Aaron Chapman walked away as tournament winner in this year’s third annual Canmore Tennis Cup. In the main draw, Chapman, a Canmore Tennis Association member living in Banff, defeated Ron Barlot of Calgary (6-1, 6-2). Chapman is a repeat champion, having won the event last year over local pro, Sandor Takacs. Chapman has played NCAA Division I tennis and also played briefly on the professional circuit.
The two-day tournament held over July 19-20 featured a mix of local Bow Valley and Calgary players, with Sunday’s final coming down to a match between Chapman and Barlot.
Chapman took a win from Alvin Caro during the semifinals, with Barlot coming out on top over Nick Raper.
“The first set was actually a little bit scary, (Barlot) was getting some really deep balls back, but luckily I was able to rely on my serve,” Chapman said. “Once I was able to get the early break I was able to loosen up and play more of a free-flowing game and use my strength a little bit easier ... it was a really good set and I was hitting the ball really well and that confidence was able to roll into the second set.”
Chapman played in last year’s tournament and was able to get through to the final, but believes it was a stronger tournament this year.
“Having the Calgary guys here has definitely made a bigger improvement, it’s great having the guys down here to play and it strengthened up the tournament for sure.”
Chapman says he hopes to play in next year’s tournament if he’s still in the Bow Valley. “I hope I can come back and defend again, but if not hopefully (Barlot) can take it up again,” Chapman said.
Both players were in agreement on the quality offered up by officials and organizers and would recommend the tournament to other players.
“We both play a lot and are pretty tournament savvy and this was very well organized and the quality of people that came in, both competitors and organizers, was highly worthwhile,” Barlot said. “I’ll definitely be inviting people in the future and I can only see it growing significantly.”
In the “B” Draw, Israel Andarcia defeated local Canmore Tennis Association club member Carey MacKenzie (6-3, ret). MacKenzie had to retire after the first set due to injury. MacKenzie won the “B” Draw in last year’s tournament.
