Photo: Paul ZimmerJorge Camina Borda (ESP)
BARCELONA, SPAIN: The Real Club de Polo de Barcelona held its sixth ITF Seniors Circuit event from 18-23 July and attracted a high class field of competitors.
The sixth days of competition were filled with high class tennis matches, no surprise considering the tournament had several world, European, and national champions.
The results in the Men’s draws were as follows:
35M: Eduardo Sanz, currently ranked second in Spain in his age category, defeating compatriot Bruno Barrientos in the final. Sanz overcame a tough draw defeating world number five Jose Araujo from Spain in the semi finals.
40M: Four players in the top 25 of the ITF Seniors rankings took part in this age category with world number nine Jose Maria Blasi-Riazuelo defeating ninth seed Jorgen Aberg from Sweden in the final.
45M: The current Spanish Champion, Carlos Costa claimed the trophy, defeating Oriol Vega from Spain in the final. Vega had been the surprise of the tournament, beating former Argentinian Davis Cup player Roberto Arguello on his way to the final.
50M: The final was a repeat of the Spanish national final with Eduard Osta facing Francisco Garcia. This time round it was Garcia who triumphed with a straight sets victory.
55M: The former Spanish Davis Cup player, Miquel Mir, beat Eduard Wretschitsch from Austria 62 60in the final)
60M: The top seed Jorge Camina Borda from Spain romped to victory without dropping a set, defeating Albert Martorell, also from Spain, in the final.
65M: The former Spanish David Cup player, Josep Gisbert, defeated fifth seed Alexander Cernoch from the Czech Republic in the final.
70M: Jürgen Klaus Klein from Germany was too strong for the rest of the field, clinching the title without dropping a set.
75M: Jaime Furio, a former Spanish champion, defeated compatriot Elias Enrique 61 63) in the final.
80M: Third seed Francisco Guillen from Spain survived a tight three set battle against compatriot Pascual Palao, eventually winning 76 16 64 to clinch the title.
The results in the Women’s draws were as follows:
35F: Fourth seed Gisela Rivera got the better of top seed Ana Salas in an all Spanish final, winning 62 64 to clinch the title.
40F: Klaartje van Baarle was dominant in the the women’s over 40 and 45 age categories. The Belgian proved too strong for the rest of the field, winning both events without dropping a set.
50F: Francesca Chiardi from Italy, a former WTA top 100 player, defeated countrywoman Paola Ippoliti 75 61 in the final.
55F: Lyn Mortimer from Australia defeated Carmen Perea 62 62 in the final.
60F: There was more success for Italy Fiamma Cocco claiming the title.
65F: Adelaida Torrens was an all Spanish final against Merce Guix 75 46 63 to clinch the title.
70F: Local player Mª Lluisa Torras defeated Annick Malsoute from France 60 60 in the final.
You can view the completed draws here: www.rcpolo.com/itfsenior
The players enjoyed the social element of the week with a Hawaiian themed night and a cocktail party proving to be a great success.