Results from Final Day of 2012 PLMT

7 Days. 46 Matches.  Over 24 hours of tennis matches.  And it all came down to the one match this afternoon to decide the 2012 PLMT Champion.

#2 seed John Payette and #4 seed Jim Catton came into the finals today with one goal: Outplay the other player to capture the championship.  Through the beginning, it was clear to the spectators sitting in attendance that we were about to view a classic match.  Rallies were thrilling as one second you would think one competitor had the point won and than in an instant the other competitor would find a way to hit a remarkable winner.

Capitalizing on a break point opportunity late in the first set, Jim stole a game off of John's serve and took the first set 7-5.  John turned his game up even higher in the second set, pressing to take the match to a third.  John even pushed his body to get seemingly impossible points, going so far as to unfortunately hurt his leg stretching for a down the line winner from Jim Catton.  Luckily it was just a small cut and John climbed back to hold serve at 3-2.

At 3-3, a distraction provided a temporary annoyance for the players as a remote-control airplane flew over the tennis courts (I can't make this stuff up :P).  When finally the distraction was eliminated, Jim had broken John's serve to go up 4-3.  The 8th game of the second set saw some of the best tennis this tournament has ever seen as John Payette found another gear and hit a great backhand winner like he has done so many times this tournament to break back and even the set at 4-4, generating a large applause from the crowd.

Jim would not be denied on this day however.  He would break back to serve for the match at 5-4.  And in one of the greatest championship points ever witnessed, Jim managed to put an exclamation point on his stellar tournament play with a remarkable half volley drop shot.  With it, Jim Catton captured his second Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament Championship with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

In other matches that occurred earlier in the afternoon, #1 seed Samir Bhatnagar won the third place matchup, defeating #6 seed Grant Gibson 6-1, 6-2.  And for a second consecutive year, Ha Nguyen won the Consolation Final, defeating Matt Hepburn in straight sets.

The conclusion of this day brings to a close the 2012 Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament.  Thanks to everyone's generous donations, we were able to raise over $2000!!!  I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the tournament.  I had a lot of fun organizing this event and you all made this possible by being so accommodating.  

I look forward to organizing this event next year and hope to see you all in 2013!!!

Regards,

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator  

Results from Day 7 of the 2012 PLMT and Schedule for Day 8

With perfect weather and a fantastic audience, the Barrhaven Tennis Club hosted a showcase of all-star tennis talent Saturday afternoon.  Both semi-finals produced lots of great shots, mindblowing winners and fantastic rallies.  Upon the completion of both matches, we now have a finals that should provide a great closing chapter to this week-long event.

The early semi-final match pit the #2 seed John Payette against the #6 seed Grant Gibson.  In the early going, Grant looked to provide a message to John stating that although this was his first semi-final, there were no nerves on display.  Grant broke John's serve with a massive one-hand backhand down the line.  John maintained his composure however, and stormed back, ultimately taking the set 6-1.  The second set, was mostly the same as John appeared to be on a mission, and that was capturing his first PLMT title.  In the end, John Payette advanced to the finals on Sunday with a 6-1, 6-2 victory.

The second semi-final had familiar opponents as #1 seed and defending champion Samir Bhatnagar competed against the #4 seed Jim Catton.  This was the first time these two had competed since the finals in 2009 when Jim Catton captured his first championship.  Both players had a lot to prove going into the match, and it showed on the tennis court.  Neither player held back hitting ferocious groundstrokes and finishing off rallies with overhead smashes.  In the end, Jim Catton advanced to the finals defeating Samir Bhatnagar in straight sets.

Both consolation semi-finals took place as well on Saturday.  Down a set to Paul Fischer, Matt Hepburn came back and won his semi-final match 1-6, 6-3, 6-1.  His opponent in the finals, Ha Nguyen, will look to win back to back consolation finals as he advanced with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Chris Ward.

