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Flex League keeps interest on courts

By NANCY MORGAN
Published November 15, 2006

Though Ed Kravitz played some tennis with his friends as a youth, he didn't really get into the game until he was in his 30s.

Kravitz, 41, is among the winners in the summer session of the St. Petersburg Flex League.

In 2000, the Northeast graduate first joined the city league and immediately won the B-2 division. After being out of the area for a couple of years, Kravitz returned and rejoined the league in its B-1 division. He won last spring's B-1 and advanced to the summer's A-4.

"This league was the first I joined in St. Pete, and I really like it," Kravitz said. "I've met a lot of great people and tennis is a good exercise. I played a lot of baseball and golf as a kid, but you can't play much baseball as an adult.

"My sister played in the flex league in the late '80s and told me about it. I probably spent about one and a half years in B-1 before winning it. It's a tough division, and depending on what players are coming through, the competition can be really strong."

Kravitz played to a 6-3 record in A-4 and entered a playoff with Ken Ford, who also finished with a 6-3 record in the five-player division, and Tonu Toomepuu. Kravitz first beat Toomepuu 7-6, 2-6, 6-1, then Ford 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

"I'm a power player and like to play from the baseline," Kravitz said. "I have a power serve and usually try to end the point as quickly as possible. Because of my power, I prefer to play on hard courts."

Joining Kravitz in the winners' circle in the A divisions are Greg Hilbert in A-1, Stefan Frisch A-2 and David Macaulay A-3. Elisabeth Leitner won the women's A-1 and Donna Doyle A-2.

B winners included Kendra Pioch in the women's division, Bill Murray men's B-1, Gary Mellenbruch (B-2) and Alex Lam (B-3).

The flex league's fall season is more than halfway complete. A banquet next month will recognize winners from the 2006 season. For information on the 2007 season, contact Sue DeLong at 893-7755.

LEAGUE NEWS: Tonight at 6, captains for the men's and women's senior, super senior and super 70 doubles leagues, senior mixed doubles and the women's 6.5 evening combo leagues should meet with league coordinators at Feather Sound Country Club.

- Competition is winding down this month for 17 women's teams and four men's in the South County Doubles League. Women's action includes four teams in the 3.0 and 3.25 division and eight in the 3.5. Men are competing in the 3.5.

NET SHOTS: Agatha Ambrozy and Amy Lowther reached the round of 16 in last weekend's Designated Girls 12-and-under Tournament in North Miami. Ambrozy is the No. 4 seed in the 64-player draw and Lowther is No. 7.

For final results, go to www.ustaflorida.com and click on junior tournaments.

- No. 13 seed Alexander Saltiel played to the round of 16 in last weekend's Designated Boys 12-and-under Tournament in North Miami before losing to the No. 2 seed.

- Among the winners in last weekend's Pete Wolfberg 16th annual Championships were Natalia Pogrebniak in the girls 10, Luba Pogrebniak (18) and Ricky Szymanski (boys 14). Stephanie Cruz was a girls 12 finalist, as was Shannon Cruz in the 10. Mason Beiler won the boys 10 consolation draw.

- Anastasia Nefedova upset the top seed to win the girls 12 singles title in the Junior Clay Court Challenge at Hunter's Green Country Club. David Teytelbaum played to the boys 12 final.

MARK THE DATE: The College Tennis Academy is planning its annual Tennis Exposure Camp for junior players ages 15-18 Dec. 9-10 at USF. Call 1-800-446-2238 or visit www.collegetennis.com.

COMING UP: The East Lake Super Series for juniors begins Saturday at East Lake Woodlands. Call 785-2212 today. ...The Turkey Bowl Super Series for juniors is Nov. 24-26 at the Seminole Lake Tennis Academy. Call 394-1733.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 445-4119; e-mailed to namorgan@tampabay.rr.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified November 14, 2006, 21:38:39]