Thursday August 15, 2019
Lisbon, Portugal
Today I played two matches in one day, doubling the amount of matches I’ve played in the tournament to date. I warmed up again with Jenny Klitch (who had the day off) and then played Leanne Scott of Australia. It was very windy at 9am and we were on a shady court but after a slow start I adjusted to the wind and shade and won 62 60. Susan Wright beat Elena Polyakova of Russia 63 61 a tough little player. Diane Barker beat Fiona Walker of Australia 61 63. The fourth semifinal was between #4 seeded Betty Michel of France and Carmen Lang Verdugo of Spain and was very competitive. Michel started slowly (or Lang started quickly), dropping the first set 60, but rebounded to win the final sets 64 61. Diane plays Betty and I play Susan tomorrow.
In doubles, Susan and Pat Medrado played a pair of Aussies, Wendy Harrison and Scott; unfortunately, Scott hurt her knee at 05 down and had to retire. Robin and I beat Annelies Simons, Netherlands and Penny Smith, NZL, and won 62 61. It was super windy though, and dusty. I was covered in clay by the end of the match, because of the swirling dust that enveloped the court. The groundskeepers couldn’t keep the clay wet enough, and there were dust clouds over the courts in the afternoon. Robin played great (to no one’s surprise) and it was a good match. We play the #3 seeds, Walker/Rosemary Everett tomorrow after they beat a pair of South African players in a match tiebreak. Tracey Thompson/Jenny Cerff beat Hazel Lindfield (GBR) and Christiane Deryckere (BEL). 76 62. They take on Susan/Pat tomorrow.
Jenny & Tracey
Christiane, Hazel, Tracey, Jenny
Carolyn, Robin, Annelies, Penny
After the doubles Susan was snacking on her lunch and a bee flew into her mouth and bit her on her tongue! Fortunately, she’s not allergic to bees and it only stung a bit (pun intended). A couple of Advil in the afternoon and she was almost as good as new.
Robin and Ross Persons, USA won their 60 mixed today over Stephen Dance/Walker of Australia 62 76. Ross is also into the men’s doubles semis along with American Mark Vines (playing with Glenn Busby, AUS). Vines is into the semis, getting a retirement win (pulled muscle) from his opponent and plays Busby tomorrow. Diane and Jack Baker lost in the quarters of the mixed.
Five USA women are in the 55 doubles semis, but only one was expected to be there. Fran Chandler gained a measure of revenge against Helga Nauck (who beat her in singles) and, along with Shelly Works beat Nauck/Katie Boeroecz of Germany, the top seeds 60 63. Vicki Buholz/Gayle Prejean upset the #3 seeds, and multiple world champions Ros Balodis/Leanne Swaysland in an exciting match 64 16 1/0(8), winning the match tiebreak on their third match point. They take on Mary Dailey (USA) and Klartje Van Baarle of Belgium in the semis, the 2nd seeds.
In men’s 55 doubles Dan Grossman/Polo Cowan are into the semis. Willie Alumbaugh/Scott Works fell 12-10 in a match tiebreak though in the quarters. Collin Smith (USA)/David Smith (RSA) are into the 55 doubles semis. Bill Moss lost to Franck Hervy of France in three sets in the quarters of the 55 singles.
To summarize: W60s: 3 singles semi finalists; 4 doubles semi finalists; MXD 60: 2 semifinalists; M60s: 1 singles semi finalist & 2 doubles semifinalists
55s: WD: 5 semifinalists; MD: 3 semifinalists
50s: WS: 1 semifinalist
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