So the stage is set for the culmination of once again a great week-long tournament.  Jim Catton and John Payette competed last year in the semi-finals with John prevailing 6-3, 6-4.  Could last year's score play a factor in this year's event?  Will John capture his first championship or will Jim succeed in winning his second tomorrow afternoon?  One thing is for sure, this match will provide plenty of drama.

Here is the schedule for tomorrow's matches:

1:30: Matt Hepburn vs Ha Nguyen (B-Side Final)

2:00: 1 Samir Bhatnagar vs 6 Grant Gibson (3rd Place Match)

4:00:  2 John Payette vs 4 Jim Catton (A-Side Finals)

Additionally, following the A-Side Finals we will have the draw for the autographed Roger Federer hat, headband and sweatband.  We will continue to accept raffle ticket purchases up until the end of the first set of the A-Side Finals.

Hope to see you there tomorrow for what is to be an exciting Sunday afternoon!

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Results from Day 6 of the 2012 PLMT and Schedule for Day 7

The final three spots in Super Saturday were determined on Friday night as three A-Side Quarter-Finals took place.  If Friday was any indication of the tennis we will be witnessing tomorrow afternoon, we are in for a treat!

Match of the night honours goes to the match which took place on the Show-Court (Court 1) between #1 seed Samir Bhatnagar and Brett Shepherd.  Samir jumped out to a strong start, taking the first set 6-2.  In the second set, Brett displayed his "never give up" attitude, overcoming several multiple deuce games and ultimately won the second set 6-4.  Finally, in the third set, Samir found another level and produced some incredible shot making, taking the match 6-2.  The crowd on hand loved every minute of the near three hours of action!

Samir's opponent in the semi-finals tomorrow will be the #4 seed Jim Catton who advanced with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over #5 seed Kyle Malone.  Samir and Jim have met on one occasion in the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament.  Their only encounter was the 2009 finals which Jim captured the inaugural championship with a 6-2, 7-5 victory.  Will history repeat itself or will Samir tie up the series?

The other semi-final match was decided on Friday evening as #6 seed Grant Gibson advanced with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Joe Willemsen.  This sets up a semi-final match between Grant and #2 seed John Payette.  John will be looking to advance to his third straight final while Grant in only his first appearance in the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament will be seeking a date in the finals on Sunday.

Finally, on the consolation side, Ha Nguyen advanced to the semi-finals with a straight sets victory over Gary Burke.  Ha will face Chris Ward in the semi-finals tomorrow.

Super Saturday promises to bring some spectacular matches beginning at 4:00.  Here is the schedule:

4:00: #2 John Payette vs #6 Grant Gibson (A-Side Semi-Final)

         Matt Hepburn vs Paul Fischer (B-Side Semi-Final)

6:00: #1 Samir Bhatnagar vs #4 Jim Catton (A-Side Semi-Final)

         Ha Nguyen vs Chris Ward (B-Side Semi-Final)

As mentioned previously, the bar will be opened for a second evening and as well, for those interested, we will be ordering pizza between the matches.  The cost will be $5 for two slices of pizza.  Volunteers will be on hand to take your orders upon completion of the first set between Grant Gibson and John Payette.  Seating will be provided so we hope you can all attend.

Regards,

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Results from Day 5 of the 2012 PLMT and Schedule for Day 6

Despite the constant rain during the afternoon, the sky cleared up just enough to get in three matches tonight with one individual punching his ticket into the Final Four on the A-Side!

The first quarter-final match of the third round lived up to expectations as the #2 Seed John Payette competed against #7 Albert Wong.  Tremendous rallies accompanied by fantastic winners left the audience in amazement.  Ultimately, John Payette prevailed with a 6-3, 6-3 victory to advance to Semi-Final Saturday!

In other matches, one semi-final match was also decided on the consolation side as both Matt Hepburn and Paul Fischer were victorious in their matches.  Matt outlasted and outwilled Tom Fitzgerald 7-6 (5), 6-3 while Paul Fischer dispatched William Trac 6-1, 6-2.

