The 34th annual Sunshine Coast Open (formerly the Gibsons Open) served up an ace last weekend.
A total of 63 competitors were entered in the six main draws - a 40 per cent increase from last year! The youngest competitor was 10 and the most senior was 75 (still playing singles, no less). The four-day event took placeat three venues: Hackett Park in Sechelt, the Suncoast Racquet Club and Gibsons to accommodate all the draws.
Tennis enthusiasts were treated to some first-class men's singles action in a hard-fought final with Dave Jonas facing defending champion Chris Wales. Wales prevailed for his tenth men's singles title and his sixth in a row.
Otto Grunow from Texas teamed with his nephew, local Gustav Guzek, to capture the men's doubles trophy against the father and son team of Frank and Johnny Lam.
The mother and son team of Greta and Gus Guzekcaptured the mixed doubles trophy in an exciting three-set final over Jacques Joyal and Marian Shoemaker.
After a four-year absence, the women's singles came alive as six energetic women fought for the title. Tammy Klashinsky prevailed over defending champion Michelle Boyce. Newcomer Alana Johnstone won the women's B side.
Cathy Bond and Ritzuki Makai from Vancouver won the women's doubles title by defeating locals Karin Tigges and Sandra Watt. Greta Guzek and Lani Grunow won the B side over Gail Lewis and Val Swanson.
The men's singles B winner was Federico Mendez over Zack Lyle, while Anthony Steels and Alex Hutchinson won the men's B doubles over Denis Cotton and Scott Bolder.
New this year was the junior category, with Max Shoemaker defeating Malcolm Bryson in the final.
It was great to see new faces getting involved in the tournament this year. Sunday was a fullday of tennis held at the Eric Cardinall courts in Gibsons. Sunshine, a wonderful barbecue and lots of tennis fans watching the finals made for a great atmosphere to end the tournament.
- Submitted by Shelley
and Darcy Lawrence
