By Scott Roblin

Champions crowned Sunday in City Singles tennis tournament

May 28, 2017 | 4:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It was a great weekend to bust out the racquets, with the annual City Singles tournament down at the Medicine Hat Tennis Club.

The brackets featured 32 men and seven women separated into three groups, with the finals being held on Sunday morning.

In the women’s tournament, it was Erika Miller outlasting Lauren Danroth in straight sets (6-2, 6-0) to claim the ladies title.

Calvin Heller was named champion of the men’s open draw, as he defeated Craig Weich in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) and did not drop a set all tournament.

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Heller said he tried to keep Weich away from the net and win off his mobility.

“I knew he was going to try to get in and put the pressure on me,” said Heller. “Try to volley, he’s a very good volley-er. So, I just wanted to make sure I kept him deep and when he came in, just be prepared to try to go one way or the other, either right or left. But, I knew he was going to put the pressure on, so I wanted to stay calm.”

Listed as the number one seed for the tournament, Heller was also the winner of the 2016 City Singles competition.

“I felt I served decent,” he said. “I don’t have a particularly great serve, but it was consistent and my forehand and backhand felt good. Overall, the strokes just felt comfortable.”

The champion of the men’s intermediate division was Peter O’Driscoll, who rallied after an opening set loss to defeat Gord Wolfe in the finals (4-6, 6-1, 6-4).

The final match of the tournament was for the intermediate division consolation final, with Noel Thomas squaring off against Robin Kurpjuweit.

Both were able to hit some great shots, but Kurpjuweit’s serving stood out as he defeated Thomas in straight sets.

Kurpjuweit said there’s a great sense of community within the club, especially for the junior athletes.

“Those kids at different levels of competition watch out for the kids underneath of them, and then they become mentors,” Kurpjuweit said. “By their second year, they are mentoring the kids that are in their first. So, it’s probably the single-best family sports club that I’ve seen in the city, without question.”

The next big tournament for the club is the 19th annual Barrie Shave Memorial Classic Doubles Tournament, which will be held June 14 to 18.