The Jill Gaynor Tournament began tonight with near perfect weather. It rained in the beginning only to clear up for a perfect night of tennis. A summer cool breeze put all on notice that Jill Gaynor lived up to it's billing as the first Fall tournament of the year.

There to enjoy it were Junior and adult players in mixed doubles, doubles and singles. The highlight match of the evening had to be Cameron Parker vs Dean Stavri. Both players have a complete game, and although they are high school players, they  have the tools to go against any of the local open players. And that is what they are aiming to do. The wind was furious and the rain sporadic for the first hour of their match. But this was no problem for Cameron as he thrived in this environment earlier this year at the Mutterspaw Championships. To me the wind is always my asset because I know at the least I am not going to let it throw me off my game, opening up the possibility that my opponent will. Cameron won 6-2, 6-0. Click here to read about Mutterspaw tournament.

 I had a chance to compete against the wind and elements as well, as I played Felix Frayman. He was the type of player that you knew could beat you, but was unable to do it tonight. Instead I won a very close first set 6-4, and the second set 6-2. But even at 5-1 I knew the feelings I had of "Having it won" were false. This player could and may have come back had I believed such a "Feeling." But I did not. I played the last game like the first and at the end was satisfied that I won the game within myself. I was asked after the match if I won and I exclaimed "I always win." And this is not to say I always win the match score, but one can always win the battle with themselves to play focused and 100%, with calm and integrity. Then at the end you know you played right and have no regrets, therefore winning. Tonight I happen to win the points as well.

That is what I like about this game, is the mental challenge and the various principles that apply to the game far beyond the forehand stroke. Looking at the US Open articles and Video interviews at www.USOpen.org , it is apparent that players with the most amazing strokes break down mentally and lose on that alone. While other players who may not have the physical prowess come through strictly due to mental toughness. I walked into Palace Station today to play their free football contest and I saw a match on the T.V.,  Fernando Gonzalez vs Sjeng Schalken. I only watched a few points but in that short time I could see as plain as day Fernando Gonzalez had quit in him. His focus was way off, he was mopey and his disposition was far from that of a winner. To myself I bet against him right then and there. To me, even of if a guy like that wins the points it is a loss. No quit, or Quit. That is the choice. In him I saw quit. 

I can not say I saw any quit tonight at UNLV Frank and Vicki Fertitta Tennis Complex, where the tournament got on it's way. It was all play. Steve Henderson and Herman Vernell battled it out in the 3.5. Steve is the captain of the Flamingo team which won Districts and went to sectionals weeks ago. Click here to see the sectionals and District Finals review and photos. Steve won this match 6-2, 6-2.

In 4.0 play it was Desert Palm's 4.0 team member  Brad Biehl  playing Jacob Jones, who is in town from Idaho on account that his grandparents live here. He saw the tournament on the web and decided to play while he is in town. Brad's mom was on hand to watch her son play, as she too plays the game, and on a winning team. Her Red Rock 3.5 team won Districts and also won Nationals just weeks ago. Click here to see the sectionals and District Finals review and photos. Brad Biehl won both his singles match 6-2, 6-4 and his mixed doubles match 6-1; 3-6; 6-2 .

On the next court was Brian Lashley playing  Steven Jarzemboski. Brian won this match moving him into the semifinals. I know Steve from playing down at Baskin Park and playing him last year at the Spanish Trail tournament. At that point he was a 3.5 player but has since been moved up to 4.0. Both players can hit a powerful ball, but tonight Brian had the control in order to make it happen. Brian won 6-2, 6-2.  Not playing this evening is John Hempel, the number one seed, who finds himself in many a final this summer.

The number two seed in the men's 4.0 draw is Robert Kinas and has proven himself to be quite the competitor as he gave Kenneth Moy his best competition of the year at this years Stacy Darling 4.0 final where Robert came in second in a very close match. Robert and his wife Mary just moved here from Phoenix last year but have quickly made their presence known with their play and involvement in the local tennis scene. Robert is on the Red Rock men's 4.0 team which just won Sectionals in Utah and will be competing at Nationals. He and his wife have just taken the initiative to put together a tournament of their own called the Snell & Wilmer Tennis Challenge. This was merely an idea they acted on instead of doubting. What is great about life and tennis is when you are led to do something and you see it through. Whether it be a rush to the net or an acting upon what you know instead of doubting it. This type of initiative is what gives life to the game. As it turns out, the vent is a 32 player draw in a unique round robin format. And the night before is a 120 person dinner party with guests from all over the valley and southwest, including Robert and Mary's old hometown Phoenix. 

