OUT4TENNIS returned to West Wood for its annual Christmas Tournament bringing together a mix of regulars and newbies from around Ireland and beyond.
The 4th Annual Men’s Christmas Tournament which took place at West Wood recently attracted an entry of 33 players, the maximum which could be accommodated for this one day tournament.
Divison A saw the return of many winners and top seeds from previous tournaments including David McCrystal (Ballynafeigh LTC, Belfast), Aiden Creavin, Gary Lynch, Owen Morgan, Alan Farrell and Niall Curran. Overseas visits included Hein Jan Lapidaire of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance www.glta.net , Jason Mockyen (New York) and Owen Morgan (Cambridge).
Division B attracted and entry of eight players with a heavy Mount Pleasant contingent.
Division C likewise had an entry of eight players. New players to OUT4TENNIS included Stephen Markham (Swords LTC), Karl Murray (Monkstown LTC), Jason Mockyen (New York), Daragh Cassidy, Eugene Renehan (Mount Pleasant), Arvan Cadavis, Seamus Duffy, Simon Ahern and Jim XX.
RESULTS:
A round robin format (one set) was played out.
Disision A: Winners from their round robins were David McCrystal, Aiden Creavin, Alan Farrell and Niall Curran, All players went through to semi’s with Niall Curran and David McCrystal going though to the final. A very focused Niall Curran over came the Belfast man, winning 6-2.
Division B: A strong Mout Pleasant contingent dominated the results in Division B with David Bordas, Denis Delaney, Ken Wardrop (all Mount Pleasant) going into the semi-finals with Brian Cotter (Charleville LTC). Emerging from the semi’s were Ken Wardrop and David Bordas. A close final saw Ken Wardrop emerging victorious winning 6-3 to walk away with the Dublin Crystal plaque.
Division C: Emerging from their round-robins were Barry Dignam, Hugh Walsh, Ronan MacMuiris and Seamus Duffy. In the semi’s, Barry had an easy ride over Hugh while Ronan hasd a closer semi, winning 6-3. In the final, Barry Dignam emerged victorious winning 6-1 over Ronan, to take the Dublin Crystal plaque.
We were delighted to welcome Rosa Stephens of Tennis Ireland Leinster Branch who awarded the prizes with Hein Jan Lapidaire of the GLTA.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS QUIZ:
Albert Dolan’s challenging annual quiz tested players tennis knowledge including questions such as:
WHO IS THE US OPEN LADIES CHAMPION?
HE NEVER WON IT, BUT HOW MANY US OPEN GRAND SLAM SINGLES FINALS DID BJORN BORG LOSE?
The brainiest player was David McCrystal!
THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER AWARD:
The Roger Federer Best Package award was hotly contested with newbie Eugene 'running away' with the much coveted award.
The next Dublin men's tournament will be held at West Wood on Saturday 7th March, 2009. Online registration opens Monday 2nd February.