The following article was contributed by Dorothy Kirk.. Thanks again Dorothy!!
VIII World Padel Championships
Murcia
,
Spain
Oct 21-29/2006
The Championships were held in
Murcia
a city of 300,000 people on the eastern coast of
Spain
, which featured ideal weather and playing facilities. A total of Fifteen countries participated in this ever growing event.
Canada
sent a full team in women’s and men’s individual and team tournaments.
The tournament accomodations (Hotel Nelva) proved to be first class. Play was held at two venues within walking distance of the hotel. The “La Flota” club had 8 permanent glass courts including a small stadium court. The main site and pavilion featured an indoor 5000 seat stadium which came to life every evening with the boisterous flag waving home crowd. Unfortunately the home country did not provide to much to cheer about in the team event with Spanish men’s team losing to
Brazil
in the semi final which is their most disappointing finish in the team event.
Argentina
proved victorious in both the Men’s and Women’s team events.
Spain
had more to cheer about in the women’s open event with Christina Navarro winning the event after missing the 2004 championships in
Buenos Aires
with a serious knee injury. Navarro paired up with Paula Eyheraguibel of
Argentina
to defeat Tenerio and Pavon 6-3,5-7,6-1.
Christian Gutierrez and Hernan Auguste dominated the entire men’s open event winning the finals in decisive fashion over Losada and Meres 6-2,6-1.
The Canadian Men’s team had a couple of very close struggles with
Austria
and
Germany
before finishing the tournament in forteenth place with a convincing win over
Belgium
3-0. The Canadian women’s squad were in a very tough pool with world powers
Spain
and
Brazil
. In the playoff rounds they managed a come from behind victory over
Chile
and finishing the tournament on a positive note by equaling their best ever seventh place finish.
Canadian Team members:
Men: Craig Lamb, Matt Barnfather, Kelly Shannon, Danny Shanon, Ralph Platz, Andres Stamile, Gabor Iles, George Zajiczek (Coach)
Women: Patti MacPhee, Shawna Lalande, Patti Shannon, Catherine Gauthier, Nancy Malone, Anna Martin, Dorothy Kirk (coach)
Here are some pictures taken during the Spanish trip:
Event Advertisement.
Womens team 2006.
Womens team 2006..
Men's Team Canada with Team Austria.
Anna, Dorothy, Patti S., Catherine.
Anna and Shawna.. Say "Cheese"!.
Patti M. and Dorothy.
Say "what"?.
Patti M. and Patti S. vs Brazil.
Patti S. and Shawna vs Spain.
Danny and Kelly vs. Brazil.
Practice!!
Danny and Kelly vs Germany.
Patt M. and Shawna vs. France.
Deep in thought...
Anna and Dorothy vs Italy. Notice Dorothy's new racket grip!
Double Patti's against Italy.
Action!!
Dorothy with her fan club.
Get ready for Calgary in 2008!!!.
And now some facility pictures..
The Main Arena at Palacio de los Deportes.
A Portable Court outside Palacio de los Deportes.
Outside view of La Flota Courts.
A La Flota Court.
A Portable Court inside La Flota set up on a Basketball Court.
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