The 8th Bob Searle Masters Open took place at the RA Centre between November 22 and 24, with 20 competitors spread over the 50+, 60+, and 65+ Divisions.
In the 50+ event, Rob Walsh had a relatively easy win, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 , moving his opponent, Brian Eldridge, around with hard shots to a length and a good variety of drops and angles. Brian, who is capable of great shots, was not allowed to get set for them. Clark Johnston took 3rd spot with a comfortable 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 win over Rob Mulrooney.
Steve White made a successful re-entrance in the 60+ event, beating Ron Gelinas 15-11, 16-14, 15-8 in a match where Steve’s early life experience prevailed, and Ron’s long 5 set semi-final may have played a part. Pierre Rainville, the only out-of-towner, wore down Rex Jung 18-16, 15-10, 15-5, for third.
In the 4 player 65+ round robin, friendly rivalries were renewed, with Wayne Woltman involved in two very exhausting 5 setters in losing causes. The first came against Dave Honsberger 16-18, 15-6, 15-11, 5-15, 11-15, and then in his last match against Ed Praught, the event winner, 10-15, 15-8, 15-6, 9-15, 2-15. As a result, Dave Honsberger squeezed into 2nd place, behind Ed who did not lose a match.
Results
MEN’S 50+
- Rob Walsh (RA)
- Brian Eldridge (RA)
- Clark Johnston (RA)
- Rob Mulrooney (RA)
MEN’S 60+
- Steve White (RA)
- Ron Gelinas (RA)
- Paul Rainville (Ameliasburg)
- Rex Jung (RA)
MEN’S 65+
- Edward Praught (RA)
- David Honsburger (RA)
- Wayne Woltman (RA)
- Alan Smith (RA)