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Four doubles leagues emerge champs

By NANCY MORGAN
Published January 31, 2007

The South Pinellas Doubles League completed its 11th year last month with winners named in three women's divisions and one men's. A total of 16 women's teams and five men's participated.

Winners in the women's divisions included St. Petersburg Country Club Aces in 3.25, Vinoy 3.0 and St. Petersburg Tennis Center 3.5. Isla Del Sol Country Club won the men's 3.0-3.5.

Since Sam Vuille, tennis director at St. Petersburg Country Club, introduced the women's league in 1996, three seasons have been offered to clubs locally. The men's league began in 2002.

The St. Petersburg Country Club Aces relied mainly on captain Suzi Kinter partnering with Ann Goldman, and Melanie Powell playing with Kathy Luering to compete in its eight-team league in the 3.25. Cindy Bellini filled in when needed. The team went 10-0 and collected 19 points compared to second-place Vinoy Fab Four and Treasure Island Racquettes teams tied with 13.

"Most of the season, the four of us played and were undefeated in positions except once," Kinter said. "We had a great time. For the last two years, we played in the 3.5 and won and lost half our matches. We've moved back up to the 3.5 for the spring season and are having a good time."

Carrie Kilgroe, captain of a Vinoy squad that won the league's 3.0 division among four teams, said her teammates committed to being available to play Wednesdays and consequently only signed up four players. Playing with Kilgroe was Betsy Cureton, and Erica Allums partnered with Tracey Williams.

"This was our second time in the league and we built some great camaraderie with the girls we played," Kilgroe said.

This season, the Vinoy squad is competing in the 3.25 division.

It was the first season in the league for Diane McDaniel and her SPTC teammates in the four-team 3.5 division. Relying primarily on McDaniel teaming with Janice Stone and Karen Edwards with Elizabeth McCusker, the squad was unbeaten in an eight-match schedule. Rounding out the team were Gayle Woodley and Judy Ralph.

The winner in the men's 3.0-3.5 division came down to a tiebreak, with Isla Del Sol, edging Bardmoor in individual position wins, 12 to 11.

"When we first started in the league, we weren't ready and didn't have all our guys," nonplaying captain Bob Curtis said. "Once we got going, we kept it going. We'll be out to defend in the spring league."

Regular players Mike Mayo, Dick Aliotti, Glenn Phillips and Joe Stankowicz combined with John Gibbs, John Amodeo, Dick Mullens, Paul Margarone, Larry Reynel, Jim Budreau and Mike Premovic to post a 6-2 overall record in the five-team division.

Call Vuille, 867-9105, for information on the spring season.

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: A record 168 players participated in this month's fifth annual Tournament of Champions at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater. Crowned champions of the 2006 charity tournaments were Janet Poort and Karen Randazzo in the women's 4.5 round robin, Susan Hobbs and Ann Worthington 4.0 and Jill Faw and Charlotte Tao 3.5. Among the men winners were Eric Alvarado and Chris Rivera in 4.5, Troy Felland and John McDonnell 4.0 and Larry Nickerson and Jeff Kopelman 3.5.

NET SHOTS: Thinh Duong defended his singles title in last month's 38th annual Dan Sullivan Homecoming Invitational at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Duong, a Lakewood graduate who played for Lenoir-Rhyne, finished ahead of Ralph Howe, who recently won a national singles title in the men's 65-and-over division.

BEAT THE DEADLINE: Signups for Ultimate Tennis conclude today. The season begins Feb. 17. Visit www.ultimatetennis.com or call 347-2522.

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 January 30, 2007, 22:25:46]