USA Into Final in Men’s and Women’s 60s; Women’s 55 Fall to Netherlands; Women’s 50s Win a Late Match

Lisbon, Portugal

The USA women’s 60 team (Alice Marble) had the most straightforward match of the day, winning 3/0 against Great Britain to advance to the final. I played singles vs Anne Clark and won 61 64, though Anne started playing really well at about 4-2 in the second and we had a big battle the rest of the way. Anne has great anticipation and a fantastic backhand. Diane Barker beat Sue Bartlett at #1 62 75. Sue went up 5-4 in the second at which point Diane found another gear to go up 65. The last game was a tough one, but Diane didn’t back off her aggressive play and secured the win. Diane and Susan Wright completed the sweep with a 62 62 win over Tish Peal/Hazel Lindfield. We play France tomorrow. France edged Australia 2/1, winning a tightly contested deciding doubles 75 75 (rallying from 0-3 in the second set).

Center, W55 vs NetherlandsBottom, W60 vs Britain

The men’s Von Cramm Cup team edged Australia 2/1. Danny Waldman won in three sets over Mike Ford at #2; Glenn Busby beat Mark Vines in straight sets and Waldman/Mike Tammen won 64 36 64 over Busby/Ford to clinch the tie. They played on center court and there was a big crowd for the doubles match. Photos will follow tomorrow or Saturday. They play Germany tomorrow.

The USA women’s 55 team fell to Netherlands. Vicki Buholz played Carole DeBruin at #2 and lost a heartbreaker…she won the first set, lost the second and the topsy-turvy final set fittingly ended in a tiebreak, won 75 by the Dutch. Tracy Houk fell to Lisa Prechtel at #1 singles and Shelly Works/Mary Dailey lost their doubles match in a a match tiebreak.

The women’s 50 team got a late start in Estoril due to rain, and only started after 2 in the afternoon. They played France and I believe are still on court. Julie Cass won in three sets at #2; Debbie Nasim lost in three sets at #1 and TBD for the doubles. Ros Nideffer and Debbie Nasim are playing the doubles…which is being played now under lights, starting around 9pm!

USA down a set and up 5/2 second set. Will update tomorrow morning.

Update, USA won 62 in third to advance to the final. 9 sets played, finished in fog at around 10:30 pm. Photo & updates by Andrea Rice.

USA Men’s 50 lost 3/0 to Belgium in the 5-8 playoff today. They play Germany in the 7-8 playoff tomorrow.

USA Men’s 55 had a bye today and play for 5th tomorrow.

The Gala Dinner last night was exceptional. It was in a botanical garden, nicely lighted as we walked through to the banquet area. The food was great and there were lots of fun deserts. We walked to the dinner from our accommodations and showed Tracey Thompson, who arrived yesterday, the view from the park.