Friday will set the stage for Semi-Final Saturday as the final three spots will be determined in three incredible matches.  Here is the schedule:

6:30: #1 Samir Bhatnagar vs Brett Shepherd (A-Side Quarter-Final)

        #4 Jim Catton vs #5 Kyle Malone (A-Side Quarter-Final)

            Ha Nguyen vs Gary Burke (B-Side Quarter-Final)

8:00: #6 Grant Gibson vs Joe Willemsen (A-Side Quarter-Final)

An additional announcement to make.  For those interested, Greenfield's Pub & Eatery will be hosting a concert performed by The Love Machine with all proceeds going towards to the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Fund.  Cover charge is $5 per person with the event to begin at 9PM for those interested.

Be sure to have your chance to come down to the courts to watch some great quarter-final action!

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Results from Day 4 of the 2012 PLMT and Schedule for Day 5

The final five positions in the A-Side Quarter-Finals were decided tonight beneath a cloudy sky which threatened to rain at any minute.  Luckily for the competitors, the rain did not come down until all of the matches were settled.

Match of the night honours go to #8 Justin Lahey and Brett Shepherd who put on a dazzling display of fantastic rallies and spectacular winners.  In the end, Brett Shepherd advanced to the quarter-finals with a straight sets victory over Justin Lahey.

Brett Shepherd's opponent in the quarter-finals will be two-time defending champion Samir Bhatnagar; who continued his strong play with a straight sets victory over Brad Belanger.

In other news, without question the shot of the tournament was witnessed on Court 3 as Nick Hepburn hit a between the legs winner against Albert Wong (Roger Federer- eat your heart out :) ).  Unfortunately, for Nick, he wasn't able to capitalize on such a great shot and fell to the #7 seed in straight sets.

Here is a quick breakdown from Wednesday night's action:

Brett Shepherd defeated #8 Justin Lahey (A-Side 2nd Round)

#4 Jim Catton defeated Patrick LeBlanc (A-Side 2nd Round)

Chris Ward defeated Randy Hildermann (B-Side 2nd Round)

#5 Kyle Malone defeated Bob Streicher (A-Side 2nd Round)

#1 Samir Bhatnagar defeated Brad Belanger (A-Side 2nd Round)

#7 Albert Wong defeated Nick Hepburn (A-Side 2nd Round)

Ha Nguyen defeated Ward Cosman (B-Side 2nd Round)

Bob Belanger defeated Raj Agarwal (B-Side 2nd Round)

As mentioned in previous e-mails, for the first time in the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament history, we will be opening a bar to offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages!  Members of legal age will be limited to two beer beverages during the evening. There is no limit to any soft drinks or bottled water you wish to purchase. 

How the evening will work is that you will purchase tickets which will be redeemed for beer or soft drinks initially from my volunteers prior to going up to the bar. The volunteers will be located on the picnic bench right outside of the sliding door from the clubhouse. Prices are $5 per beer or $1 per soft drink or bottled water with all proceeds going to the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Fund. The bar will be open from 6:30-9:30 tomorrow evening.

While enjoying your beverages, you will be treated to the following matches:

6:30:  Zac Quevillon vs Gary Burke (B-Side 2nd Round)

         William Trac vs Paul Fischer (B-Side Quarter-Finals)

8:15: #2 John Payette vs #7 Albert Wong (A-Side Quarter-Finals)

         Matt Hepburn vs Tom Fitzgerald (B-Side Quarter-Finals)

I hope to see you there for this event which we will to continue to use in the tournaments to come.

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Results for Day 3 of Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament and Schedule for Day 4

It was an interesting evening on Tuesday night as A-Side 1st Round and 2nd Round along with B-Side 2nd Round matches took place at the Barrhaven Tennis Club.

