Semi-Final Saturday delivered some tremendous matches beginning at 4:00 in the afternoon.
The first A-Side semi-final pitted #1 seed John Payette against #5 Joe Willemsen. Joe got off to a great start, breaking John early to go up 2-0. John then began to chip away at Joe's lead, eventually breaking back, and taking command of the first set winning 6-3. The second set was much of the same with Joe trying valiantly to comeback. However, it just wasn't enough as John would advance to his fourth straight Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament Finals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
The second semi-final featured two club pros battling it out with #3 Grant Gibson competing against Nathan Smith. A late break in the first set provided the opportunity Nathan needed to win the first set 6-4. Grant's resiliency began to show itself as he took command of the second set and for the second time in the tournament Grant and Nathan would face a third set with Grant winning the second set 6-2. In the end, Nathan had a little more energy left than Grant and would continue his Cinderella run with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 victory against Grant Gibson.
The final spot in the Consolation finals was also decided this evening as Bob Streicher would interrupt Matt Hepburn's plans for a second consecutive consolaton finals with a 6-1, 7-5 victory.
We have now reached Championship Sunday. #1 seed John Payette will be looking to win the one match that has eluded him for the past three years, the championship final. Standing in his way is the upset specialist Nathan Smith who has now knocked off the #2, 3 and 7 seeds on his way to the finals. Can John triumph? Will Nathan add one more seed to his impressive tournament resumé? Only one way to find out. The championship match is set to go for 4:00 tomorrow afternoon.
The consolation finals will also take place tomorrow afternoon (weather permitting) at 1:30 between Paul Fischer and Bob Streicher.
In addition for the first time in tournament history, Rogers TV will be on hand to televise the consolation and championship finals. We encourage all members and friends and family to attend this unique and first ever experience at our courts.
Finally, immediately following the trophy presentation, we will announce the winners of our week-long raffle. There is still time to purchase tickets if you are interested. We will stop selling tickets upon the end of the first set. Tickets are $5 for 3 tickets and $10 for 8. Here is a recap of the prizes:
- Autographed shoes and outfit from Maria Sharapova
- Two tickets to any regular season Ottawa Senators game
- Two autographed Ottawa Senators caps (Jason Spezza and Marc Methot)
- A new barbecue
- A new tennis bag
- Dinner and a show at Absolute Comedy for five people!
We hope to see you there as we wrap up the 2013 Phil LeBlanc Memorial Tournament!
Regards,
Patrick LeBlanc
Tournament Co-ordinator
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