The 28th Rob Wright West Kootenay Open Tennis Tournament wrapped up with exciting wins for local players and a strong international presence. Hosted by the Nelson Tennis Club from July 25 to 27, the event welcomed 68 players from cities like Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, and Creston.
This year’s tournament showed how global tennis has become. Though the players now live in British Columbia, they originally came from countries such as Mexico, China, Korea, Syria, Qatar, and Iran. Spectators at the courts heard a mix of languages, including French, Arabic, and Farsi, creating a truly international vibe.
Despite the high level of competition, Nelson players delivered strong performances across multiple categories. Many matches were close and decided by tiebreakers, adding extra excitement for players and fans.
One of the biggest highlights came in the women’s A doubles event. Three teams tied in the final standings. To find a winner, the number of games won by each team had to be counted. Ivy Robin and Brenda Thomas, both representing the Nelson Tennis Club, came out on top in a tight race.
Another thrilling match happened in the mixed A doubles. Nelson’s Peter Schramm and Emma Nassr lost the first set 5-7 but came back strong. They won the second set 6-3 and then secured the win in a dramatic tiebreak with a 10-7 score.
Local youth players also had their chance to shine. These rising stars train under Matt Martin, head coach of the Junior Development Program at the Nelson Tennis Club. Their efforts paid off with several impressive results.
Katherine Naul claimed victory in the women’s A singles division. Bennet Dickinson reached the final in men’s B singles and also made it to the B doubles consolation final with his partner Roman Van’tland.
The tournament also crowned winners from other regions. In the men’s A singles, Adam Heisler from Salmo took the top prize. In the men’s A doubles, Tayyeb Moradi of Kelowna teamed up with Cade McCarthy of Nelson to win the title.
The women’s B doubles saw an all-Nelson team of Melanie Beaulac and Catherine Locke take first place. Beaulac also won the mixed B doubles category alongside her Nelson partner David Russell-Loewen.
In the men’s B singles, Caleb Jones from Kelowna earned the win. He also teamed up with Frank Benzce from Vernon to win the men’s B doubles.
The tournament was organized by Ron Stinson, who acted as tournament director. His efforts, along with the support of the Nelson Tennis Club, helped create a friendly yet competitive environment for all players. The event not only showcased great tennis but also brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds through a shared love of the game.
This year’s results marked one of the best performances ever by local players, especially in the top categories. With close matches, tiebreaks, and strong showings from juniors and adults alike, the event was a proud moment for the Nelson tennis community.
The annual Rob Wright West Kootenay Open continues to grow in both talent and diversity. As the club looks ahead to future tournaments, local players and fans can feel confident that Nelson is becoming a true tennis hotspot in British Columbia.
