The 99th playing of the Canadian Amateur Championship is over. The frigid Montreal weather did not deter 40 players and several trainers from making the trip to take part in this wonderful weekend. Upon arriving at the club, the visitors could not help but notice the newly renovated clubhouse. There was brand new carpeting, a complete wall and ceiling makeover (paint and wainscoting) and a new-look main bar, just to name a few of the changes. The House Committee, chaired by Andrew Ness, deserves huge kudos for the fine work that was done.

Play started at Thursday noon and there were matches through to 8:00 p.m. The early arrival of the Detroit contingent and Chicago's desire to play on Thursday instead of early Friday allowed Match and Handicap guru, Michael McLernon, to schedule 13 games before the Gentlemen's Dinner.

The dinner got underway about 8:30 as Bryce and his staff served up new chef, Tim Beal's, fantastic fare. The meal was superb, the wine very pleasing (so I've been told) and the port and cigars were a wonderful ending to this fine repast. The usual introductions were made. The representatives of each club were introduced by MRC prez Andrew Parsons. Jonathan Larken was at the head table representing the Racquet and Tennis Club in New York, Peter Dunne and Michael Goodell, presidents of their clubs (Chicago and Detroit respectively) introduced their players and trainers, Lou Habina was in Montreal (for the first time) traveling with young James Hill, an Old Tonbridgian, in Philly for a few months to help with their rackets program. Last, but certainly not least, the Prince, E. Denis Walsh, NARA rep at the Tennis and Racquet Club of Boston, introduced his contingent made up of himself and Richard Bernstein. The usual stories were told over port and cigars and then it was onto bigger and better (??) things. Some remained in the warmth of the club, while the brave ventured out into the sub-zero weather to take in some of the local nightlife.

Friday play started at a respectable 8:00 a.m., as Dom Titchener-Barrett took on MRC member, Sterling Mawhinney. The day went on as usual for a Friday, with one huge exception. Play ended around 10:30 p.m. Normally Friday's play has gone into the wee hours of the morning. Smash made sure his first tournament as Match and Handicap director was going to be a great success and it was. With monitors at the door timing knock-ups, the matches were played almost right on time. The last game was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. and was probably played around 10:00 p.m.

There were a couple of nail biters on Friday night involving MRC players. In one match Mike McLernon surprised Karel Nemec, taking a game only to lose in the 5 point 3rd game 5-3. Andrew Ness and Ralph DiFiore traded 4 match points in their 5 point tie-breaker, before DiFiore managed the victory.

The 1/4 finals began at 8:00 a.m. Saturday with MRC club champion, Bart Sambrook, taking on Dom Titchener-Barrett. The 1/4s went as scheduled as the top four seeds made it to the semi finals in both the singles and doubles. In the first singles semi-final Larken disposed of Sambrook quickly, winning 3 straight. Guy Devereux managed a 3-0 win over Rupert Owen-Browne, which was probably the best match of the tournament. All games were close and two went to sets. In the doubles top-seeded Larken and Mike McLernon lost to Owen-Browne and MacEchern while 2nd seeds Nemec and Sambrook got by Devereux and Tim Price.

There was no Ritz Dinner/Dance this year. The venue was changed and the concensus was: Change is Good. Amal and Glenn Chamandy hosted a cocktail party at Amal's Galerie Art et Vin on Mountain Street. When it was time to go for dinner, there were 4 or 5 stretch limos waiting to transport the tuxedo and gown crowd to Primadonna on St. Laurent Blvd. The five course meal was excellent and then it was upstairs to he Wax Lounge for dancing and fun.

Sunday's final was quick. Larken put on a strong display of power and took care of fellow New Yorker, Devereux in a little less than an hour. Strong rail shots and cross court winners kept the southpaw deep on the court and not able to mount an offensive. The scores were 15/1, 15/3 and 16/13. It was only in the final game that Devereux was able to get going. In the doubles, the local boys jumped out to a quick 2 games to nil (15/1, 15/8) lead and it looked as if a North American team would win its first title in years. But the Brits stayed in it and won the next two (15/11, 15/8). MacEchern was up to the task in game four as he served 9 straight points (several that were not returned) That seemed to take the wind out of the Montreal team and they went down to defeat 15/8 in the 5th and deciding game.

Much thanks goes to Michael McLernon for the running of the tournament, Bryce and his staff for keeping everybody happy, Chef Tim Beal, for keeping everyone from getting hungry and Gordie Simpson, whose tireless work downstairs goes unnoticed by many. Also thanks to MRC professional Derek Barrett for his work over the weekend.