Tuesday: Matthiessen, Wright Claim Singles Titles; Harris/Thompson, Bennett/Downing Doubles Titlists

Dorothy Matthiessen repeated as the 70s champion here. She faced the #2 seed, Dori deVries in a rivalry that must exceed that of Chris and Martina. They met in every national final last year and also at the clay courts this year. Dori won the clay courts, but was 0/4 last year. She looked ready to put a claim in for the #1 player in the 70s when she rallied from 14 down to win the set 76 (5). However, Dorothy was just getting warmed up and won the final sets 61 61 and the 2009 Women’s 70 Hard Court Championship. Kathy Langer finished strongly, upsetting Roz King, the 3rd seed 61 63 to win the bronze.

In 70 doubles, the top 2 seeds will meet in the final. Claudia Giacomini/Norma Veal beat Dorothy Matthiessen/Lyn Little, last year’s winners, 62 63 while deVries/King edged Langer/Lynn Tietz in 3 sets. Giacomini has wonderful hands and her errors can be counted wth the fingers of one hands…combining that touch and consistency with Norma’s flat shots is a tough ask.

Susan Wright started the final against Carolyn Nichols as if she had a 30 min reservation for the court and would be bumped if she didn’t finish in that time. She played a flawless first set, winning it 60 in what seemed like minutes. The second set was more competitive, but Susan upped the level of her play in the tiebreaker, winning it 7-1, and successfully defending her title in La Jolla. (And no one bumped us). Robin Harris beat 4th seeded Kathy Vick 62 63 to win the bronze in singles.

In 60 doubles, Kathy Bennett/Martha Downing started a bit sluggishly, but finished strongly against last year’s champions, Brenda Carter/Betty Wachob, using excellent net play and overheads to win 64 62 against their always consistent opponents. It was Bennett’s second straight women’s 60 doubles title. The 3/4 playoff is tomorrow.

In 60 singles, Carter edged Wachob 65 75 and Martha Downing played excellent, attacking hard court tennis to beat Carol Clay 63 60.

Tracey Thompson/Robin Harris, seeded second, put an end to the run of Tracey Worley/Jackie Heston, winning 62 63 in the 50 doubles final. Heston/Worley also took out the 3rd seeds yesterday, Cooke/Nichols, 75 75. The 3/4 playoff is tomorrow.

In the 80s, Jane Lutz beat Liz Harper and Louise Russ beat Rita Price to set up a repeat of the 80 singles final played a few weeks ago at the clay courts. In 80 doubles, Jane Lutz/ Elaine Mason take on the top seeds, Louise Russ/Doris Stephens in the final.

There was a terrific party tonight at the Beach Club…a big thank you to all of the sponsors, staff, volunteers and members for allowing us to play here and for providing such great amenities.