There were quite a few Americans in the 55 doubles; Dearth, Ann Stanley, Julie David, Pam Schulz, and me, plus Erin who is from Canada. Julie and Pam took out Ann and her Austrian partner. Dearth, playing with her British sister, took out the #2 seeds. Erin and I won 2 matches on Thursday  to reach the semis but lost today to a British pair who played quite well…we lost 16 64 11-9. Unfortunately, we had to play a match tiebreak which really makes a difference as a team only has to win one set and a tiebreak, a lot different from playing a third set. Nonetheless we had one match point…back to the drawing board on that one. We were hoping for an all-American final as Julie David and Pam Shulz won their match today, but they’ll have to carry the flag for the US in the final.

Erin lost her singles in the semis to the top seed from Italy yesterday; she, De Vittori, plays the German, Dippner (winner of the dramatic match a few days ago) in the final. ; I had the day off yesterday but beat the 4th seed today, Dagmar Panner from Germany 60 60, though we had a few long games and matches. I play the #2 seed, Encarnacion Gomes/Ruiz tomorrow; she held off the #5 seed today 60 57 75; she led 41 in the second before Olga Markova rallied to force a third. Encarnita is ranked #2 in the world so it should be a good final, she fought very hard today and as a Spaniard is at home here.

Michael Beautyman also won 60 60 today to advance to the semis where he takes on Luis Flor, a tough Spaniard.

Below, photos of the #1 seed in the 55s and of Erin.