Salokas and Young Take Season Opener in Clearwater
BTUSA kicked off its 5th season of pro and amateur competition this weekend at The Tampa Bay Open in Clearwater, FL, with a robust turnout of both seasoned beach tennis players and first timers. As expected, this BTUSA event was as much of a party as it was a tournament—featuring product sampling by Celcius Energy Drink, apparel courtesy of Freaky Tiki Surf Shack, and performances by BTUSA’s resident entertainer SPECIAL, who performed his song “Hooray Beach Tennis USA” before the Men’s Pro division finals. Beach Tennis Believes, the official charity of BTUSA, was on hand to raise funds for Salesian Youth Center in Tampa. Thanks to everyone for your generous donations.
In the Men's Pro division, Marty Salokas and Donny Young (Hermosa Beach, CA) notched their-ever first tour victory, upsetting hometown favorites Team Rhino—Brett Johnson and Mike Edison (Clearwater, FL) 8-6. The match was a power struggle for control that didn’t tip until Salokas and Young broke a 6-6 tie by taking six straight points. Several other top Men’s Pro players competed as well, including Ric Simeon (Ft. Lauderdale) and his new partner Jan Macko (Czech Republic), and Frank Lorenzetti (Bridgeport, CT).
In the Women’s Pro division, Nadia Johnston, and new partner Nicole Melch (Long Beach, NY), easily defeated first-time competitors Kim Scullion and Karen Olsen (Tampa, FL) 8-1. For Johnston, a three-time national champion (2005-2007), the event marks the beginning of her season-long quest to regain the national title she lost to the Maloney sisters—Lisa and Laura (San Diego, CA) at the BTUSA 2009 National Championship.
Special thanks go all the great sponsors of this event, including:
Freaky Tiki Surf Shack
Celsius Energy Drink
HEAD/Penn
AdUp Displays
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