The finals of Les Grandes Dames, the international tournament exemplifying a legacy for the sport of tennis, was held over the weekend at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., crowning winners in age groups 30-80.
More than 130 players, many of whom are national senior women title holders and world champions, competed in the event sponsored by the Palm Beach Sports Commission and Dermatology Associates of Palm Beach.
The women’s 80s singles and doubles were won by world champion Burnette Herrick, in doubles partnering Libby Keenan. The 70 singles and doubles also saw the No. 1 seed taking both titles when Betty Wachob sailed through the field without dropping a set in either event, partnered by Kathy Anderson (who lost to Wachob in the singles final).
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Jennifer Bishop come through to take the singles title in the 40s. The 30s singles champion Fanny Gamble from California won in straight sets to take the title, and also took third place in the 40s singles division.
Fran Chandler, ITF world champion and the No. 1-ranked American in the 50s, took the 50 singles over Helga Immerfall, partnering Mikie Loomis-Landauer to win the 50s doubles consolation.
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The best match of Sunday was the 40s doubles final between local favorites and No. 1 seeds Trish Riddell and Mary Dailey, versus 40s singles champion Jennifer Bishop from Canada along with the 40s finalist and partner Paula Myslivicek. After three hard-fought sets and some classic serve and volleys doubles points, the team of Bishop and Myslivicek won the title. Bishop and Wendy McColskey, winner of the 60s singles and doubles with her sister, took home two titles each.
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Many of these nationally-ranked players will return to BallenIsles for the USTA National 40/50 ClayCourts in late October, and also for a new ITF event with both Canadian and USA players for men and women 35-85 on Nov. 4-8, 2015.