Another novel idea was Tim Blenkiron's Open players tournament he put together weeks ago. Click here to see the article, pictures and Video Highlights at Canyon Gate. 

If you are led to do something why not do it? If everyone doubted what they were led to do there would be no Jill Gaynor tournament, USTA, Snell & Wilmer Tennis Challenge, TEAM AGASSI or  VegasTennis.com for that matter.

Tonight there were a lot of individuals who were led to be a part of the Jill Gaynor Scholarship and the tournament which funds it. Tournament Sponsors were.... the before mentioned Robert and Mary Kinas,... Fred and Jan Darling...Port of Subs donated the "Hoagies" or Subs....Logo's Plus, a T-Shirt maker... Namark Promotional Advertising.... Ames and Kartzinel, LTD Obstetrics and Gynecology.....Cari Gaynor... Craig Witcher and Tanja Barrows of Lorenzi Racquet Club..... Ken and Charlotte Dennis .... Mobil Medical Services ....Reno Heart Physicians and old.vegastennis.com.

All proceeds from the entry fee along with sponsorships and donated funds go toward the yearly scholarship awarded to a local  junior player. If you are a junior player that wants an application to apply for the scholarship you can click here to have a entry form e-mailed or mailed to you.  If you want to donate funds or services to this scholarship or to the NTA's other programs, click here to submit your pledge.

The 8.0 mixed looks eventful. There are a variety of combinations. Charles Wolfe and his wife Joni Wolfe are both 4.0, as is   James Eisenberg and his partner Janet Wellman. Janet is on many league teams while James just recently swept through the Club Sport Volvo Indoor tournament. Click here to see the Club Sport draw, photos and review. They won their first round match 6-1, 6-2.  Robert Beltrano  and Jayne Masden played Brad Biehl and Sara Hallberg on court one. Jayne is now a second grade teacher and still works at Club Sport in the Summers.   Nana Schafer  and Christopher Tofuri played Green Valley High School tennis coach  Luther Bohanan   and TPC Sectional champion Jennifer Peterson . Jennifer is on the Mixed 7.0 team which won Sectionals and is on their way to Regionals. She and her TPC partner  Don Curnutt went undefeated all season and at Sectionals. Click here to see the mixed League review.

Speaking of mixed doubles a very unique opportunity is afoot. The Sectionals for this fall's mixed doubles league is at UNLV. So if you are on the team that wins the Las Vegas Division, instead of flying to Salt Lake or Denver, or Phoenix,  it is a drive away...home court advantage. Another unique situation is that instead of it being a weekly league, this fall the division will be decided by one long weekend round robin. Stacey McGowen of the Nevada Tennis Association says she will try to arrange the schedule so that those who are playing on weekend leagues will be able to play without missing their team matches. This will be accomplished with a bye for that week or scheduling around the one time weekend tournament. There are no guarantees though. 

The winner of the round robin goes to sectionals. Winner takes all. And the cost of the league is $17.00. Anyone who is interested in putting a team together or being added to an existing team can contact the NTA at 792-8384 and talk with Stacey or Frankie Verhaalen or click here to e-mail your requests. I am putting together a VegasTennis.com team for 3.0. If you are interested call me at 822-1081. I can not play in it as I am not 3.0 and this fall league does not allow combined. But I will coordinate the team and put it together. If you have a team and need players contact me and I can place a "Players wanted" sign on the site. If you need a 3.5 or higher player I can play as well.

 Playing in the open Division tonight were a number of the better players in Las Vegas. Some  juniors decided to give the open category a shot. Dean Stavri and Cameron Parker are junior players who often excel in any format, yet it was a first time for Sean Kurtz playing in the open division of an adult tournament and he seemed to be holding his own. While he did not win this evening he seemed to be enjoying the challenge. He played Khalid Ali, who himself at one time was a competitive junior player in Las Vegas. Khalid won the first set 6-2, then Sean gave him a run for his money in the second set but Khalid pulled it off in the tie breaker. The final score was 6-0, 7-6.

