The 2007 Maryland State Singles was held at the Severna Park Racquet and Fitness Club on March 10th, after taking a year off due to hosting the National Masters Singles in 2006. Players rallied to the cause when they were emailed and informed that the event was in danger of being cancelled due to lack of attendance. Thankfully, 40 players filled 4 divisions, and Maryland players were shut out by the combined presence of Virginia and New York.
Andy Shad proved too strong for a tough Open division, defeating 21 year-old Victor LoPierre in two lopsided games. LoPierre came back after losing the first game and trailing 7-5 in a tie-breaker to Dan Zimet in one semi-final, while Shad won a close first game and then an easier second against Raul Retain in the other semi-final. In the quarter finals Zimet and Retian were significantly tested by two quickly rising players, as Dave Bardwell and Logan Foley both won their first games before losing close tie-breakers. Shad’s conditioning and error-free play make every rally a challenge for his
opponent, and New Yorker LoPierre seemed to have few answers after a long day of travel and handball.
With a full Open Draw, Jay Miller agreed to age-bracket play in order to help fill out a Masters division. Miller made the most of it, defeating Rick Anderson in two games. Anderson, who cruised to the finals, seemed frustrated with his game as Miller’s tenacity and intensity pressured Anderson and frequently moved him out of his comfortable position in the front court. Robert Landy struggled to match the improved shot-making and serve of Miller in one semi-final, while Steve Bossung was forced to retire on an injury default prior to starting the second game of his semi-final with Anderson.
The Golden Masters has become one of the most challenging division to win, as this bracket requires skilled play as well as an iron-man’s endurance. 16-players fought through 3 rounds on Saturday, with the final left to be determined by a future match organized by the finalists. On the top half of the draw, Bob Dyke’s fierce play and hard-hitting shots were a deciding
factor against Dave Hinkleman, who qualifies for the 60+ but wanted the challenge of a younger group. Hinkleman, always respected as one of the best doubles front-court players in the area, has returned to top form after a brief hiatus from the game. On the bottom half of the draw, Bob Bardwell won three hard matches including a tie-breaker in the first round to make the final; he defeated Bob Maguire in the semi-finals. Bardwell’s ability to keep the ball in play and remarkable conditioning seem to be a recurring theme, and challengers always know their legs have to be ready when he’s in
the draw.
The Super Golden Masters started strong with a great match between Bill Bohr and Joe Plezkoch. Bohr expressed frustration after seeing a late first game lead dwindle into defeat. Plezkoch pressed his advantage in the second game to win that quarter-final match, but was unable to repeat the performance in the semi-final as Steve Metzger held him in the low teens for both games. Dennis Uffer won his semi-final with similar scores against Dick Swope. In the final, Uffer was able to hold off game point to scratch out victory in the first game, and pressed the point in the second game to earn champion
status. When asked about the match, Uffer expressed praise for Metger’s game, further indicating that it was worth the trip from upstate New York.
Drop down brackets were created for each division, and without exception each was won by a player who significantly challenged his opponent in the main bracket. Logan Foley defeated Josh Ho and John Caughlin to win the Open drop-down. Rick Compton, whose head seemed to clear after making a bleary-eyed entrance to the tournament, won the 40+ drop down against Bo Sites. Keith Neihart, who took finalist Bob Bardwell to a tie-breaker in the first round of the 50+ division, won the 50+ drop down over Joe Callier. Bill Bohr continued his solid play by defeating Charlie Parsons in the 60+ drop down.
While all recent tournaments have evidenced an increase in participation when it comes to coordinating the event, this year the support was outstanding. Danielle Zimet coordinated the tournament giveaways (sweatshirts), trophies, and the catered BBQ lunch despite being pregnant. Charlie Parsons brought out his incredible magnetic bracket-board previously
featured in a USHA magazine photo and perfected for this event. He also produced a chart that allowed players advance notice of court assignments. Alan and Nathanial Frank took care of tournament entries, creating the brackets, and running the tournament desk while Howard Kolodney handled tournament registration. In short, state commissioner Daniel Zimet was left without excuses for his loss to LoPierre and simply has to face the fact that a 21-year old got the best of him! A very heart-felt thanks to these and all the other players who came forward to referee and offer help with the little things that have to happen in order for a tournament to run (e.g., John Caughlin carrying supplies to my car). Once again, Val and the
SPRFC proved a great location for this event and provided great support for Maryland Handball prior to and during the tournament.
Open: LoPierre d Zimet (12), 6, 8; Shad d Retian 16,7. Final: Shad d LoPierre 9, 6
40+: Anderson d Bossung 1, inj. Miller d Landy 9,6. Final: Miller d Anderson 13, 14
50+: Dyke d Hinkleman 16, 6; Bardwell d Maguire 18, 11. Final: TBD
60+: Metzger d Plezkoch 14, 12; Uffer d Swope 12, 10. Final: Uffer d Metzger 20, 8.