Once again, Andrew Winnicki had the match of the evening and sadly came out on the wrong end of the scoreboard.  Paul Fischer managed to advance to the B-Side Quarter-Finals with a 7-6, 6-3 win over Andrew.  Paul's opponent will be William Trac on Thursday evening.

Two spots were determined in the A-Side Quarter-Finals this evening and we are looking at an all National Tennis School (NTS) Quarter-Final on Friday evening.  Joe Willemsen advanced with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Gary Pinder.  His opponent will be Barrhaven Tennis Club Pro and also NTS employee Grant Gibson who won earlier in the evening with a straight sets victory over Dave McAleer. 

Finally, as mentioned the 1st Round was finally completed on Tuesday night due to the inclimate weather.  The 7 seed Albert Wong was victorious over Matt Hepburn and will now compete against another Hepburn tomorrow night as Albert will face brother Nick in the evening.  In other action, Patrick LeBlanc prevailed over Bob Belanger and Brad Belanger advanced to the second round when Ha Nguyen was forced to retire due to injury.

Here is the complete breakdown of matches for Tuesday evening:

6 Grant Gibson defeated Dave McAleer (A-Side 2nd Round)

2 John Payette defeated Blaine Scatcherd (A-Side 2nd Round)

Paul Fischer defeated Andrew Winnicki (B-Side 2nd Round)

Brad Belanger defeated Ha Nguyen (A-Side 1st Round)

Tom Fitzgerald defeated Claude LeBlanc (B-Side 2nd Round)

Joe Willemsen defeated Gary Pinder (A-Side 2nd Round)

Patrick LeBlanc defeated Bob Belanger (A-Side 1st Round)

7 Albert Wong defeated Matt Hepburn (A-Side 1st Round)

Wednesday promises to turn up the intensity even more as the remaining quarter-final spots for the A-Side will be determined by the time the night is over.  Here is the schedule for Wednesday evening's action:

6:30: 8 Justin Lahey vs Brett Shepherd (A-Side 2nd Round)

        4 Jim Catton vs Patrick LeBlanc (A-Side 2nd Round)

        Randy Hildermann vs Chris Ward (B-Side 2nd Round)

8:15: 5 Kyle Malone vs Bob Streicher (A-Side 2nd Round)

        1 Samir Bhatnagar vs Brad Belanger (A-Side 2nd Round)

        7 Albert Wong vs Nick Hepburn (A-Side 2nd Round)

        Ha Nguyen vs Ward Cosman (B-Side 2nd Round)

        Bob Belanger vs Raj Agarwal (B-Side 2nd Round)

Great action never stops at the Barrhaven Tennis Club so be sure to come to the courts so you don't want to miss a minute of it.

Regards,

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Postponement for Day 2 of the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament and Schedule for Day 3

Due to the tumultuous weather for this evening with thunderstorms expected throughout the night, tonight's matches have been postponed until tomorrow.

The schedule for tomorrow's matches are as follows:

6:30 PM: 6 Grant Gibson vs Dave McAleer (A-Side 2nd Round)

              2 John Payette vs Blaine Scatcherd (A-Side 2nd Round)

              Claude LeBlanc vs Tom Fitzgerald (B-Side 2nd Round)

              Andrew Winnicki vs Paul Fischer (B-Side 2nd Round)

7:00 PM: Ha Nguyen vs Brad Belanger (A-Side 1st Round)

8:15 PM: Joe Willemsen vs Gary Pinder (A-Side 2nd Round)

              7 Albert Wong vs Matt Hepburn (A-Side 1st Round)

              Patrick LeBlanc vs Bob Belanger (A-Side 1st Round)

It's a full slate of matches tomorrow and we hope you can come watch these great matches!

Regards,

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Results from Day 1 of Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament and Schedule for Day 2

Opening Day for the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament got off to a roaring start as 13 matches took place over the course of the day.  And the action did not disappoint.  

Match of the day honours go to Dave McAleer and Andrew Winnicki.  One of two opening matches to kick off the tournament, Dave McAleer overcame a ferocious comeback from Andrew Winnicki to win 6-0, 4-6, 6-0.  

