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FIRST SNOW TENNIS TOURNAMENT EVER IN USA
JANUARY 15 - 16, 2011

Buffalo, NY - With over 150 players trying out Snow Tennis for the first time during the Flurrious Winter Festival at Delaware Park and 17 teams competing in the inaugural tournament, it was a very successful weekend. Played started on January 15th in very snowy and windy conditions but it didn't stop people from trying out a very new game. Snow Tennis is based on the sport of Beach Tennis, popularized across Europe and South America. Snow Tennis is an all volley game, the ball doesn't bounce, the court is 26' x 52' and the net is 5'7" high. It is scored like tennis and played in the snow.

The tournament on Sunday, the first ever of its kind, produced many fine matches. Highlighted by the Men's Open Round Robin where Brian Johnson and Stephen Sayoc faced Bryan Matthews and Sam Korach. Johnson/Sayoc were down 8-7 and 2 match points before pulling even and eventually winning in the tiebreaker 7-2 and taking the title as well. After a cold day the Juniors played a one set final with Willie Ruch and Finn Robb defeating Peter Ruch and Alex Kubinee by a score of 6-5. The last match of the day was the Mixed Open Finals, April Kawka and Brian Johnson split sets with Heidi Rusinek and Dan Johnson 6-4, 2-6 before winning 10-4 in a Super Tiebreaker.

The tournament was held in conjunction with Buffalo Beach Tennis, Buffalo Olmsted Park's Conservancy and Beach Tennis USA. "We couldn't be happier with the outcome, Snow Tennis is fun and easy to play, looking forward to building on its success," said Dan Johnson, director of the tournament. For more information on Snow Tennis, contact Dan Johnson at (716) 725-8803 or Dan@snowbeachtennis.com


RESULTS

PRO Men's Final
Brian Johnson and Stephen Sayoc (27 games) defeated Bryan Matthews and Sam Korach (26 games)

Men's Amateur Final
Seamus Gallivan and Doug Riffel defeated David Schmitt and Kyle Schmitt 9-1

PRO Women's Final
Sarah Bishop and Rachel Wilson defeated On Rattanapkasoul and Alison Riffel 6-4

Mixed Open Final
April Kawka and Brian Johnson defeated Heidi Rusinek and Dan Johnson 6-4, 2-6 (4)

Junior Final
Willie Ruch and Finn Robb defeated Peter Ruch and Alex Kubinee 6-5