
In the men’s 55s, an All American final as well, the action wasn’t nearly as dramatic, with Mike Fedderly winning in straight sets against first time finalist Peter Markes.
In doubles, Konstantions Effraimoglou (GRE)/Jacques Hervet (FRA) edged the American pairing of Fedderly/Mike Tammen, the two time defending champions, 10-7 in the match tiebreak.
The men’s 60s was won by Glenn Busby, who is no stranger to the winner’s circle on the seniors circuit. He had to battle hard to get past the Belgian serve and volleyer Pierre Godfroid.
Busby combined with American Ross Persons to win the doubles over Americans Wes Cash/Danny Waldman.
Godfroid teamed up with Medrado to win the mixed over Americans Shannon Gordon and Rollin Rhone.
Helen Nauk of Germany won the 55s, beating American Vicki Buholz in straight sets for the title.
Buholz also finished with a bronze medal in mixed. Carole DeBruin/Berend Betz won the 55 mixed over Laura DiVittori/Philip Seeman.
Ros Nideffer/Leanne Swaysland of Australia won the doubles over the Argentine team of Beatrice Villaverde/Marcela Voyame.
The men’s 50s was won by Marco Filippeschi (ITA) over Martin Persson (SWE). In the all German doubles final, it appears that Ralph Schmucking/Rene Sturm beat Henrich Blasé/Karsten Braasch.
Klaartje Van Baarle won the 50 singles over Ros Nideffer in straight sets. She didn’t drop a set all week.
Marian Metola/Monica Patron beat Nideffer/Gretchen Rush for the doubles title.
In mixed 50s, Monica Patron/Fernando De Marinas (ARG) beat Giliad Bloom/Yael Vitale Nadler (ISR). Americans Erika Smith/Tom Coulter were bronze medalists.
Thanks once again to cameraworkusa and the Mullanes for the photos. Below is a photo from Michael Mehmedbasich (Susan Wright’s brother):
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Congrats to USA winners! Way to go!