In other matches, Samir Bhatnagar began the defense of his championship with a straight-sets victory over Ward Cosman.  As well, looking to capture his first Phil LeBlanc Memorial Championship, John Payette advanced to the second round with a victory over Claude LeBlanc.  

Below are the full results of today's action:

Joe Willemsen defeated Josh O'Grady

2 John Payette defeated Claude LeBlanc

Dave McAleer defeated Andrew Winnicki

Gary Pinder defeated William Trac

Blaine Scatcherd defeated Tom Fitzgerald

6 Grant Gibson defeated Paul Fischer

Bob Streicher defeated Chris Ward

Brett Shepherd defeated Zac Quevillon

1 Samir Bhatnagar defeated Ward Cosman

5 Kyle Malone defeated Randy Hildermann

Nick Hepburn defeated Louis-Paul Tardif

8 Justin Lahey defeated Gary Burke

4 Jim Catton defeated Raj Agarwal

Feel free to go to the tournament webpage at www.barrhaventennisclub.com for a complete breakdown of scores for each match along with second round matchups.

Monday evening's matches while perhaps lacking in quantity, will definitely provide tons of quality tennis.  Here is the schedule for Monday evening:

7:00: Ha Nguyen vs Brad Belanger

8:15: 7 Albert Wong vs Matt Hepburn

        Patrick LeBlanc vs Bob Belanger

The raffle tickets for the autographed Roger Federer cap, head band and sweatband continue to be purchased as another 40 tickets were purchased by various spectators on Sunday.  Make sure you don't miss out on an unbelievable prize.

Hope to see you at the courts tomorrow evening!  

Regards,

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator

Schedule for Day 1 of the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament

A big thank you to all those who could make it tonight for the Kickoff Barbecue for the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament!!!  We were given great weather again this year and the exhibition doubles match did not disappoint.

Tomorrow the Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament kicks off in grand style as 13 matches will be taking place throughout the day.  Among the competitors involved, Samir Bhatnagar begins his quest for a three-peat when he goes up against Ward Cosman at 5:00.  The #2 Seed John Payette will be hoping to get back to the finals when he opens up against Claude LeBlanc at 12:00.  And in perhaps the match of the day, Bob Streicher will compete with Chris Ward at 4:00.

Here is the complete line-up for tomorrow's matches:

10:00: Joe Willemsen vs Joshua O'Grady

12:00: 2 John Payette vs Claude LeBlanc

             Dave McAleer vs Andrew Winnicki

2:30:   Gary Pinder vs William Trac

          Blaine Scatcherd vs Tom Fitzgerald

          6 Grant Gibson vs Paul Fischer

4:00:   Bob Streicher vs Chris Ward

5:00:   Brett Shepherd vs Zac Quevillon

          1 Samir Bhatnagar vs Ward Cosman

          5 Kyle Malone vs Randy Hildermann

          Nick Hepburn vs Louis-Paul Tardif

7:30:   4 Jim Catton vs Raj Agarwal

          8 Justin Lahey vs Gary Burke

The Barrhaven Tennis Club's website will have the updated draw throughout the week, so please feel free to check out the potential matchups in the upcoming days at www.barrhaventennisclub.com.  

As mentioned during the barbecue this evening, we will be selling raffle tickets throughout the week up until the finals for an autographed Roger Federer cap, headband and wristband!  Tickets are $5 for 3 tickets or $10 for 8 tickets.  Volunteers will be on site at the club throughout the day so if interested in purchasing some raffle tickets, please go see them.

Finally, we still have plenty of chips that were provided from Lone Star for the barbecue (sadly we ran out of salsa) so come down to the tennis club and enjoy some great matches and some tasty snacks!

Good luck to all competitors and I'll see you all at the courts!

Patrick LeBlanc

Tournament Co-ordinator