The turnout was low but the spirits were high at the Comox Valley Tennis Club's Lewis Park Open, held Aug. 18-19 in Courtenay.
The round robin format made for challenging draw scheduling, but it came together with matches pretty much on schedule on Saturday and some delays on Sunday with last matches played around 4 p.m.
"Many of the matches were very entertaining to watch," a tourney spokesperson said. "In particular, the Men’s A doubles match featuring Mike Dewynter/Kent Marley against Joe Yelder and Rob Calder (who was filling in for Doug Preston) was a crowd pleaser. Rob displayed great court coverage and superior defensive skills – enough said! The onlookers were treated to a chagrinned Mike Dewynter dropping to the ground and performing push-ups at the command of his partner for failing to hold up his end of the court during a particular point."
Working behind the scenes, Pat and Marion McGrath purchased, prepared and served morning and noon refreshments for the players throughout the tournament. They were the first to arrive and the last to leave each night. "... an extra special thank you for your warm hospitality which was greatly appreciated by all of the participants.
"(Also thanks to) everyone else who helped make the tournament a success – from stuffing gift bags, running errands such as picking up the balls and sponsor banners, to washing a dish, helping run the draw desk, preparing the courts, setting up chairs, hanging sponsor banners and making sure Kimmie didn’t get locked in the washroom.
"Of course, without the participants, there would not have been a tournament. Thank you for your good sportsmanship and your co-operation, cheerfulness and patience throughout the weekend. Last but not least, the generosity of our sponsors enhanced the players' tournament experience. We gratefully thank and acknowledge Costco, Thrifty Foods, High Strung Racquets, Harbourview Therapeutic Massage, Old House Village Hotel & Oh Spa, Booster Juice, Boston Pizza, Crown Isle Golf Resort, Videos 'N' More, and Plates Eatery."
Results:
Mens A Doubles Winners: Mike Dewynter (Powell River) & Ken Marley (Victoria); Finalists: Rael Labbe & Berend Henckel (Comox Valley).
Womens A Doubles Winners: Wendy Thurlborn & Brenda Ravenstein (Campbell River); Finalists: Annette Mayo & Cathy Curry (Comox Valley).
Mens A Singles Winner: Kent Marley (Victoria); Finalist: Don Axtell (Comox Valley).
Mens A Singles Consolation Winner: Berend Henckel (Comox Valley); Finalist: Faress Barraquias (Nanaimo).
Mens B Singles Winner: Barry Larson (Nanaimo); Finalist: George Warren (Comox Valley).
Mens B Singles Consolation Winner: Patrick McGrath (Comox Valley); Finalist: Steve Pettit (Nanaimo).
Womens B Singles Winner: Marjorie Milliken (Comox Valley); Finalist: Danielle Caldwell (Comox Valley).
Mixed Doubles A Winners: Wendy Thurborn (Campbell River) & Mike Dewynter (Powell River); Finalists: Annette Mayo & Rael Labbe (Comox Valley).
Mixed Doubles B Winners: Sharon Daly & Darryl Gurney (Comox Valley); Finalists: Deborah & Kurt Nielsen (Comox Valley).
– Comox Valley Tennis Club