Categorized | Sports, Tennis

Interisland tennis championships in Kona November 6-8

MEDIA RELEASE

Tennis will be taking a step back into history with the revival of the Interisland Tennis Championships to be held at Holua Tennis Center, November 6-8, 2009.

The event was first held in the Islands in the 1900s, took a few breaks here and there, and with the help of Ron Seno and Hattie Somerville, the event reappeared in the early 90s at the Royal Waikoloan. The last known winner of the Championships was the Big Island in 1993. They closely edged out Oahu with Maui coming in a close third.

Here is how it works — while playing a regular tournament draw, individuals are also accumulating points for their Island. At the end of the tournament there will be individual event winners AND there will be an overall Island winner who gets to claim the Interisland Championship Trophy and bragging rights.

The tournament will include Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles for 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 & Open divisions plus a 65 & Over Age Division. Entry fees are $20 per event and $35 for two events. Entries close Monday, November 2nd at 5:00 PM. Fees include a player party on Saturday evening.

“This tournament has a great history in the islands and we thought it was time to bring it back,” said Tournament Director Cheryl Shrum. “When the tournament first started, players traveled by steam ships and cane trains to get to the event, often taking a half a day or longer. So not only does it have that kind of history behind it but it was also treated as the Davis Cup of the Islands. The players get really involved in rooting for their island, creating a lot of fun and camaraderie.”

Join the fun — help your island win the Championship Trophy! Entry forms are available at all the local clubs. For more information call 329-8504.

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