George, Noblitt Capture USPTA Clay Court Singles Titles
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Zorana George and William Noblitt won the women’s and men’s open singles titles, respectively at the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Clay Court Championships in May at TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach, Fla. The title was the third for George in the past year and the second for Noblitt, who also won the men’s open doubles title, in the USPTA Surface Championship Series.
George (Cordova, Tenn.) came out of the women’s open singles division undefeated after decisive victories over Therina Steenkamp (6-2, 6-2) and Jana Hartlova (6-0, 2-0 (Retired)). George also won the women’s open singles championships at the USPTA Masters Invitational in New Orleans and the Hard Court Championships in Tyler, Texas, last year.
Noblitt (Raleigh, N.C.) edged Jay Weinacker (Vestavia, Ala.) 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 for the men’s open singles championship but later the duo paired up to take the men’s open doubles title with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Tony Larson and Dural Morris.
Several USPTA Surface Championship veterans were able to successfully defend their titles. Paulo Barros (Fort Myers, Fla.) won the men’s 35 singles division by defeating Franco Mato 6-4, 6-4. Barros also won the mixed open doubles title with partner Steenkamp (Covington, La.).
Frank Vermeer (Jacksonville, Fla.) grabbed the men’s 45 singles title for the second consecutive year with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Michael-John Garnett.
Other players taking home victories included Milos Vasovic (Melbourne, Fla.) and Jason Wilks (Stuart, Fla.), men’s 35 doubles; Steven Garman (Diamondhead, Miss.), men’s 55 singles and doubles – with partner John McSween (Woodstock, Ga.).
Next up in the USPTA Surface Championship series is the 2016 Masters Invitational in Indian Wells, Calif., during the USPTA World Conference. Matches will be played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Open.
As a benefit to USPTA-certified members, the surface championships provide an opportunity to play against other USPTA Professionals, showcase skills, and win prize money. Members who play in the surface championships have the opportunity to play their way into the second annual USPTA Masters Invitational. The event will be held at the 2016 USPTA World Conference in Indian Wells, Calif. This tournament, which replaces the International Championships, gives USPTA-certified Professionals an added opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a portion of the $7,500 prize money.
Full results of the 2016 USPTA Clay Court Championships are available online.
For more information on the USPTA Surface Championships, visit uspta.com/tournaments.
2016 USPTA Clay Court Championship Results
Men’s Open Singles
William Noblitt d. Jay Weinacker, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1
Women’s Open Singles (Round Robin)
Zorana George d. Therina Steenkamp, 6-2, 6-2
Z. George d. Jana Hortlova, 6-0, 2-0 (Retired)
Men’s Open Doubles
Noblitt/Weinacker d. Larson/Morris, 7-5, 6-3
Mixed Open Doubles
Barros/Steenkamp d. George/Howell, 6-3, 6-4
Men’s 35 Singles
Paulo Barros d. Franco Mata, 6-4, 6-4
Men’s 35 Doubles
Vasovic/Wilks d. D'Aleo/Vermeer, 7-5; 6-2
Men’s 45 Singles
(1) Frank Vermeer d. (2) Michael-John Garnett, 6-2; 6-1
Men’s 55 Singles (Round Robin)
Steven Garman d. John McSween, 6-2, 6-1
S. Garman d. Tim Davis, 6-2, 6-2
S. Garman d. Harrison Straley, 6-1, 6-1
Men’s 55 Doubles
S. Garman/J. McSween d. T. Davis/H. Straley, 6-0; 6-3
About the USPTA
Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members worldwide, the association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and promotes a greater awareness of the sport.
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