By Bob Alman | Croquet World Online
Reprinted with permission
Elaine Fong discovered the fledgling San Francisco Croquet Club in her neighborhood in the mid- to late eighties and quickly became a loyal, energetic, utterly dependable and totally supportive member of the
by Bob Alman | Croquet World Online
Reprinted with permission
Ellery McClatchy passed away at his hilltop Ink Grade estate in Pope Valley on Tuesday morning, September 20, 2011, at the age of 86. He was foundearly in the morning by his Miko, his longtime assistant and chef.
SHAWNEE, KS -- The final day of playoff action at the Nine Wicket Nationals in Kansas City saw steady rain, but the players battled through. In championship singles, Matt Smith knocked of Billy Bob Breeden to make the final, while Matt Baird took out George Cochran to advance.
In the final match, Baird got the first break but stuffed number five. That let Smith set up his break which he ran all the way out to the penultimate wicket. He then turned it over to his partner and finished with a double peel to claim the 2011 singles national championship.
In doubles championship play, Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell battled Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith in the final. Baird and Caldwell took a tight match 32-25 to claim the doubles title.
In the first flight singles playoff, #4 seed Jason Cole knocked off #1 Greg Adams in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, #2 Barry Dupuy beat #4 Ron Millican to advance. Cole won the final over Dupuy to claim the first flight national championship.
Video report will be available later today.
The rain hit Nine-Wicket Nationals on Saturday, but play continued on with both championship and first flight doubles action. First flight wrapped up their segment with Greg Adams and Troy White taking first place in the round-robin format. Ron and Debbie Millican took second place in the flight.
This morning is playoff and championship action, but there is steady rain falling, likely making for miserable condition's at the courts in Shawnee, Kansas. Championship singles semi-finals were scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. with Matt Smith set to face Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Baird slated to take on reigning champ George Cochran.
Four teams of eight advanced to the knockout in championship doubles on day two. The semi-finals were played mid-afternoon and Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith knocked off Matt Smith and Nick Zink 31-23 to advance to today's final against Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell. Baird and Caldwell advanced by defeating Bill Martin and John Warlick 29-26.
The first flight singles playoff is also scheduled for the morning with Greg Adams taking on Jason Cole and Barry Dupuy facing off against Ron Millican.
Day One Photo Gallery
Day one was played under gray skies and cool conditions, but for the most part rain was avoided. Championship singles block play concluded and round one of the playoffs was held at the end of the day (results below). Saturday starts doubles play.
Quarterfinals
Matt Smith 32-17 over Don Brooks
Billy Bob Breeden 28-25 over Jeff Caldwell
Matt Baird 27-26 over Greg Clouse
George Cochran 32-26 over Matt Griffith
Semi-Final Matchups
Matt Smith vs Billy Bob Breeden
Matt Baird vs George Cochran
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This week the USCA's Nine-Wicket National Championship will be played in the Kansas City metro (Shawnee, Kansas). As usual, Croquet Network will post short reports and daily photos from the event so be sure and tune in Friday through Sunday to follow the action.
Robert Fulford won the CA Selection Eights. Photos and summary are on the CA webite. Final standings in the forum--
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