Also in the Open category is Summerlin's Tennis Professional and Bishop Gorman's tennis coach Gordon Hammond. Gordon just came back himself from sectionals where he was the Sectional verifier. He is also on the men's 5.0 team which won the Las Vegas District and represented Nevada at Sectionals. Gordon played Adam Demichael, as his wife watched on. Prior in the evening he was playing with his fairly young child, having equally as much fun at play as his son. This is his first son and when ever he had a chance his attention was with this little man.

 He also described the satisfaction he gets in coaching high school tennis at Bishop Gorman. He described the intangible benefits of being able to see young players develop in the game and how while it cuts in on his teaching time, it is well worth it. To him he gets as much if not more out of it then the girl's he coaches. I have seen that if man does what he knows to be right then all benefit. There is an intuitive knowing that guides us to do various things in our lives, whether it is start a web site, coach a team, take out the trash now, clean the garage, or what ever it may be, and it is in doing these things as we are shown to do them, that makes us whole. Then when the perceived challenges of life, whether it is being a father, coach or player comes our way, there is a self satisfaction that sustains us through those moments. Like this web site. One parent came up to me and thanked me for doing this for the "Kids" as I was at a junior tournament. And I explained that while it may very well be a benefit to the junior players I did it for myself, simply because I knew I should do it.  If others like it great..

Bobby Jelone played Ken Goldman tonight. This is the first time I have seen Ken at the tournaments, but I have only been covering these tournaments for about a year now. Bobby is a senior at Silverado where he is one of the captains on the tennis team. He just recently came in second place at the Summerlin Junior Fall Open. Click here to see the Summerlin Fall Open draw, article and photos. Tonight he was hitting the ball hard as his father watched on from the sidelines. But it was not enough as the elder Ken Goldman took the match 6-2, 6-4.

Leonard Sath played Jeffrey Hildebrandt  and won in two sets. Leonard played on the Lorenzi 3.0 team which won Districts this year.

Stacey McGowen, the Nevada Tennis Association's (NTA) Adult Program Coordinator, was on hand to make sure the event went smoothly. Stacey and Frankie Verhaalen have been working for months to make sure this Annual tournament gets injected with some new life. This included getting a large number of sponsors, some impressive looking trophies, food and drinks for players and  tournament posters to promote the event. 

The tournament is named after Jill Gaynor who died years ago of breast Cancer. The Nevada Tennis Association (NTA) relies on this tournament's entry fee, sponsors and donations to fund this Scholarship and the other local tennis programs. The NTA administers League, Tournament, Junior, Adult and Scholastic tennis programs throughout the Valley. These programs range from beginner to advanced playing. Anyone is welcome to play.

Anyone is welcome to donate their time and money to the Jill Gaynor Scholarship or to keep the NTA's other programs running. Point is each person has their own ideas on how to make tennis in the Valley thrive and there is every reason why one can follow through on them.

One such example is the work Fred and Jan Darling have done with Sandy Foley at the NTA to bring Las Vegas a 23 court tennis facility that makes Las Vegas eligible to host National tournaments. The new facility will be able to accommodate sectional and regional events as well, or possibly a professional tennis challenger. This was all made possible by the donation from the Darling Foundation along with the NTA's work with the city on a variety of other logistics to secure the land and remaining funds. 

Not everyone has to donate large sums of money. Many have donated $50.00, $100.00, $1,000.00, while others like myself offered services and time.  And tonight there were just enough players who offered their entry fees to make for an almost perfectly sized draw. At least for me....  If you have an idea, question, donation or request for the NTA click here to e-mail, or call 792-8384.

