By Andrew Meyers, USTA Southern intern
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| Executive Vice President Mike McNulty |
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| Excecutive Director John Callen |
Two out of three isn’t bad for USTA Southern, as three men affiliated with the USTA’s largest section took to the courts in the 2010 US Open Southern Sectional Qualifying Tournament.
USTA Southern Executive Director John Callen is one round closer to qualifying for the 2010 US Open. He advanced with an easy 6-0, 6-0 victory over Bo P. Walker, of Deerfield Beach, Fla. "A win is a win," says Callen. "I’m looking forward to playing again and continuing through the tournament."
Callen advances to the round of 64 to face Jose Perdomo. Perdomo, one of three players from Puerto Rico, plays for Ball State University. Callen. 57, played for college tennis at Georgia Tech.
Administrative IT assistant Mikael Pettersson, a former collegiate player for Georgia College & State University, also won his first-round match defeating Richard Bean, of Austin, Tex. 6-0, 6-0. Pettersson, 30, will play the oldest player in the qualifier, Clarence Pinion. The 65-year-old from Bossier City, La., has a 2.5 NTRP rating.
Southern Section Executive Vice President Mike McNulty faced a tough match in the first round against former Clemson player Kevin Fleck. Fleck was able to come out with an easy win 6-0, 6-1. "It was a solid first round victory, and I am excited to play again tomorrow," said Fleck.
McNulty, who has volunteered for USTA Southern for many years, flew in from his home in Lake Charles, La., for the match.
Another USTA Southern staff member, Bill Oakes, was instrumental in raising the US Open National Playoffs from a concept to a reality. Oakes was noted by USTA Magazine as the "brainchild" of the National Playoffs idea.
"The spirit of the tournament is to give an opportunity to players of all abilities," said Oakes, USTA Southern Director of Sales, Marketing and Professional Tennis. "It’s great to have players here from 14-year-old top juniors to match-tough college players to senior players like McNulty, Callen and numerous other USTA members.
Click here for more about the US Open National Playoffs.