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The 11th annual Humane Society Charity Tournament is set for Sept. 29-Oct. 3.
Played at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater since its 1993 inception, the men's, women's and mixed doubles competition last year had 250 players and helped generate $16,000 for the Pinellas animal shelter.
"One big change we've made this year to satisfy the players that want to compete in two events is to use the 10-point tie-breaker for the third set in both main-draw and consolation rounds up to the finals," tournament chairperson Judy Foster said. "We had to do that or limit the draws with such a large tournament. In the finals of the main draw and consolation, we'll use the best two-of-three sets format.
"In view of the hurricanes Florida has had lately, the Humane Society has taken in over 200 animals that were displaced," she said. "We daily service about 300 animals, and to add this additional influx of animals certainly increases the costs. The money raised in the tournament is especially important this year, and I hope to reach $20,000."
In addition to the shortened format of play leading to the finals and helping increase the flow of competition, a mist tent will be used for the first time to alleviate heat and dehydration. A temperature relief of about 20 degrees should be felt by those using the tent, Foster said.
A pre-tournament party at the club is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29. A Junior Fun Night is Oct. 1 from 6-8:30 p.m. Competition may begin Thursday, if necessary, with the majority of matches Saturday-Sunday.
The popular silent auction returns and includes an Andre Agassi-signed tennis ball, a dining-around-town package, T-shirt signed by Billie Jean King, autographed baseballs and Maria Sharapova-signed Sports Illustrated issue. "We have so many items and have people bidding on items that don't even play tennis," Foster said. "There's something for just about everyone at the auction. We hope lots of people will come out, watch some tennis and bid on items."
Foster and her team of volunteers began planning in January. Among those returning to work are Foster's husband, Nic, Donna Roberts, Doreen and Charles Sleeme, Mary Miller, Sherri McGahee, Bea Casanova, Karen Matthews, Dolores Schmitz, Pat Stewart and Kiki Jacobsen.
First-year volunteers include Kyran Cary, Dee Moore, Coni Pappas, Linda Doty, Donita Clayton and Betsy McKenna. Donna Coddington is the tournament director.
Foster has chaired the event all 11 years. The tourney is played in memory of Foster's daughter, Shannon Morton, who began volunteering at the Humane Society when she was 13. First-year sponsor Knology is providing 600 30-second shots on its cable system to advertise the tournament and gift packages, including a color TV, Blue Jays tickets and free service for a specified time; and is assisting with Junior Fun Night.
Humane Society executive director Rick Chaboudy is especially pleased with the tourney and its impact on the shelter's budget.
"With the additional expenses we've had this last month beyond our usual costs, this tournament is more important than ever," Chaboudy said.
"We brought in 259 animals from the hurricanes, and that adds strain to the budget and to the staff but it had to be done. It could just as easily been us needing the help."
Playing levels include 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and open in men's, women's and mixed competition. The deadline to register is 2 p.m Sept. 26.
Entries are available at area tennis facilities and should be mailed to Royal Racquet Club, 2565 N.E. Coachman Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765.
For information, call the club, 791-8415; or Foster, 725-3681.
LEAGUE NEWS: For the second time this month, the USA Tennis Florida Adult League Sectional Championships have been rescheduled due to the threat of hurricanes.
The event now is Sept. 24-26 at Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Regional champions should register with the office today. Winners advance to the national tournament.
Originally, 50 men's and women's teams - each a winner from one of four regional competitions - registered for the Aug. 13-15 state tourney, with two withdrawing. Interrupted by Hurricane Charley, the tournament was re-scheduled for Sept. 11-13, with 46 squads entered. With the threat of Hurricane Ivan, the event was postponed until Sept. 24-26.
The second season of the USA Tennis Florida Women's Fall Adult League began this month for 21 teams in 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 divisions. Competition continues through October.
In its first year, the USA Tennis Florida Fall Adult League has 17 men's squads and almost 200 players at 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 levels.
For information, contact women's coordinator Carol Levin, clevin01@tampabay.rr.com or Ruthann Ott, ruthann.ott@verizon.net For the men, contact Norm Ott, norm.ott@veizon.net
NET SHOTS: Edward Corty won the boys 12-and-under singles in last weekend's University of Tampa Bash.
The second-seeded Corty posted a 6-4, 7-5 decision over Wesley Chapel's Anthony Collard. Angel Deng (girls 10 division) was among the main-draw finalists.
Consolation winners included Matt Herrock (boys 14), Nicholas Gallauer (18) and Ronnie Lopez (16). Top-seeded Macey Cook (girls 12), Anastasia Nefedova (10), Kyle Gallauer (boys 14) and Michael Beiler (12) reached the consolation finals.
Ariana Zayac (girls 12 class) and Alexander Saltiel (boys 10) played to the finals in last month's Labor Day Championships at Cheval Golf and Country Club.
Plans are under way for the 21st annual Raymond James Pro/Am Tournament, Oct. 23-24 at Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club.
The charity event benefits All Children's Hospital. For sponsorship information, call Eric Branson, 551-5280; or Darlene Grayson, 892-4688. For playing spots, call Scott Smith, 367-5479. The After School Tennis Program begins next month for Pinellas County students in grades 4-12 and of all skill levels.
The program is scheduled for Oct. 4-Nov. 21. Transportation will be provided from the school to one of three participating tennis facilities.
For information, call Irene Tharin, 784-4938; or Susan Winship, 733-2750.
COMING UP: The Clearwater Fall Championships are Saturday-Monday at McMullen Tennis Center. For information, call 669-1919. ... The SPTC Adult Classic Championships begin Saturday at St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call 360-2643 to register for the age-division singles and doubles competition.
- News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.