DAY 2

Again the weather was perfect. A nice wind to add to the challenge along with a perfect temperature. A far cry from past Jill Gaynor tournaments held in early August. This year they had the insight to push the event a month later into September and it has paid off. On the court tonight was Khalid Ali playing Steve Landon. This match went all the way to three sets, as Steve took the final set, advancing him to the semifinals. Final score was  6-0; 3-6; 6-1. Steve played professional tennis for a period of time in Europe and that is where he met Gordon Hammond. Gordon was a teaching pro in England and was Steve's coach for some time. Now the two work together at Summerlin.  Gordon was also on hand as he played and won in two sets against Ian Magid. The 14 year old junior was assertive in signing up for the event and was able to see his game played against an open level player. He is a freshman at Palo Verde high school where he and his brother play on the tennis team.  His father once played professional level racquet ball and now is a teaching professional at the Luxor and Mandalay Bay casino. He is very much involved with his son's team at Palo Verde. The captain of that team was also present tonight in Cameron Parker. Cameron not only won States last year as a sophomore, but as a junior he was chosen among all the high school players in the country for All American; A designation only 50 other players can claim. Tonight his father and mother were on hand to watch their son battle another local standout in Robert Aguilar. Robert was shrewd in knowing the wind and played a very consistent game, not playing into Cameron's strength.. his pace. Instead he kept the ball in play and gave Cameron a very difficult time in the first two sets. The first set was won by Cameron 6-4 and the second set was won by Robert in the tie breaker. But in the end Cameron came through winning the third set decisively in what turned out to be a very close match. Final score was 6-4; 6-7; 6-2. Robert was the 4.5 finalist at Spanish Trails tournament earlier this year in the men's 4.5. Khalid Ali won that tournament in the 4.5. Both players this time are playing in the open category. Click here to see the review, photos and draw from the Spanish Trail tournament. Robert also plays on the mixed doubles Spanish Oaks team which went to sectionals this year and came in second. His father Fred is also on this team and is also playing in this tournament with John Hempel in the 4.0 doubles. His mother works at the NTA. Click here to read about Roberts Mixed doubles League Success.

 

Private Lessons By Fred Magid.... call 233-0495

Speaking of Doubles, the men's 4.0 category had an excellent match this evening. Dan Jackson and his partner Tom Tanksley took on Steven Jarzemboski  and Tia Vongsamphanh. Red Rock vs Baskin Park. I have played numerous times with Tia and Steve at Las Vegas's pick up tennis central Baskin Park, and when on both players perform at a very high level. 

Dan Jackson and his partner just got back from Salt Lake city where their team won the sectional tournament and now are on their way to nationals. Click here to see the sectionals and District Finals review and photos.  The first set is an example of why I never believe the "Thought" which tells me "You have it won." Tia and Steve were down four to one only to comeback and win the set. Then Dan and Tom came back to win the second. The final set was equally as close but in the end TEAM Baskin Park took the third set and the match to advance to the semifinals. The final score was 6-4; 4-6; 6-3. Next they play the well paced hitters Fred Aguilar and John Hempel, both of which know how to keep the ball in play. We will see if the hard hitting duo of  Tia and Steve can play the consistent game they will need to defeat this patient pair.

Winning the first round for ladies 2.5 was Katharine  Lowe  and her team mate Stacie Rivers, both of which play on TPC's league team.  

In mixed doubles Bonnie Jeu and Lisa Welsh played Mila Ortiz and her partner Richie Jenkins. This is their first 3.0 match as they are both rated 2.5. They have won most 2.5 tournaments and have now play in a 3.0 league team.  They were satisfied with winning their "1st 3.0" match, and commented that it was not much different then 2.5. I pointed out that those numbers are just "Make believe." On any given day you can play and win or play and lose against just about anyone. They have heard it before but tonight reality showed them that 3.0 is not the big bad realm it was once thought to be. In fact it is no different. Their YMCA team mates Chris Mason and Bernetta Stebritz proved that to be true by reaching the 3.0 finals at this years Lorenzi tournament. I play at Baskin park where no ratings are known. Some players are rated 4.0, 4.5. 5.0 and some higher. But I never know and never even think about it. I will play anyone at any level. 

Mila and Richie Jenkins won this match in two close sets. Mila said that although Lisa Welsh  has just started playing she has a very solid forehand that they decided early on to avoid; And Bonnie Jeu  had a low riding serve that caused them some problems. But the mistake Mila and Richie made was believing the false notion they had it won in the second set after winning the first. And this is when Lisa and Bonnie took advantage of that belief and came back to nearly force a third set. But in the end it was Mila and Richie who would advance to the second round. Lisa, meanwhile , is playing mixed doubles again with her partner Jason Zimmer. I play them on Sunday with my partner Mila Ortiz. It should be noted that Bonnie Jeu is one of the 3.5 ladies league winners. She plays on Red Rocks 3.5 team that just won sectionals in Salt Lake City, and her husband is the captain of the men's 3.5 team at Red Rock. Click here to see pictures and the review from the city District Championships.

