The Red Deer Tennis Club hosted the 2015 Red Deer Play Tennis Provincials over the weekend with four local players garnishing gold medals after the games had finished.
Head coach for the club Rene Simon explained the tournament was an adult open tournament, however the club’s juniors were welcome to play and in a fortunate turn of events conquered on the courts.
Tereza Simonova, 15, was among the juniors competing in the weekend’s provincial championship and finished with a win in the Women’s Singles Open.
Another female junior, Maria Bezmenova – who is currently visiting the Red Deer Tennis Club from Russia for the summer – came out victorious in both the Women’s Singles 5.0 and the Women’s Doubles 5.0 alongside partner Laura Roa out of Calgary.
“There were some really talented players at the tournament this week,” explained Simon. “In Tereza’s final game she was up against a 24-year-old player and being only 15 that can be slightly intimidating but she handled the match beautifully.
“It is great experience for them and they are coming out of it winning against those older players and it is a huge confidence boost.”
Bezmenova’s final match was also against a more experienced player, Sarah Widdowson out of Edmonton. For the 13-year-old visiting player it was a well earned win.
“They are both very consistent players – they are smart and I think that was what was important in their wins over the weekend.”
Two Red Deer brothers, Chayse and Douglas Marion also kept a few gold medals on home soil, with the duo winning the Men’s Doubles 4.0 and Chayse winning the Men’s Singles 4.0.
Another Red Deer player, Charver Dael came close to medalling following his arrival in the semi finals. Dael was up against Karl Schultz out of Edmonton, but was unable to finish the game with a win on the board against Schultz, who went on to win the Men’s Open.
Both Simonova and Dael will be heading to the national stage later this month with Simonova also heading to the Western Canada Games this month as one of two U-18 tennis players chosen to represent Alberta in the games.
Other Red Deer Tennis Club members attending Nationals in August include Oscar Yang in the U-18 category, Mantoush Polakovic, U-14 and Michael Robinson, also U-14.
The Red Deer Tennis Club’s increasing presence on the provincial stage has led to a recent influx in interest, with hopes this year’s trip to nationals will put them on an even bigger podium yet.
Membership for the Red Deer Tennis Club is well over 200 adults and juniors with individuals of all skill level present from beginner to provincial and national champions, with memberships skyrocketing following the completion of their indoor covered tennis dome in late 2008 allowing year-round practice.
For more information on the Club including hours of operation, rates, and programs visit www.reddeertennis.com or call 403-346-7567.
jswan@reddeerexpress.com
