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Racquet Club May's Double Double pickleball tournament was not the same old same old men's and women's competition of years past. The annual men's and women's contests usually held months apart were combined into a single event that unfolded over two days. The Clubhouse grounds became pickleball central for several hundred players, spectators and volunteers. The twist was a real crowd- pleaser. A special thank you to John Gildner and Felicity Swerdlow who were responsible for the arduous work that created the brackets for five divisions of play. Donna Ryan once again oversaw the scoring team's meticulous work. It's noteworthy that so many players, particularly the men, teamed up early and spent weeks before the event drilling in preparation. The overall quality of play ref lected the work devoted to perfecting their games. Friday's round robin format gave everyone a chance to check out their competition as play moved back and forth between the Clubhouse and Pavilion courts. But Christi O'Connor cleverly created a distraction as well: a vendor fair featuring pickleball paraphernalia, photo ops, pickleball junkets, massages, and food. Generous vendors contributed great door prizes for the wrap-up social. With double elimination play Saturday for three of the five divisions, every game was consequential. Friendly but determined play yielded quality match-ups. Gold medalists were Carol Burton and Mingwhei Chen along with David Levine and Peter Moon (Advanced); Mary Corkin and Victoria Santa Maria along with Geoff Altman and Jose Orrantia (Upper Intermediate); and Denise Brann and Cyd Walker (Lower Intermediate). Silver medalists were Paige James and Celia Quinn along with Jerry Dillard and Brian Spector (Advanced); Margo Barnard and Stephanie Hewitt along with David Bourland and Rob Ganz (Upper Intermediate); Diana Graffeo and Sherri McDaniel (Lower Intermediate). Teresa Randolph and team delivered a rousing after-party with dinner and a DJ to close the event. This one had a ton of moving parts. Consensus from members has been "best tournament ever!" To the 67 players and more than 65 volunteers, the Racquet Club Board says "Thank you! Great show!" Summer's "big" event is our member-only club concert on Sun., July 26. Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a San Diego favorite… Zeelund! Bringing smooth grooves, infectious energy, and crowd-pleasing favorites, Zeelund delivers the perfect soundtrack for a Summer Chill night. Join your Racquet Club friends, relax, dance, and enjoy a musical experience that will have you smiling long after the final encore. Watch for ticket sales! Website: ohccracquetclub.org Help Desk: email ohrchelp@gmail. com. Written by Ann Rike | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2026 | 41 Bob's bracket fence added to the big-time feel of our Double Double tournament Tournament players pay rapt attention to last- minute instructions Advanced champs Carol, Mingwhei, Peter and David get ready to celebrate