Chris Mason and Bernetta played in the 2.5 category this evening and won their first round in two sets. This pair recently won the Club Sport Volvo Indoor Tournament. 

Playing this evening was Virginia Adams and Deborah Petit in a well fought three set match. The two ladies went all out battling the wind trading the first two sets as Virginia won the first and Deborah forced a third set by winning the second in a tie breaker. But in the end it was Virginia who won the third 6-3. I saw Virginia before the match and at the break after the sets were split and she had the same expression of enjoying herself. Joni Wolfe also played and won in two sets. She met will meet Virginia in the finals tomorrow morning at 8:00am.

TEAM MULLIN AND DORIA STRIKE Again.... It was just months ago that this team hit hard and won some significant matches together at Stacy Darling. Tonight they unseated last years singles Champion Robert Sjoholm and his partner Reed Radosevich. Not paying attention to the seeding Mathew and Dean won this very close match in three sets, with the wind blowing and a small yet vocal crowd cheering on their excellent play. I was courtside for some of the match and there were definitely some entertaining points.  Mathew Mullin's mother , Frankie Verhaalen, is one of the tournament Directors and she was court side to support her son. She watched seriously and with interest. I imagine it was her son's involvement in the game that led her to eventually be a part of Las Vegas's Nevada Tennis Association.  Dean played in college at Bloomsburg, and Robert played in college but I do not know where.

 It was just weeks ago that Robert and his partner won the unique Canyon Gate Open doubles Tournament. Click here to see the details of that event, along with photos and Video highlights. Robert and Reed are also on Gordon Hammond's Summerlin men's 5.0 team which won districts this year. Robert plays number one singles for that team..

 

Note...This site has a  "Find a Match" section where everyone on the list has indicated they want to play others. To play them go to the list and click their e-mail link next to their name. Also you may add your name to the list as well. Many of the best players in town are on this list in each category from beginner to open. To name a few..... Stephan Matheau-Cambas (open player), Lew Deleon, Cameron Parker, (Open players/Juniors), Robert Kinas, 4.0-4.5 player, Brian Lashley, 4.0-4.5 player, Michael Springer, 4.5 player, Brian Battistone, Open player, Ryan Wolfington, willing to play any level, Mila Ortiz, 3.0-3.5 lady, Joanne Epstein, 4.0-open lady player, Chris Tofuri, 3.0-3.5 player, Asia Muhammad, Very good junior player..., and many more..ALL LEVELS..... Click here to see the "Find a Match" list.

Day 3

It was a day full of excellent matches as Gordon Hammond and Mathew Mullin went toe to toe in an excellent match with many well played rally's. The first set was decided in a tie breaker , won by Mathew. The second and third sets were won by Gordon. The weather was just right with a little sun, a little wind and a few hours of cloud cover in the early morning. Gordon is the Summerlin Tennis Teaching Professional and is head of the local USPTA. He is a district verifier as well. Mathew plaited and thrived in junior tennis years ago, and went to Princeton where he chose to start his own business instead of being on the team. But his post college life has given him the opportunity to pick the game up again in these local tournaments where he has done quite well. Today he lost in an excellent match but the other night he and Dean Doria beat the number one seeded team in men's open doubles and are in the final tomorrow at UNLV.

I played Bruce Merrin and although the score shows I won 6-2, 6-0, the match had many excellent rally's and many sets went to deuce and add. Yesterday someone told me I would win no problem, and I made the point that you can not know that. And it was good I did not have that attitude as it took me everything I had to win the games I did.

In men's 3.0 singles an excellent match was on court one as Eric Alm and Chris Tofuri battled for the finalist position. Both players had very good consistency keeping the ball in play while hitting the ball with good pace. In the end it was Chris who took home the win. A onlooker had asked if the players were 4.0, and these two are yet another testament that the ratings are just numbers. I would play them against any 3.5  or 4.0 player and they definitely would have a shot.

In men's doubles play Tia Vongsamphanh  and Steve Jarzemboski took on Fred Aguilar and John Hempel. It was just a few months ago that John Hempel made it to the finals at Desert Palm's Summer Sizzle, defeating Steve in the semifinals to get there. That match was extremely close and so was the doubles match today. But this time it was Steve that walked home the winner securing the position in tomorrows final.

