The Davenport City Tournament Day 5

2007 DAVENPORT & COMPANY CITY OF RICHMOND
TENNIS TOURNAMENT

A storm eventually sent play to area indoor courts on Wednesday evening.

5/17/07: I want to fall down on my knees today and thank God for Sean Steinour.

Here is the quote he gave John Packett, of the Richmond Times Dispatch as reported in this morning's edition: "'I've always played in the city tournament. I think it's a great event. It's one of those tournaments with a good field in it every year [even though] there's no prize money in it. But it has the prestige of the city of Richmond. It's the city tournament. A lot of really good tennis players have won the tournament. I'm glad to play in it every year."

So there, to nay-sayers who discount the importance of the City Tournament! I'm sure RTA Executive Director Lou Einwick will raise a glass of wine to that! (He's traveling to France this week to sample the blessings of that region.)

Sean has won the city title more than any other man, starting in 1996. He won in years 1996, 1997, 1998; was runner up in 1999, 2000, and 2001, then reclaimed the titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Last year he didn't play in order to attend a family member's wedding. So here he is, at 36 years old, looking to see if he still has what it takes to make it #8.

He pulled off a big win against Raintree's Phil Thacker, a three set nail biter where Steinour "kept too many balls in play", according to Phil.

It's going to be interesting, that's for sure. Damian Sancillio won his match against Sean's older brother, Scott, on Wednesday. Damian is the defending champ, claiming the trophy at age 42 and becoming the oldest player to win the City title. The match between top seeded Sean and second seed Damian would be worth double the price of admission (which is free anyway, so everyone should come out to watch).

First though, Sean has to get by third seeded Jakub Peterson in Friday's semis. Damian will meet #4 Brent Wilkins, who defeated his pal and practice partner Charles Einwick on Wednesday.

Brent, a former Godwin HS standout who played at VA Tech, is the new Assistant Pro at Westwood Club. He is practically jumping up and down to have an opportunity to play his new boss. "Sean beat me in the State Championships," said Wilkins. "I want revenge!"

Scott Steinour and Damian Sancillio fought strong winds and dark skies before retreating to the indoor courts at Salisbury. The home court advantage didn't help Steinour, as Sancilio came back from a first set loss to win the tiebreak third set 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

The storms approached but USTA official John Royster thought it might blow over. Well, it didn't, and while Scott and Damian headed to Salisbury to finish a third set, two mixed doubles teams took off in opposite directions. Willow Oaks Pro Al Thomas and Steph Green took their match with opponents Patricia Denman and Monty Stafford to Willow Oaks. Bridget and Kevin Reichert left for CCV to finish their match with high school players Hunter Blair and Hunter Gallalee.

Hunter Blair plays at St. Catherines, and Hunter Gallalee plays for Collegiate. This was their first time playing together. "We just thought we'd give it a shot," said Gallalee. "I'm in it just to compete." Both Hunters are very fine players, but they were facing the Reicherts, after all. After a disappointing first set, they pulled out some games on Blair's home court.

Prior to meeting her opponents, Steph Green, a 4.5 rated Willow Oaks player, commented that her female opponent had a familiar name. "I played against a Patricia Denman back in high school in New Jersey," she said.

"Wouldn't it be weird if it was the same person? Although I can't imagine it would be. That was a long time ago...."

When Patricia Denman checked in, it indeed was the same person. Steph and Patricia played for opposing high schools back in Morristown. The match went to three sets, with Thomas/Green pulling out the win.

Monty Stafford and Patricia Denman

Hunter Gallalee and Hunter Blair

Hank, Harvey and Snook win the prize for "best fans". They attend almost every night of the City Tournament.

Results May 16

Men's Open Singles Quarterfinals: Sean Steinour d. Phil Thacker 6-3, 2-6, 6-1; Brent Wilkins d. Charles Einwick 7-5, 6-1; Damian Sancillio d. Scott Steinour 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.

Men's Doubles Quarterfinals: Scott & Gretchen Steinour d. Farr/Koehler by default; Bridget & Kevin Reichert d. Hunter Blair & Hunter Gallilee 6-0, 6-2; Steph Green & Al Thomas d. Patricia Denman & Monty Stafford 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

by Sara James

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