PTC men take top spot again at USTA Finals

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) held it’s annual Combo Seniors tournament in Peachtree City this past weekend. The reigning champs, Peachtree City Men, captained by Doug Strickland, did it again winning the 6.5 Combo for the state of Georgia.

After winning the local Southern Crescent League earlier this year, the team advanced to the state championships. Each year, the tournament changes location and this year it just happened to be in Peachtree City. The Peachtree City Men also won last year at the state tournament in Bainbridge, Ga.

The 6.5 Combo League combines men who play at both the 3.0 and 3.5 level and allows one of each level to play together on each of the three lines during scheduled matches. In order to compete in the seniors matches, men must be age 50 or older.

“There was some great competition and tricky matches, especially in the tough weather conditions this weekend,” said team captain Doug Strickland. Wind and rain plagued the tournament this weekend and tournament officials had to change formats several times from two set matches to one eight game pro set matches. “You have to really come out with a bang when you go to just eight games or you are done,” continued Strickland, “It was a sweet victory to win at home!”

Members of the Peachtree City Team include: Dave Lake, John Webster, Doug Strickland, Duncan Williamson, Frank Kicklighter, John Boicourt, Don Jones, John Warren, Scott Stevens and Don Holden. The team only lost one line the entire tournament and therefore dominated the competition. The team is planning to go to Southern Regional Championships in Mobile, Ala. in January.