In men's singles Robert Kinas was up a set and 4-1 against Brian Lashley when Brian had to retire with a injured groin. Later in the day Robert won his doubles match as well with partner and teammate Mark Bowman. Mark won the Stacy Darling tournament earlier this year. They won in two sets are in the final tomorrow.

Also in the 3.5 singles final tomorrow is Steve Henderson, who got there by beating the Club Sport Indoor champion Troy Wolf. But Troy is not out of the trophy hunt yet as he and Jason Zimmer are playing in the doubles and have yet to lose. I play Steve Henderson tomorrow in the men's 3.5 final and against Jason Zimmer and his partner Lisa Welch in the mixed final.

Day 4

This morning it was me vs Steve Henderson, where many excellent rally's took place. In the end I won 6-3, 6-1. On the court next to me was Robert Kinas and his opponent in the 4.0 men's final , Brad Biehl. The first set went quickly to the serve and Volley expert Robert Kinas. But soon Brad came into the net as well and quickly acclimated himself to this, now,  unique style. In the second set he came close to forcing a third, but Robert held on and won the last set 7-5. Both players had some extremely nice points, but I did not get to see most of the match as I was playing my own. Something tried to get me to be distracted and watch the neighboring court but I stayed aware of the game I was playing. Robert Kinas took home his second piece of metal, winning the number one trophy for the men's 4.0 as well. With James Eisenberg  not present in the singles draw to defend his Club Sports Indoor Title just weeks ago, Robert is now at the top of the ladder for the men's 4.0. 

Robert Kinas and  Mark Bowman took the final trophy in the men's 4.0 doubles in two sets. The first a very close tie breaker and the second in no time at all 6-1. Again I saw very little, but I did see a very sweaty fast moving Bowman reaching far , high and wide to make an incredible backhand, cross court volley. Mark defends his doubles title in the men's 4.0 and Red Rocks honor, as this Baskin Park team of Tia Vongsamphanh  and Steve Jarzemboski beat a pair of their teammates in the semifinals.

 

Summerlin I

In the men's open category it was TEAM Summerlin vs TEAM Summerlin, as the two tennis professionals at Summerlin Steve Landon and Gordon Hammond both landed in the final. Steve beat Local Junior standout Cameron Parker in an incredible three set marathon to reach the final. The final score of this match was 6-7; 7-5; 6-4. Right before Cameron lost to Steve in this Open singles semifinal, he and his partner Ben Coates  beat Steve and  Gordon Hammond for the semifinals of the doubles draw.

Summerlin II

To reach the singles final Gordon won a grueling match against Mathew Mullin. Mathew's mother is Frankie Verhaalen, one of the tournament Directors and an adult coordinator for the Nevada Tennis Association. In the end it was the youth in Steven Landon which took first place and the later Gordon who took number two. The first set was Steve all the way. But in the second Gordon showed up forcing Steve to beat him by the margin 7-5. 

These two also played in the doubles open draw together but fell to Cameron Parker and his partner, Red Rock Country Club's Ben Coates. In fact they played this match at Red Rock last night and I went to see the first set, which was very close, ending in a tie breaker. The Red Rock facility looks as good as it ever has, with new planters, court side tables and near perfect landscaping. That is in addition to the layout which is well done. For those who are not members of the club or on the league team, this month you have an opportunity to play there in their Annual Tennis Classic Tournament. To register or get more details click here.

In the ladies 3.5 Virginia Adams and Joni Wolfe had a well fought three set match. Both of these ladies play at Bally's and have met face to face many times. Virginia is the captain of her Bally's team and won this years Stacey Darling tournament. But today it was Joni who pulled it off in three sets 6-4; 5-7; 7-6, as she was coming to the net like an experienced singles player. And after the match was the most telling moment when Virginia having just lost a close match had the same glitter in her eye she had had before and during. And that is what the game is about. Playing seriously, yet not allowing anything to break one's composure. Then at the end you can smile with satisfaction.

