MEDICINE HAT, AB — For the third straight year, Calvin and Tracy Heller are Medicine Hat Open mixed doubles champions.
And it came with a remarkable comeback in the second set under the lights.
After claiming the first frame 6-2, the husband-wife duo found themselves trailing Linda Norris and Craig Weich 5-2 in the second set.
It looked as though the two teams would decide the champion in a third and final frame, until the Heller’s battled back to force a tiebreaker.
“I think you just have to try and keep it simple,” said Tracy when asked about their ability to force the tiebreaker. “Try not to go for too many difficult shots. Just try to make the shots that you’re supposed to make, and if they make a better one on their side then that’s okay too.”
The Heller’s won the tie-breaker by a 7-3 score, and will see their names engraved for a third consecutive year.
What’s even more impressive, this is Calvin Heller’s third title in the Medicine Hat Open portion alone after winning the singles and doubles event last month.
“I’ll be honest, I was thinking about it,” said Calvin, who also hoisted the hardware in the City Singles event in the spring. “But you know, if you can play with your wife in the tournament… winning it is only a bonus. If I have to pick one that I want to win, I want to win the mixed doubles. That’s the one I like to win with Tracy.”
Other winners include Richelle and Doug Thomas in the consolation bracket of the Open Division. They defeated Cora Lee and Kevin Riehl 6-3, 6-1.
In the Intermediate Division, Brooke and Myles Pfeifer reigned victorious in the championship match over Eryn and Ryan Comeau 6-1, 6-4. Susan Jacques and Noel Thomas teamed up for a consolation victory over Pam Douville and Joe Coina 4-4, 6-2.
