The 2007 Cherry Blossom Handicap Doubles Tournament, hosted by Prince’s Court, had its own theme (“better than the last”), its own mascot (the marshmallow peep), and its own blend of warm hospitality and cold weather (snow on the cherry blossoms). It was a “marked success” in all senses of the phrase. Participants enjoyed competitive tennis with sporting opponents, restored themselves in a congenial environment, and, thanks to our two excellent markers, learned that even before the tournament finals began there were at least 121 dedans struck, 57 grilles rattled, and 13 winning galleries exploited.
The 2007 Cherry Blossom ran from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, with 24 teams competing across four divisions for the coveted titles. There were 49 total players (including one substitute who came in for a player felled by pneumonia) and 28 tough matches. Of our players, four hailed from UK clubs, 14 from other US clubs, and 31 from Prince’s Court. Team handicaps ranged from the teens to the low seventies. Players’ ages spanned a remarkably similar range!
Tournament hospitality included brilliant pastel “goodie bags”, fine refreshments and meals enjoyed courtside behind the glass wall, a lovely dinner at a nearby country club, and more jelly beans and peeps than could be safely consumed.
Thanks to all participants, organizers, hosts, professionals, and visitors for making the 2007 Cherry Blossom a marked success. Special congratulations to the tournament winners and finalists!
Yellow Division Winners
Charlotte Grassi and Josh Greene def. Kim Jaske and Scilla Smith
6-0, 6-5
Red Division Winners
Ron Hodge and Michael Landrum def. John Mears and Leslie Willard
6-3, 6-5
Green Division Winners
Clare Watson and Oli Watson def. Mark Philpott and Arnold Spangler
6-4, 6-3
Blue Division Winners
Ryan Carey and Michael Do def. David Watson and Steve Hufford
6-0, 0-6, 6-4