In the mixed doubles I played with Mila Ortiz against Jason Zimmer and Lisa Welsh for the 6.0 final. Both Jason, Mila and Lisa played well. Mila showed character in going for her shots, without hesitation. Instead of attacking Lisa who could be construed as the lesser of the two players on the opposite side, she took her fiery backhand straight to Jason Zimmer, and gained his respect with some well hit balls. This was not by design, but by just playing her game naturally and not letting any false strategy mess up her normal shots. Just because Jason was at the net she did not alter her play, and often it worked out as even he could not volley some of her ground strokes. One such shot was the clutch shot to win the first set tie breaker. 

But that was not going to be enough. Today there were many good volley's but in the end it was Lisa Welsh's day. She just picked up the game recently but came through in the clutch moments. The first set Mila and I won 6-4, the second set we got beat 2-6 and the third deciding set went to Jason and Lisa 6-3. This final set included one service game won by Lisa and some Volley's from her that ensured the win.

 Just before this match Mila and her partner Richie Jenkins came in second place for the ladies 3.0 doubles. This was their first 3.0 tournament and were satisfied with their play. Winning the number one trophy was the Ladies from TEAM Red Rock, Janice Leysath and Deborah Naples. This match was extremely well fought, going three sets. Mila and Richie won the first set in a tie breaker. Then Janice and Deborah took the second set 6-4, and the third 6-3.

 

Mila Ortiz my 6.0 mixed doubles partner submitted the following message in the VegasTennis.com Guest book. You can read other guest book comments and suggestions or you may leave your own comments and suggestions by clicking here. Corrections are welcome as well. Guest book From:   Mila To: VegasTennis.com Comments:   I just wanted to thank my partner Ryan (Wolfington) for a great tournament at Jill Gaynor this year - it was a great experience and he was a great partner... also - congratulations to Lisa and Jason on a great win! =) Mila

The men's open doubles was between Dean Doris and Mathew Mullin vs Cameron Parker and his partner Benjamin Coates. Benjamin and Cameron both had some excellent plays. With the wind as an obstacle these two extracted revenge for their Stacy Darling loss to Dean and Mathew earlier this summer. Court side to watch the action was local player Khalid Ali, Steve Jarzemboski , Benjamin's wife, Cameron's mother, Mathews mother, a friend of Mathew.... and me. Ben and Cameron took the first set after a last minute break. After falling behind in the second set, down a break and possibly facing a third set, they came back and evened the score with a break then took the match with another break.

 

What Do you think of the site? Comments, Suggestions, Corrections? Sign Guestbook    View Guestbook From: Matthew Mullin To: VegasTenniscom@aol.com Ryan, Just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work at these tournaments. I  notice every tournament that I play in how much work you put in to covering  the matches, publishing commentary, photos and giving people a way to get  interested and connected to tennis in Las Vegas. Hope things are going well with the site. Once again, just wanted to say  that I appreciate the work you do at these tournaments and respect the value  you bring to the Las Vegas tennis community. See you soon at one of the  next tourneys. Matt Mullin VegasTennis.com Response... Matt, When I first started playing tennis again in Vegas I had no idea where to go and looking on the internet I saw nothing that offered me avenues to play.  So I was led to make something myself. At the time I had no idea how to use the software, but I did know what led me to create the site would guide me intuitively step by step through the whole process. And in following this intuitive knowing instead of doubting it, new ways and parts to this site are being created all the time. I see the need for it and it's benefits along with the spirit in which it is created and maintained. It is great that you have recognized it as well. If at any time you are led to contribute something do not hesitate. Ryan

Also court side is the undisputed open player in the Valley, Stephane Mathue-Cambas. Stephan is also the assistant coach at UNLV, and has just returned from Europe where he spent the summer competing on the professional tennis tour. He mentioned that UNLV only has one player on their team for this year.

Anyone can try out and possibly there is an opportunity for a player who otherwise had not anticipated playing UNLV tennis.

Teresa Bowman and Debby Jones took home the second place trophy in the ladies 4.0 category. I believe these ladies are also from Red Rock. The NTA has Jeff Foley to thank for obviously letting all his members know about this event as many from his club have showed up and played well in this tournament. I have noticed that it is not too often that some of the local tennis professionals inform their players of tournaments at other facilities. It is nice that both Jeff and Craig Witcher at Lorenzi actively let their members know. I imagine Gordon Hammond at Summerlin did the same as he and his assistant head professional played in this event. VegasTennis.com created posters for each club to hang at their facility so the tournament information could stand out and inform those who wanted to participate. This web site, linked with the Nevada Tennis Associations web site, will serve to be a single source of information of where you can play and what is going on in Las Vegas Tennis. old.vegastennis.com. If you have any ideas or are led to do something yourself, feel free to contact VegasTennis.com or the NTA by clicking here. Also at the bottom of every page is a e-mail form you can fill in and click send.. and it will automatically go to VegasTennis.com and will be forwarded to the NTA if need be.

