The First Colorado State Open in September
The New Date a BIG HIT with players and spectators!
Thanks to all the players and spectators who were involved in one of the best State Opens to date. Players combined for over 1000 entries yet again this year, and hundreds of spectators came out to watch some great tennis. The cooler temperatures of September were popular with both players and fans alike. Everyone embraced the idea that this is Colorado's version of the US Open - the last big tournament of the year. Additionally the eight days without rain kept the tournament running smooth. The 2008 State Open boasts many great matches and moments, the following is a re-cap of just a few of them.
Cory Ross wins back to back State Opens
Former college teammates battle it out on final Sunday
Former LSU teammates, Cory Ross and Peter Richman, face of in the "best match we ever played against one another", says winner in three-sets Cory Ross. For the win Cory received the largest purse in modern State Open history, $3500. Only a day earlier they were teammates, like in college, winning the Men's Doubles Title. And yes, they were also in the Mixed Doubles finals. This time Peter hoisted the top honors alongside partner Simona Bruetting. The question is who will challenge these two in 2009. The DU and Metro Men's tennis teams now have the State Open penciled in their schedules. Also, word of the increased prize earnings is circulating amongst the money players around the country. But for now, congratulations to Colorado's Cory Ross - two time State Open Singles Champion!
Women's Draw - Best in Years
A big thanks to the DU Women's Tennis Team!
An influx of DU girls on the last day of registration made this one of the strongest fields in recent memory. The DU girl's had plenty of competition however, paticularly from Marie Matrka, tennis pro in Steamboat, CO. DU's Ute Schnoy prevailed as the Women's Singles Championship with a win over Marie in a tough two-set victory, 6-4, 6-4. In doubles, however, Marie and high school star Natalie Dunn took on the field and won the Women's Doubles State Championship. Hopefully next year the CSU and Metro Girl's teams will also be part of the action!
Thanks to All for Great Matches and Sportsmanship
A few special notables for the Gate's staff
The timeless Larry Loeb, Director of the Gates Junior Academy, wins titles in both the Men's 45 and 55 Singles, yet again. Charles Griffin, Tennis Pro at Gates and the JCC, wins the Men's 35 Singles. Karabo Magkale, Assistant Tennis Pro at Gates, wins the NTRP Men's 4.5 Singles. Scott Douglass, honorary staff member for all his volunteer work during the tournament, wins the NTRP Men's 3.5 Singles and is a finalist in Men's 3.5 Doubles. Finally, Tony Caldwell, Assistant Tennis Pro at Gates, plays one of the longest matches in State Open history (4 and a half hours) completely backing-up an otherwise perfectly smooth day.
Valued Sponsors of the
Colorado State Open
