Spotlight National Doubles

2007 U.S. Mixed Doubles Championships

The US Mixed Doubles Championships was hosted in New York City February 16-18 at the University Club of New York, Union Club and New York Athletic Club. Thirty-two teams competed in three divisions, the Open, 40+ and the experimental “A” division.

In the Open division, eight highly competitive teams vied for the title. ISDA stars Paul Price, Preston Quick, and Scott Butcher competed with their respective partners. The final was contested between the Australian pairing of Paul Price and Narelle Krizek, now based at the Field Club of Greenwich, against last year’s winners Preston and Meredeth Quick. Price-Krizek proved too strong and talented and prevailed 3-1 with a game score of 18-17 in the fourth. The balanced, high caliber of play in the Open division elicited comments from US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein, who expressed the intention to place prize money on the Open division in future years to continue the trend toward professionalizing the highest level of competition.

In the 18 team 40+ Division, a strong Canadian contingent provided tremendous depth in the tournament with several hard fought matches, many over five games. Top seeded Morris Clothier, making his first-ever foray into the age division competitions after earning nine Doubles Championships, paired with Leslie Freeman to defeat 3/4 seeded Julie Harris and Brian Callahan 3-1 in the final.

Mirroring the very successful introduction of the “A” division in the Doubles Championships two years ago in New York, to accommodate what are essentially “non-professional” teams, the Mixed Doubles added an “A” division as well. Six teams competed in two round robins and a semifinal and final, requiring the team of Libby Eynon Welch and Kevin Klipstein to win four matches to earn the division title. They defeated Kip Gould and Francine Royan in a four game final.

2007 U.S. Junior Doubles Championships

The U.S. Junior Doubles Championships took place February 23rd–25th, in Wilmington, DE. The event featured Boys’ Under 13, U15, U17 and U19 divisions, along with a Mixed U19 division.

(Top, L-R): Under-17 Junior Doubles winners Jack Ervasti and Jason Michas, with finalists Ash Egan and Charles Quintin.
(L-R): Under-17 Junior Doubles winners Jack Ervasti and Jason Michas, with finalists Ash Egan and Charles Quintin.

In the U13 division, Randy Beck—teamed with Augie Frank—defeated Ried Breck and George Nagy, 3-1. In the U15 division, Browning Platt and Scott Chapin defeated Bart Mackey and Ross Bolling 3-0. Jack Ervasti and Jason Michas defeated Charles Quintin and Ash Egan 3-0, to win the U17 division. The Boys’ U19 division was won by brothers Trevor and Andrew McGuinness, who defeated Matt Domenick and Dave Hilton 3-1. In the Mixed U19 division, Kiera Murasco Blanc and Alex Domenick, defeated Lexi Glassman and Matt Domenick capturing the title with a 3-0 victory.

The Junior Doubles Championships is a great, relatively low key tournament with a solid history. The social aspects, along with the camaraderie between the teams, make it an enjoyable weekend for all involved. Thanks to Wilmington Country Club for hosting the event. Thanks also to Prince for sponsoring the event.

(Bottom, L-R): Boys’ Under-15 finalists Bart Mackey and Ross Bolling, with winners Browning Platt and Scott Chapin.
(L-R): Boys’ Under-15 finalists Bart Mackey and Ross Bolling, with winners Browning Platt and Scott Chapin.

US Squash plans to encourage more doubles tournament play among the juniors during the spring, after the singles championships have been held, providing competition for juniors dedicated to squash on a year-round basis but seeking varied experiences in the game.

L-R: Under-19 Doubles Champions, Trevor and Andrew McGuinness with Tournament Director, Ed Chilton.
L-R: Under-19 Doubles Champions, Trevor and Andrew McGuinness with Tournament Director, Ed Chilton.

Inaugural National Century Doubles Championships held in New York City

Following the trend set by the National Father-Son Championships (now titled the U.S. Father-Son Championships) the National Century Doubles Championships was held March 1st– 4th, in New York City and hosted by the University Club of New York. This was the inaugural year for the event—spearheaded by the efforts of University Club member and Tournament Chair Kit Tatum, and sanctioned by US Squash with the hopes the format will attract sustained interest to merit the tournament becoming an official U.S. Squash Championship. The competition featured nearly 50 doubles teams which were made up of players with a combined age of 100 years or greater.

There were four draws in this year’s event: Open, A, Mixed, and Legends. The Open division was won by Gordon Anderson and Todd Binns, who defeated Tom Boldt and Bill Simpson, 3-0. In the A division, Clark Amos and Asad Zia defeated Jamie Gerard and Nico Elmaleh, 3-0, to win the title. Tom Nederpel and Susan Dale had a 3-0 victory in the finals over Tony Ross and Debby Gronlund in the Mixed division. Mike Halpert and David McNeely won the Legends Division, defeating John Vlcek and Steve Olson, in a four game match. The weekend saw entertaining and well contested matches in each division, and was a promising start for what will surely officially become a new U.S. Championship in time.