Note...Grammatical and factual corrections are welcome.....click here.

Leonard Fath win's the men's 3.0 singles against perennial finalist Chris Tofuri. Leonard had a number of excellent plays, one in particular I caught from the sideling, an in air shot that looked well beyond the 3.0 level. All Chris could do was tap his racket in recognition of a good shot. Leonard is also on the Lorenzi men's District Champion team, therefore will no longer be 3.0 at the turn of the year. It is most often the case that the players who go to sectionals are moved up a level. And the type of play Leonard displayed this week almost guarantees the rise.

.....Mixed Doubles Players Needed....

MIXED DOUBLES LEAGUE COMING .........Join now.....put your own team together, or join an existing team....click here to request more details.

The VegasTennis.com 6.0 mixed team is now established with Janet Spelman,  Leonard Fath, Noel Irwin, Eric Alm and Chris Tofuri. Janet and her partner Shelleye Warner won the Stacy Darling tournament and the other men answered were all semifinalists at this weekends tournament. But that is not why I asked them. Each person I have seen play and participate in Las Vegas tennis and with class. To me a winner is those who win the inner game,  maintaining dignity on the court. And each of these players falls into that category.  A few others who have been asked to join have not yet responded but  anyone who is looking to play mixed 6.0 doubles can contact me as I can put together a second team as well. Or if you are not 3.0 but want to be on a mixed team click here to contact me and maybe we can put together another team or add you to an existing team. Captains who are looking for players can contact me so I can put a notice on the site or match you up with players.

Sectionals  this fall for mixed doubles is not out of sate but here at UNLV.

 As described above this fall's mixed league is a unique opportunity for Las Vegas tennis players. It is not a week to week match up,  but a one time tournament on the weekend of October 5th. The winner of that tournament goes to sectionals. Sectionals  this fall for mixed doubles is not out of sate but here at UNLV. The cost per person is $17.00.

Kurt Trobetti and his partner Ken Greene made it to the finals in the men's 3.5 division but were stopped short as Jason Zimmer and Troy Wolf played some of the best tennis I have seen them play all season. It was excellent play after excellent play. As Troy said afterwards, "Some days you have it", and today they both happen to have it together. Both Troy and Jason were making some smashing overheads and Troy himself did some excellent volleying, once the domain of Jason, was now Troy's territory. Kurt and Ken made a few good plays but were overwhelmed by these two, as even Kurt and Ken's best playmaking still added up short against the day Jason and Troy had. It was a day the duo was not going to be beat. The final score was 6-2, 6-3. This was Jason's second first place trophy of the tournament. It should be noted that to reach the finals Ken Greene and Kurt Trobetti swept through the competition in two sets.

And finally in the mixed 8.0  Luther Bohanan  and his partner Jennifer Peterson took home the number one trophy. Taking second was  Brad Biehl and his partner Sara Hallberg. Sara played up in this tournament and showed she is more then ready for 4.0 play next year. She play's on Red Rock's 3.5 team that won Districts and Sectionals this year. Brad, who's mother is also on the Red Rock 3.5 championship team explained that he is going back to college at Santa Barbara this fall. John Hempel, who has had three of his children play division 1 pack 10 tennis, said he sees Brad has a chance to play college tennis, if he would just give it a shot. This was said just moments after he had lost to the young man in the men's 4.0. Brad took home his second finalist trophy after taking second place in the mixed.

Taking home two trophy's this weekend were Mila Ortiz (Two finalist), me (one finalist, one First place), Jason Zimmer (Two first place), Robert Kinas (Both First place).

Other Tournament Results

Jill Gaynor Summerlin Junior Open Club Sport Indoor  Lorenzi Summer Smash I District Championships Desert Palm Summer Sizzle

Open/5.5 National Championships Canyon Gate Open Tournament Monte Carlo Open Classic Muterspaw Championships Stacey Darling 9th Annual Click here to see more Tournament Results and Photos