By Charles Lefebvre

Barrie Shave Classic underway at Tennis Club

Jun 13, 2019 | 4:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — One of the doubles biggest tennis tournaments in Medicine Hat has gotten underway.

The Barrie Shave Classic, now in its 21st year, runs all weekend at the Medicine Hat Tennis Club, and Ken Clement, president of the Medicine Hat Tennis Club, says this year is the largest field they’ve had in its history.

“We have 90 players playing, which is basically a record,” he said. “We have 16 women’s teams and 30 men’s teams, and I think you can see the spirit of ‘hey, let’s have a good time, let’s participate and have some fun.’”

As a result of the tournament’s size, games began Wednesday evening.

Clement says Medicine Hat’s weather caused a slow start to the tennis season, resulting in the large turnout.

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“The weather wasn’t great in April and May, and i think a lot of people have been itching to get out,” he said. “Doubles is a popular event at the Tennis Club, so a lot of people can get out and play doubles with a little less strain on the system than you can play singles.

“I think, too, people kind of feel this is a good thing to do. Whether you are a serious tennis player or not, it’s good to get out and on the court.”

The tournament collects donations to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Tennis Club’s junior program.

The Barrie Shave Classic wraps up on Sunday.