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Greetings!
What a month for tennis! From the traditional, to the creative to World Class, it was an amazing month of tennis.
Washington hosted the Cherry Blossom Doubles, the Anne Boleyn Handicap and the U.S. Mixed Doubles. All three tournaments were well attended with each having its own unique spin. The Northrup Knox Memorial tournament was held in Aiken. A signature event for the club, the weekend featured a high level of doubles play.
The month closed on a high note with the 2012 World Championship held at the Queen's Club in London. Many Americans were on hand to watch as Rob Fahey defended the title he has held since 1994 defeating Steve Virgona 7 sets to 3 over 3 days of play. The championship was broadcast live and many of those who could not make the trip to London, gathered in clubs around the country to watch. What a long way the game has come from the early days when Rene Clerge won the first World Championship in 1740 (circa)!
This month in "Tips from the Pros", Barney Tanfield writes about the handicap system and how playing handicap matches can be beneficial to your game. Also featured this month is an update from Charleston, the infamous "racket scandal", Power "plays" in Washington, a piece from "Hidden Philadelphia" and an update on junior tennis.
While the tournament schedule slows down as we approach the summer, the "City-by-the-Sea" - Newport, is just heating up. Whether you are a player or a spectator, there is plenty of action in Newport to quench your court tennis thirst!
Sincerely,
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2012 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2012 World Championship was played on April 24, 26 and 28 in London at The Queen's Club. The best of 13 set series featured World Champion Rob Fahey versus the Challenger - Steve Virgona. Rob Fahey, the World Champion since 1994, won the contest, 7 sets to 3. The set scores in order were 6/5, 3/6, 6/1, 6/3, 6/4, 6/3, 3/6, 5/6, 6/2, 6/3.
Both Fahey and Virgona should be applauded for their efforts. The dedication to training, both on and off the court, travel to tournaments and mental fortitude are far and beyond what the average amateur player can imagine. Congratulations to both players on their dedication to the game and a brilliant performance.
For coverage by the Tennis & Rackets Association please go to the following links.
Coverage Day 1
Coverage Day 2
Coverage Day 3
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CHERRY BLOSSOM
It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing...
So says, Ryan Carey, the mastermind, along with Michael Do, of the Cherry Blossom Handicap Doubles. While the tennis is always competitive, the real draw is the theme, or should we say tone, of the weekend. This year was no exception and as the title implies, it was musical. You have to read Ryan's recap to catch the beat of the weekend.
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NORTHRUP KNOX
The annual Northrup Knox Memorial Tournament was held, as tradition dictates, the weekend after the Masters Golf Tournament. The Knox, a doubles tournament, featured a strong field of players from throughout the tennis community. Lex Miron and Jeremy Wintersteen took top honors, defeating Clayton Vaughters and Jason Mengel in an entertaining and tense three set final - 2/6, 6/4, 6/5. To read the complete story, click here.
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ANNE BOLEYN HANDICAP
Washington hosted the 2012 Anne Boleyn Women's Handicap Singles. The field was comprised of players from Washington, Boston, Philadelphia and Newport, with handicaps ranging from 32 to 94! Suzy Schwartz captured her second Anne Boleyn title by defeating Sara Lacombe 6/4, 6/3. Cecilia Forbes won the plate over Nancy Multer, 10/7. For the complete results, click here.
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U.S. MIXED DOUBLES
The U.S. Amateur Mixed Doubles was held in Washington, along with the Anne Boleyn. Five teams competed for the title. Pat Winthrop teamed up with fellow Newporter, Amanda Avedissian to take the gold medal. They defeated Sara Lacombe and Rich Moroscak of Washington in straight sets, 6/1, 6/3. The win marked Winthrop's third Mixed title. For complete results, click here.
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TIPS FROM THE PRO
by Barney Tanfield
What's the Difference?
Although handicapping is not unique to the game, Real Tennis may have the most elaborate handicap system of any sport. Men such as Charlie Wade, Chris Ronaldson, and John Trapp have fathered a method that is nothing less than genius. Handicapping in Real Tennis is an elaborate system, operating on many dimensions, that balances matches between competitors, regardless of skill. The end result is the opportunity to play a match between two players of completely different abilities. With a healthy compilation of results, the accuracy of this system is spectacular. A universalized handicap system allows players to compete across a wide skill range and permits competition to flourish between different clubs and countries.
One of the more interesting aspects of handicap play is how players change their strategies and even stroke selections to gain the edge. To read the full article, click here
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U.S JUNIOR NATIONALS
Fifteen juniors (under the age of 21) travelled to Washington for the 2012 U.S. Junior National Singles in March. While, in terms of attendance, the under 12's dominated the numbers, the experience of the "older" players paid off, as Paul Monaghan captured the U.S. Junior Singles title. Click here for Ivan Ronaldson's entertaining report (including what former World Champion was in attendance marking and politely corrected by a player!)
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United States Court Tennis Association
c/o The Racquet & Tennis Club
370 Park Ave. New York, New York 10022
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MAY
4 - 6
LAKEWOOD, NJ
AB MARTIN CUPTUXEDO PARK, NY US Age Championships & Sr. Team Competition
JUNE
4 - 10
NEWPORT, RI
9
USCTA ANNUAL MEETING
MIDDLETOWN, RI
16-17
US PARENT CHILD DOUBLES
TUXEDO PARK, NY
21-24 NEWPORT, RI JULY 6 - 7 VAN ALEN CUP LONDON 13-15 VELVET ROPE NEWPORT, RI Doubles open to players between ages 21 & 40 AUGUST 16-19 THE PELL CUP NEWPORT, RI Doubles
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USCTA ANNUAL MEETING
All USCTA members are invited to attend the
2012 Annual Meeting.
June 9, 2012
The Clambake Club
Middletown, RI
9:30 AM
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US PRO SINGLES - SCHOCHET CUP
Are you ready for the US Pro Singles / Schochet Cup, perhaps the greatest gathering of real tennis players in the world each year? This video should help get you ready!
 | | United States Professional Singles Court Tennis Championship | Schochet Cup | Newport, R.I. |
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities, click here
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COURT TENNIS CHARLESTON
Court Tennis Charleston, the organization committed to bringing the game of Real Tennis / Court Tennis to the City of Charleston, South Carolina, and Daniel Island, has created a web site in order to keep the world-wide tennis community up to date on our efforts and activities.
To learn more, click here.
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RTO FORUM - RACKET SABOTAGE
Last month we saw a very interesting and well-thought-out discussion about heinous acts in clubs and matters of gender. See who won a $50 bet. See who exceeded RTO's character limit. Read on for more
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COURT TENNIS ANYONE?
Here's a link to a story from Hidden City Philadelphia on court tennis . Read the story!
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POWER IN WASHINGTON
Jonathon Power, former world number one squash player, visited Prince's Court at the end of March 2012 to try his hand at court tennis. Read the full story.
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APRIL CONTEST WINNER
Congratulations to Temple Grassi for winning the "what's on your Ipod contest" last month. Temple shared his top song picks: "Johnny B Good", "Carolina on My Mind" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo". So next time you're on court with Temple and he looks a little down, just start humming one of these tunes and he 'll perk right up!
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USCTA FACEBOOK GROUP
The USCTA is on Facebook!
Interact with other players.
Get the latest news, photos, results and more!
Click here to have a look
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