Tennis tournaments court top players

The next two weeks will be a double hit for the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, featuring the Longboat Key Senior Clay Court Tournament Wednesday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 6, followed by The Observer Challenge Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13.

The Longboat Key Senior Clay Court Tournament will feature senior men and women in the 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s, 75s and 80s divisions, in singles and doubles matches. While last year’s tournament was a designated tournament, this year’s event is a CAT II National Tournament, which means it carries greater rewards in terms of ranking points.

This year, more than 250 people have signed up for the tournament.

“We have a large array of high-ranked senior players,” tournament Director Dick Schlorf said.

Although the new tennis-center building will not be totally complete before the tournaments begin, the center will be issued a temporary certificate of occupancy in time for the events.

Registration for the tournament is closed, but the public is invited to watch the tournament. Bonefish Grill will offer a free tasting until food runs out from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The tournament is sponsored by Suncoast Audi, Sarasota Yacht Club, The Trophy Shoppe and Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

And, after the tournament’s final matches, tennis enthusiasts will return in five days for The Observer Challenge. But, before the games begin, Sarasota Yacht Club will serve up a kickoff cocktail party beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10

Approximately 130 players are currently registered for the tournament, which is open to players in three different divisions. Teams must each have two men and two women. First- and second-place awards will be given at the end of the tournament.

The tournament is co-sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods and the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. Cost is $25 per player. To register, call 316-8367.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].