Another great Alberta tennis weekend at the St. Albert Senior Provincials, July 11-14. Alberta’s Wimbledon in St. Albert featured perfect weather, a fifty-player draw, outstanding hospitality and food, the St. Albert farmer’s market for off-court diversion, and spirited tennis from Alberta’s over-35s.
The tournament featured a manageable 3 singles events (2 men’s, 1 women’s) and 6 doubles events (2 men’s, 2 women’s 2 mixed).
Two serial winners won two events at this tournament, and both have been past tournament winners this summer. David Crowther won men’s singles and mixed doubles, and Stuart Shaw won men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
For complete tournament results, click here.
Photo above, left to right: David Crowther (singles winner, MS55), Jeff James (Tournament Director), and Dan Townsend (singles runner up, MS55).
Photo below: tournament organizers, voted best hospitality on the Alberta adult tennis tour, informal poll.
David Crowther Continues His Winning Streak
David Crowther is preparing for the Senior National Tennis Championships in Toronto in August where he will vie for a position on Canada’s national team. If he makes the top four in Canada, it will be the second time that he qualifies to represent Canada at international competitions. Dave is currently ranked fifth in Canada in the 60+ age category.
This was Dave’s third consecutive singles win in the past two months. He won the Capilano Masters in June (singles), and the Dial Locksmith Capilano Open the previous weekend, gaining wins over some stiff competition.
Dave also won the mixed doubles event (XD55) in St. Albert, partnering with his wife, Bonnie Crowther, who will also compete at nationals this year. This tournament win was their third mixed doubles title in the past two months (Rob Bell Memorial Tournament, Dial Locksmith Capilano).
(Photo below: Dave and Bonnie Crowther, mixed doubles winners, and off to Nationals in August).
Stuart Shaw Takes Two Titles
Stuart Shaw was also a two-time winner at the St. Albert Provincials, taking the number one spot in the men’s doubles with partner Keith Bienert, and mixed doubles with partner Joanne Vetch of St. Albert. Stuart is also on a winning streak, repeating wins at the Capilano Masters (men’s doubles) and Rob Bell Memorial tournament (men’s doubles).
(Photo below: serial winners, Keith Bienert and Stuart Shaw)
Gillian Shea On A Roll Before Nationals
In the women’s singles final, Gillian Shea and Carmen Sych repeated the three-match marathon they played in June at the Capilano Masters tournament. Both players executed brilliant tactics and big-hearted endurance in a see-saw battle of long rallies and a mix of tactics. They traded the first two sets, 6-4, 4-6. As in their previous meeting, Gillian claimed the victory in a super-tiebreaker (6-4, 4-6, 10-6).
Gillian is also off to compete in the nationals senior tournament in August, along with her Alberta team mate Jennifer Cherneski.
Photo below: off-court friends and on-court rivals, Gillian Shea (winner) and Carmen Sych (runner up).
Jeff Lewis and Omar Wong In the MS35
Jeff Lewis claimed the victory over Omar Wong in the MS35, and Omar won the MD35 with partner Ryan Aguillon.
Photo below: Omar Wong (runner up, MS35), Jeff James (Tournament Director), and Jeff Lewis (winner, MS35)
Other Results
Other winners were Caroline Benning and Sara Mcneill in the WD45, and Ainslie Lyons and Rozelle Winter in the WD35.
Photo below: Caroline Benning and Sara Mcneill, WD45 doubles winners.
Good luck at nationals to all those who are making the trek to Toronto!
Thank you, St. Albert tennis club, along with Tournament Director, Jeff James, for an enjoyable and well-run tournament.
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Contact me with comments, ideas, and suggestions at susan.wells@tennisalberta.com
