K-Swiss summer league crowns champs

Singles competitors endured heat and humidity to battle in the K-Swiss Tennis League Summer Playoffs at Clearwater's Royal Racquet Club last weekend.

Champions in nine women's divisions and 11 men's classes were determined during the two-day event.

Among those surviving the challenges from the weather and opponents were area players Marie Drew (in the 5.0 bracket) and Terry O'Grady (6.0). First-time K-Swiss members Lanny Lewis and Al Sanchez won in 5.0 and 2.5, respectively.

It was Drew's second time in the 5.0 division. The Tyrone Middle School teacher was happy with her performance after finishing second in the last playoff.

"We had a mix of players in the summer league with some good competition," Drew said. "I was unbeaten during the summer, except for one default, and came in second place in league play.

"In the final match, it was very close and could have gone either way," she said. "We were both having issues with holding on to our racquets because of the humidity. I just tried to keep the ball in one more time than she."

Drew defeated Debbie Dawson 6-4, 6-0 for the title. Drew will move up to the 5.5 class for the fall season.

O'Grady, a former Rollins College player, atoned for two earlier losses with a victory in the semifinal and final matches. He defeated Ron Mercado 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 in the semifinal and David Fink 6-1, 6-0 in the championship.

"You never know what's going to happen in a match," O'Grady said.

"In the season, Ron had beaten me 6-2, 7-5 and David beat me in a third-set tiebreak. I guess I figured them out for the playoffs."

O'Grady will compete again in the playoffs since there is no 6.5 division.

Lewis, who lives in south Tampa and works in the Eckerd Corporation offices in Largo, compiled a 10-0 record in his first K-Swiss appearance.

"I had a good run in my first time back into tennis," Lewis said. "I played Division III tennis at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., but haven't played much for a while."

Lewis, who grew up learning the serve and volley game on hard courts, developed his clay-court style after moving to Florida seven years ago.

"I have a pretty big forehand and like to put pressure on my opponent's weakness," he said. "The league was fun, and I'm looking forward to the fall one."

Sanchez, who resides in St.Petersburg and works in Clearwater, did not play the sport until college intramurals.

With an unblemished record in the summer league, Sanchez had the home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

"It was nice not to have to travel until it was time for the semifinal round," Sanchez said. "That helped, plus I'm a fairly consistent and steady player.

"I'm not overpowering, but I'm able to analyze my opponent's game and alter my own if need be. That way, I can exploit his weaknesses."

Sanchez not only won the Tampa Bay area 2.5 title, but captured the K-Swiss regional championship in a playoff with a Fort Meyers winner.

Other Pinellas women's champs included Shannon Handley (2.5) and Linda Thomson (4.5-minus). On the men's side were Brent Gardner (3.5-minus), Scott Abrams (4.0-minus), John Savage (4.0), Ron Bedlack (4.5) and Jason Horowitz (5.5).

For information on the K-Swiss fall session, call (727) 865-0615 or go online to www.ultimatetennis.com.

NET SHOTS: In the Florida State Closed for the men's 40-and-over and 60 singles divisions, No.3 Andres Molina played to the round of 16 in the 40 class and Will Roeper reached a 60 quarterfinal.

Timothy Neilly, who has trained at Seminole Lake Tennis Center, advanced to a quarterfinal in the USTA Junior International Hard Court Championships in Pennington, N.J. The tournament was for players 18-and-under. Tenth-seeded Daigo Sakurai made the round of 32, and Anabella Plasencia lost in a girls 18 opener.

Oldsmar's Morgan Frank, who trains at Seminole Lake Tennis Center, advanced to a semifinal in the MCB Girls 14 Championships in Dallas. The sixth-seeded player won two matches with 6-1, 6-0 scores before falling in straight sets to No.1 Hannah Robinson of Louisiana.

The South Pinellas Doubles League begins next month. The three-team competition for women includes 3.0-3.5 and 3.5-4.0 levels. The men's league offers 3.0-3.5, 3.5-4.0 and 4.0-4.5. The cost is $20 per squad. For information, call St.Petersburg Country Club, 867-9105.

The Largo Tennis Center, with USPTA-certified teaching professional Linda Kettell, will host a free clinic 1 p.m. Sept.8 for juniors and another at 1:30 for adults. Call 403-8588.

MARK THE DATE: Plans are underway for the 19th annual Charity Pro/Am Tennis Tournament, Oct.19-20.

Played at Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club with title sponsor Raymond James, the event will benefit All Children's Hospital.

In addition to the competition, former professional player and current University of South Florida coach Gigi Fernandez will participate in an exhibition match.

For information, call the club, 367-5479.

COMING UP: The Bay Area Adult Championships at McMullen Tennis Center in Clearwater begin Friday.

Men's and women's singles and doubles age divisions in open, 30-and-over, 40 and 50 are offered. For information, call Tomas Ollestad, (727) 669-1919.

Cheval Country Club will have its Labor Day Championships, for junior singles players, Saturday.

Call (813) 948-2282 to enter the state-sanctioned competition.

The ninth annual Charity Tennis Tournament to benefit the Humane Society of North Pinellas is scheduled for Sept.13-15.

Played at Royal Racquet Club, the event includes men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles. Call (727) 791-8415.

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