Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009

Lancer Open expected to attract top tennis talent

Tournament's entry deadline is Monday

BELLEVILLE -- The top young tennis players in the St. Louis-area and Southern Illinois will converge on Belleville from July 17-19 for the 10th annual Belleville East Lancer Open.

A USTA (United States Tennis Association) sanctioned event, the Lancer Open annually attracts between 150 to 180 netmen from throughout the region who will compete in singles and doubles in preparation for the high school season.

"It's turned into a big tournament. I think we had about 185 players last year and we're expecting another good turnout,'' East boys tennis coach Dan Skaer said. "One of the good things for us is that the USTA only allows one tournament per week in a certain area, and so if kids from St. Louis want to play in a sanctioned event they come here.

"We get players from Effingham, Carbondale and we've even gotten players from Springfield who make a road trip out of it and come down and play for three days.''

Former champions include first team all-state players Drew Feder of East and Belleville West's Nick Birger and Brian Zaron.

The double-elimination event is open to all boys and girls ages 10-18 and the cost is $40, which includes entry in both singles and doubles.

Entry deadline is Monday and players may enter by calling Skaer at 277-1905 or online at www.USTA.com.

Singles begin Friday with doubles slated to begin the next day. Matches will be played at all three Belleville high schools -- East, West and Althoff -- as well as Southwestern Illinois College.

"It's a chance for the players to play a lot of matches in a short period of time. If someone gets a bad draw and loses in the first round, then can come back and play a lot of tennis in the consolation bracket.'' Skaer said.