By CHAT News Today

Heller repeats at City Singles Tournament

May 28, 2018 | 10:56 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Calvin Heller once again tasted victory at the Medicine Hat Tennis Club over the weekend.

Heller successfully defended his men’s open championship at the City Singles Tournament, topping second seeded Jehan Marcos in straight sets (6-3, 6-1) during the final on Sunday.

Adding another trophy to his mantle, Heller said he had to handle the power coming from serves off Marcos’ racquet.

“I tried to stay consistent again, that’s kind of my M.O.,” said Heller. “I just try to stay consistent, keep balls in play. Marcos came out like a house on fire, serving good, smoking forehands and backhands. So, I just tried to weather the storm and hang in there with him.”

As for Marcos, he said he was glad to have the opportunity to play for a finals title against Heller.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

15h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

“It was really good, I’m playing with Cal and he’s really a competitor,” said Marcos. “All the years, he’s won all the tournaments. So, it’s really hard but it’s good.”

On the women’s side, Kristen Norris was victorious in the Women’s Open Championship, coming back after a first set loss to defeat Xiaojiang Dai in two straight sets (1-6, 6-0, 6-3) on Saturday.

Norris found an extra gear in the second set after staving off elimination, and said she adapted to Dai’s style of play.

“I think I was overthinking some of her shots and getting used to her play style,” said Norris. “So, once I got used to how she was playing, I kind of could dictate the point a bit better.”

A previous champion of the City Singles Tournament, this was the first singles tournament for Norris after competing strictly in doubles for the last few years.

“I haven’t played singles for a few years,” said Norris. “I went to college, and then I just stuck to doubles because I wasn’t playing as much, so it’s a little easier on the body. But, this year I’ve gone full force back into it and this is my first singles tournament. So, obviously it felt awesome to win it.”

In the men’s consolation final, Mitch Heller, Calvin’s son, was also victorious, topping Doug Thomas in a hard-fought three set match (7-5, 3-5, 7-6).

Tracy Heller won the women’s consolation final against Danaan McElroy-O’Driscoll in two sets (6-4, 6-1).

Finally, the men’s intermediate event saw Landon Scholly victorious over David Schnare in two sets (6-3, 6-2). Sandeep Pareek also needed two sets to top Messele Fentabil in the consolation match (6-4, 6-0).

The top junior players in Medicine Hat will take the court this Saturday for the Medicine Hat Junior Open Singles Tournament.