The 107th playing of the Gold Racquets Championship at The Tuxedo Club was a smashing success, very well attended by world renowned players in both sports and a robust social set crowding the dedans.
The tennis draw had 23 contestants, featuring top players Devereux, West, Morosack, Winthrop, Barker, Coyne, Pell, Aldrich, Allen, Sonne and others. Winthrop battled Devereux point for point, game for game splitting the first two sets before the veteran Devereux pulled away in the 3rd. West had all his talents on display in his victory over a rapidly improving Morosack. The Monday crowd was treated to a battle of titans in Devereux and West. Devereux came out strong winning the first two sets 3 and 4. But West found his footing and battled back, winning the next two sets 4 and 5. In the final set, Devereux stormed ahead to a comfortable 5-1 lead. West chipped away to make it 5 games all. With the score 30 all and Devereux serving, a net chord on Devereux’s ball rolled over for a hazard the line. On the next serve, West’s return tickled the net, but did not drop over. Devereux capitalized on the ensuing serve to win the match. It was a well fought match and unfortunately there could only be one winner.
20 players participated in the rackets draw, featuring numbers World Ranked players Coyne (10), Hopton (11), Devereux (29), Gourlay, Henman, Pell, Tanfield, Jones, Molson, Stevens, and other rising stars. Coyne snuck past previous champion Guy Devereux while Hopton advanced to the finals over Henman. Coyne and Hopton exchanged games until Hopton finally was able to finish it off in the 5th game, to rousing cheers from the packed stands.
The Spittoon Doubles Tournament was closely contested between Mike Henman/Robbie Baldry and Will Hopton/Greg Gross. In the end local veteran Gross helped Hopton claim his second title of the tournament.
The Cuspidor Doubles Tournament was a nail-biter between local favorites Bob Buettner / Paul Radzianko and perennial contender Peter Bender and Washington newcomer Jason Hriama.
Friday night’s welcome dinner was hosted by Jeannie Heffernan and Alan McHugh at their home.
Saturday night, Peter and Barbara Regna treated the community to a spectacular after-party at their home, featuring a band, DJ, and trophies for champion sock sliders, pool players, and dancers.
Sunday night, Stephen and Valerie Evans-Freke welcomed those weekend warriors still standing for a nite-cap and friendly game of backgammon or pool.
